What is the Circular Economy?
A circular economy is an alternative to a traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose) in which we keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life. It is best explained in diagrams and pictures:-
Circular Economy Daily 24 June 2019
A more complex model can be seen here:-
Paris Circular Economy Plan
Paris is developing a regional Circular Economy Action Plan as shown here:-
By adopting Circular Economy principles can be taken at all levels of society. pjb Associates is starting to work with communities and SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in helping them to realise the new opportunities that the circular economy holds for developing sustainable communities and new business models.
A Knowledge Map of the Circular Economy
A knowledge map is usage tool to can a deeper understanding of the circular economy. Click on it to go to the interactive website. It's a useful starting point, although many of the references are Dutch organisations. The Netherlands is one of the leading hotspots in the developing Circular Economy.
OECD - The Circular Economy in Cities and Regions
The OECD considers that transitioning to a circular economy is key for a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future.
What's the issue?
Today, cities demand almost two-thirds of global energy, produce up to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions and 50% of global waste. The circular economy can provide a policy response to cope with the above challenges, as a driver for economic growth, jobs and environmental quality.
Cities and regions have a key role to play as promoters, facilitators and enablers of circular economy. Adequate economic and governance conditions should be in place to unlock its potential.
What can the OECD offer?
The OECD Programme on the Economics and Governance of Circular Economy in Cities supports cities and regions in their transition towards a circular economy, through:
- Measuring: developing an indicator framework for decision making and evaluation of circular economy strategies
- Learning: engaging multi-level dialogues in cities and regions to identify challenges and opportunities
- Sharing: favouring peer-to-peer learning, best practice and lessons from international experience
Source: OECD
