Circular cities

A circular economy is an economic system in which the value and life of materials, products, and assets are maximised and preserved in the system for as long as possible. Circularity refers to the efficient (re)use and recycling of resources, materials, and products in closed loops. This is an economic model that represents sustainable development: moving from a consumption- and disposal-based linear model to a model in which the use and lifetime of products is extended and materials and waste are minimised.

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, one of the front running organisations on circular economy thinking, three principles characterise the circular economy:

• Value preservation – designing out waste and pollution
• Resource optimisation – keeping products and materials in use
• System effectiveness – regenerating natural systems

To get a more in-depth understanding of the circular economy concept and the rationales behind it, read Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s detailed report.¹

For a city to be circular, it should embed the three principles listed in the box ‘How is a circular economy defined?’ Since those principles do not provide a sufficiently clear picture or direction, the City of Amsterdam – one of the early adopters of the circular economy concept at city-level – developed seven principles to guide its transition:

1. Closed loops – all materials are re-used and recycled infinitely
2. Reduced emissions – all energy is generated from renewable sources
3. Value generation – resources are used to generate shared (financial and societal) value
4. Modular design – all products are designed in a modular and flexible way and production chains enable the adaptability of systems
5. Innovative business models – all new implemented business models enable the shift from possessing goods to using goods through services
6. Region-oriented reverse logistics – logistics systems are shifted to a more region-oriented service with reverse-logistics capabilities
7. Nature systems upgradation – all human activities positively contribute to ecosystems, ecosystem services, and the reconstruction of “natural capital”

Furthermore, it is important that the transition occurs in all relevant sectors.

Learn more about circularity in cities from publications listed in the library. Some specific examples are:

• Circular Amsterdam by Circle Economy²
• Circular Prague by Circle Economy³
• Cities in the Circular Economy by Ellen MacArthur Foundation⁴
• The 15 Circular Steps for Cities by the EIB⁵

The shift to a circular economy requires organisations and individuals to rethink not only their use of materials, products, and assets but also to redesign and adopt new business models. Such models should be based on dematerialisation, longevity, refurbishment, remanufacturing, capacity sharing, and increased reuse and recycling. Offering products as a service rather than sale is a central circular business model. For this circular transition, a city needs to establish circular city functions, services, infrastructure, and tools that facilitate circular business models. The city needs to change the way urban systems are planned, designed, and financed, and how they are made, used, and repurposed.

There are four main categories of circular strategies and business models: ⁶

• Circular Design Models
• Use & Life Extension Models
• Value Recovery Models
• Circular Support Models

Learn more about these circular strategies and business models here.

Cities can play an important role in fostering and supporting the circular transition. Learn more about this here.