Circular Economy

To live in a truly sustainable society, we need to separate economic growth and human well-being from resource depletion and environmental degradation. This means replacing the linear "produce, consume, discard'' economic model with a circular model.

The transition to a circular economy endorses business models and economic behaviour patterns which maintain the value and utility of products, components, materials and nutrients for as long as possible in order to close material loops and minimise the use of harmful resources and the generation of waste.

ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability believes that while cities are the largest consumers of energy and materials, they also offer an opportunity to manage resources better and more efficiently.

Subscribe to the ICLEI Circulars newsletter for stories of circular interventions, resources and opportunities for local and regional governments, and much more. Click here to read the past issues.

Check out our Factsheet below to read more!

Circular Economy Factsheet

 

"Cities embracing the circular economy model can unlock economic opportunities by promoting local businesses, creating green jobs, and attracting investments in innovative and sustainable industries."

 

Minna Arve, Member of ICLEI's European Regional Executive Committee
Mayor of Turku (Finland)

75

Circular Cities
Declaration
signatories

42

cities going
circular through
EU-funded projects

48

demonstration
actions
on circularity

Member in the Spotlight

 

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If you have any questions:

Send an email to iclei-europe@iclei.org