To live in a truly sustainable society, an economic model is required that separates economic growth from resource depletion and environmental degradation, replacing the linear "produce, consume, discard" model. ICLEI focuses on how local governments can lead the transition to a Circular Economy.

ICLEI's projects and initiatives tackle issues of production, consumption and waste prevention from multiple perspectives - from facilitating technological innovation in the waste management sector to fostering citizen participation in decisions about resources and waste.

Guidance and training on the implementation of Circular Economy measures, from Life-Cycle Costing to waste re-use and using Sustainable Public Procurement criteria, is delivered to hundreds of public authorities annually.