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Local authorities play a key role in the circular transition. Through Circular cities & regions, we support cities and municipalities in setting up, strengthening, and connecting circular projects. Together, we are building resilient, future-oriented communities that use raw materials intelligently.
What is a circular city or municipality?
What is a circular city or municipality?
A circular municipality works towards a society without waste or shortages. The ideal image of a future-proof and resilient municipality. By taking a different approach to products and raw materials, new models and different habits that fit a circular economy emerge. Away from the traditional model of resource extraction, production and lots of waste (take, make, dispose).
Taking tomorrow into account
In practice, this means products will last longer, be easy to repair and be made more locally. That everything gets a second life - whether it is reused, recycled or composted. And that buildings and infrastructure are designed so that you can easily adapt them to changing needs. Nature is an inspiration for designing products and systems.
A place where everything is right
A circular municipality is a place where things are right. Where waste is avoided, materials are used efficiently, and choices feel logical - today and tomorrow. In short, a vibrant neighbourhood where it is nice to live, work and play, where local businesses thrive and where we are ready for the future.
Livable, local and logical - how it should be. How it can be. To make this change, residents and government, businesses and knowledge institutions work together.
Benefits at a glance
In the circular economy, the value of infrastructure, products, parts, materials and nutrients is preserved in closed loops for as long as possible. With additional focus on electronics, ICT, batteries, vehicles, packaging, plastics, textiles, construction and food. Just as important: avoiding harmful raw materials as much as possible, and reusing materials instead of dumping them.
Imagine
... that food is produced locally as much as possible. That rainwater is smartly collected and reused to use substantially less drinking water. That things are shared or exchanged to save the environment and your wallet. That buildings are designed sustainably and the materials are repurposed when demolished. That public spaces are thoughtfully planned and given multiple functions. That local initiatives like recycling centres contribute to better climate policy. That public transport, (electric) bicycles and shared cars are given priority. And that local makers and businesses boost the economy.
A circular municipality promotes the transition from a linear to a circular economy in an integrated way. Through all urban functions, services and places, in collaboration with citizens, businesses and knowledge institutions.' ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability).
Inspiration and insights
Ready to become a circular city or municipality yourself? And to ensure prosperity without consuming more finite resources? Read this guide with tools for vision, strategy and action. You will discover the role of local governments. And you'll get useful tips, experiences and insights that have been gained over the past few years.
Why go circular as a municipality?
Circuit - ©Dries Luyten
Why go circular as a municipality?
In a city, many people live in a limited area. The ideal place to get started with (re)using space or buildings. Or to organise projects with waste streams, water, food or all kinds of products.
Besides the physical municipality (all buildings, material flows and blue-green structures), there is also the socio-economic fabric. For example, the interplay of working, living and playing. Cities and municipalities bring together the most diverse people. Each with their own goals, desires and lifestyles. That makes these diverse environments ideal for civic initiatives, creativity and innovation for the circular economy.
Precisely because local governments have many relevant powers and responsibilities and are close to their residents and entrepreneurs, there is a lot of potential to be mined. As they are the government, they can also go all out to lead by example.
Did you know that nearly 85% of local climate plans have explicit references to the circular economy? That's a great foundation to get started with.
The Flemish Climate Policy Plan 2021-2030 aims to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and the material footprint of Flemish consumption. Cities and municipalities must do their bit through climate action, circular policies and sustainable waste management. More on the legislative framework.
Key benefits
The circular economy makes municipalities nicer places to live. It strengthens local businesses, helps meet climate and environmental goals and contributes to a social society.
Incorporate circularity into your policy
The role of local governments
About 60% of cities and municipalities are actively pursuing the circular economy. Circular Flanders aims to strengthen the role of local governments in the transition to a circular society.
This is crucial, because 2030 and even 2050 are fast approaching. Together with VVSG (the Flemish Association of Cities and Municipalities), we offer starting points for elaborating strategies and putting them into practice.
That goes much further than waste policy. It also includes:
- being resource-efficient;
- becoming less dependent on unsustainable supply chains;
- helping meet climate goals;
- addressing social challenges;
- making the economy more innovative and resilient.
Questions we seek to answer: how can local government drive the shift to a circular economy? What does a society look like where reuse, repair and high-end recycling are the norm, with buildings designed to be circular? What approach offers the greatest chance of success and how best to deploy resources?
