An Update to My Posting on Circular Economies and Sustainability

August 2, 2016 – In a posting on July 30th I wrote about circular economic strategies and their importance in helping business and governments define policy and implement practices to transition to a low carbon future. One of my readers, Katie Hans of the Circle Economy noted that in my reference to an Ecofys report I neglected to mention her organization’s contribution. For that I apologize.

So what is the Circle Economy? On the organization’s website it states it is a social enterprise and cooperative focused on developing “practical and scalable solutions” to spread the “circular message.”

The site offers tools and programs for government and business decision making and action.

Its team of more than 40 members are committed to an outreach strategy engaging international businesses and government. Hans, in her correspondence to me stated that companies like Philips, ABN AMRO Bank and Heineken, and cities like Amsterdam, Glasgow and Brussels are already using the tools and programs Circle Economy provides.

Hahn writes, “The circular economy is becoming a part of the conversation when it comes to climate change and developing a future-proof economic model that provides not only economic but also environmental and social benefits is now key. At Circle Economy we seek to inspire the hearts and minds of the main stream, from cities and corporations, to entrepreneurs and innovators and we strive to create the conditions for disruption, innovation, and opportunity.”

What are the tools Circle Economy provides its clients?

Circle Portfolio – provides investment managers with a diagnostic tool to match current practices with circular objectives

Circle Assessment – an online survey to allow organizations to measure themselves against circular objectives and provide recommendations to minimize future risks.

Circle Market – an online marketplace for value chains to close the loop on waste turning it into a resource with a focus on the textile industry, “the second most polluting…in the world.”

Circle Business Case – a tool that assesses value chains from sourcing to production to end-of-use identifying areas in which a company can measure the value in applying circular economic methods to business processes.

Circle Scan – an assessment tool for identifying opportunities within an organization to implement circle economic practices. The scan provides a visual map of the organizations systems and processes with the goal to develop pilot circular economic projects.

Circle Scorecard – a method of measuring the direct and systems impact of applying circular economic best practices within an organization.

In a series of past postings on this site I have written about social networks and their role as citizen mobilizing response mechanisms aimed at specific causes which appear to be neglected by power brokers in business and government.  Well it seems if Circle Economy is an example of how social networks for cause are evolving, then spreading the word about the value proposition they represent for a sustainable future is a cause in itself.

For government and business leaders trying to figure out a path to a sustainable, low carbon economic future, I urge you to make the connection.