Cities are potential engines of the transition towards a circular economy. With around 75% of the European population living in urban areas, most of the consumption, waste production, and emission of greenhouse gasses occurs in cities. In addition, European cities have a high density of knowledge, data, and capital. This concentration enables cities to drive the circular economy agenda forward and unlock related economic, environmental, and social benefits.
Alongside the Sustainable Development Goals and climate objectives , the transition to a circular economy will support city leaders as they deliver against many of their other priorities, e.g. improved housing, mobility, and economic development. The circular economy offers an opportunity to respond to urban resource challenges by rethinking how we use materials, products, and assets, leading to new ways of creating value for all.
Cities are important in the circular transition due to the following two reasons:
- Cities can be seen as circular cradles and ecosystems in which circular solutions to pressing problems and challenges are initiated and nurtured. Learn more.
- Cities can also be seen as circular catalysts since city authorities can lead and accelerate the transition. They can create a circular vision and strategy, optimise infrastructure and logistics networks, connect stakeholders, provide incentives for and facilitate circular initiatives, and they benefit from information of different kinds. Learn more.
The Circular City Funding Guide provides information for municipalities, businesses, and other actors that want to create sustainable cities and implement circular initiatives and projects. The Guide provides information on: 1) the circular economy in the urban context, 2) funding instruments and sources, and 3) how to set-up programmes for circular funding and financing.
How is a circular economy defined?
What will a circular city look like?
The Hague, the Netherlands
Valladolid, Spain
