Page 28 - U4SSC: A guide to circular cities, June 2020

Step 3: Catalyzing circularity

Some of the enablers discussed earlier can be utilized in this step to enhance the effectiveness of
selected circularity initiatives/action items. The city can utilize an appropriate mix of enablers to
maximize the chance of successfully implementing the selected circular initiatives. In other words, a
combination of enablers can be used during the implementation. Some examples of potential enablers
are given below to illustrate the concept.

Various tools such as education and training programmes, university programmes, and vocational
programmes can be used to promote circularity, overcome awareness gaps and enhance skills and
competencies. Existing literature and publications can also be distributed and disseminated to the
public, as well as to various related entities. Circular action items in different industries require
specialized knowledge and skills (e.g. e-waste management, refurbishing manufactured items).
Expertise, knowledge, and even awareness of different circularity topics may not necessarily be readily
available in cities. Hence, training and awareness programmes can be developed to close these skills
gaps.

Lack of skills and expertise among the public, as well as among policymakers, can be a potential barrier.
Hence, capacity building, peer learning and twinning among cities can boost potential action items
(policy levers). Formal professional programmes in the form of skill building trainings may help to
build capacity for circularity. However, other mechanisms can also be used for this purpose. Experts
and individuals who are knowledgeable about circularity may train potential and promising individuals
in a city. Additionally, cities that have vast experience in implementing circularity may assist other
prospective cities in their journey towards becoming circular.

Cultural and behavioural (e.g. in recycling) patterns may represent barriers to enacting circular
city actions. It might be beneficial to inform and explain the benefits of circular actions to related
stakeholders. In such cases, behavioural changes will be required from city inhabitants and circular
service providers. Nudging techniques, targeted communication and various incentives may be utilized
to induce behavioural changes in a city.

Urban industrial symbiosis initiatives may be utilized for exchanging resources (i.e. by-products,
waste) within an industry, or across industries at city level. Such resource flows between organizations
creates significant benefits and opportunities. The by-products or waste of an industry could act as
raw materials for another industry. This enables the creation of material looping among industries by
using each other’s by-products or waste, consequently reducing industrial waste in a city and thereby
contributing to circularity.

A holistic, high-level approach to circularity, from strategic planning to policymaking in the public and
private sectors, can also boost circular city outputs. Different cities worldwide, as well as nations,
have already developed comprehensive circular strategies within their jurisdictions. Amsterdam is an
example of a city that has formulated a holistic vision and action agenda for the city and metropolitan
area. It recognises the circular economy as an important pillar in its sustainability agenda. Similarly,
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Scotland in the UK and Denmark have formulated circular economy strategies .
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