Page 32 - U4SSC: A guide to circular cities, June 2020

5. Conclusions and recommendations

Circularity in the context of cities is a relatively novel concept that offers significant opportunities.
This document has identified a generic approach to promoting circular actions in cities. This Guide
is complemented with 17 case studies. The case studies illustrate non-exhaustively the substantial
opportunity for promoting circularity inherent in cities across the world. The following conclusions
could be drawn based on the research conducted to prepare this Guide as well as the case studies:

– The circularity concept can be extended beyond solely economic activities to other social and
environmental areas.
– City assets and products can all be considered as potential inputs for circular actions.

– Circular cities optimize their resources consumption by extending their lifetime and by using them
efficiently.

– Circular actions reduce the quantity of waste in cities, contributing significantly to the more efficient
use of natural resources and protecting the environment.
– Circular economy not only stimulates economic growth but also creates a positive social and
environmental impact.

– Circularity provides innovative opportunities for cities and encourages entrepreneurship for new
businesses, the creation of new industries, as well as social and environmental entrepreneurship.

– Cross-sectorial collaboration through public-private partnerships is crucial for the implementation of
circularity. The successful implementation of circularity actions may require adjustments in supply
chains and may create new synergies within and across industries (e.g. industrial symbiosis).
– Circularity is a novel concept that necessitates a new approach in the way cities acquire, manage
and consume their vast number of resources and assets.
– Circular cities contribute positively to achieving SDGs within their own context.

– The likelihood of success for circular cities is significantly increased by broadening stakeholder
engagement and participation.
– An appropriate mix of enablers (defined in this document) will be beneficial for accelerating and
sustaining circular cities.
– The case studies demonstrate the successful circular initiatives carried out by different cities.
Disseminating success stories and creating awareness among stakeholders are critical to scaling up
circular initiatives at the national, regional and international levels. Hence, international cooperation
will be the cornerstone for expediting uptake of circularity in cities.
– Circularity can be used as a tool to address the most pressing global challenges faced by cities such
as climate change, economic growth and scarcity of resources.

– Circularity as a novel field requires investment in pertinent knowledge and skills enhancement, as
well as long-term R&D programmes.

24 U4SSC: A guide to circular cities