(07 July 2014) – The Association of Cities and Regions for Recycling and sustainable Resource management (ACR+) is developing a specific Working Group on Circular Economy Planning by cities and regions.
The traditional model of a linear economy (resource extraction – product making – waste disposal) is no longer viable in a world of finite material resources and must be replaced with a circular economy model aiming at closing the loop of resources and reducing the environmental impact of the product life cycle at all stages of the process (production, distribution, consumption).
This transition needs to be supported not only by European Institutions (as illustrated with the highly expected communication from the European Commission “Towards a circular economy: a zero waste programme for Europe”) but also by public authorities at local and regional levels.
The Working Group on Circular Economy Planning will aim to elaborate general and sectorial guidelines, including performance indicators, as a framework for improved planning and practical implementation. It will promote and facilitate the exchange of best practices and their replicability, as well as develop new initiatives and new business models.
All people interested in this initiative are invited to show their interest in joining ACR+ and the working group by contacting the ACR+ Secretariat.
ACR+ is an international network of members who share the aim of promoting the sustainable consumption of resources and the management of waste through prevention at source, reuse, recycling and, as a last priority, energy recovery. The association has nearly 100 members, mainly local and regional authorities, as well as national networks of local authorities, representing approximately 1400 municipalities.