Cities account for over 70% of global CO2 emissions. An increase in transportation and industrial buildings emerging as prominent contributors to this phenomenon. 45% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions are caused by land management practices and the production of resources, products, and food.

While Australia is actively implementing smart city initiatives to enhance citizens’ quality of life, sustainability, and city services, several Australian cities and regions have work on addressing different urban challenges.

One of them is how to manage resources within a city’s eco system. City administration as an organisation, and each city as a territory that constitutes an economic system has how a city can respond to principles of circular economy and plan its design and operation is useful and interesting to look at.

Here are few key resources could look at in this regard

1. For general awareness

A Q&A session with Miranda Schnitger and Maja Johannessen conducted by the Ellen MacArthur Foundationshares how the circular economy concept benefits cities. In this session they discuss key insights and take a comprehensive look at some real-life examples of cities all around the world using circular economy principles.

2. To look at a high-level planning case study

Circular Prague 2030 – Prague strategy for transition to a circular economy, presents a framework for initiatives that the city can use to support its further development by leveraging circular economy principles. It presents how Prague to contribute to saving raw materials and reduce the city’s overall CO₂ emissions. Among cities in Central and Eastern Europe, Prague is the first metropolis with the ambition to formulate and implement a comprehensive strategy for transition to a circular economy.

3.  To look at an Australian case study

Nine local governments in the Loddon-Mallee-Campaspe Region partnered with Aurecon n and Lifecycles to explore circular economy opportunities for their region. The project, led by the City of Greater Bendigo, identified nine key implementable Circular Economy solutions where regional materials and products could be recirculated back into the local economy to realise environmental, social and economic benefits for the region. (Read more)

4. For higher education

One of the leading universities in Australia, Deakin University has launched a “Master of Science (Design for Circular Cities) (Professional)” course that focuses on educating you about sustainable urban development and circularity in the built environment.

5. For professional education

An online short course on Developing strategic plans to move towards a circular economyprovides practical guidance for public sector professionals to implement circular economy principles in their local city, region, or organization design.

By embracing circular economy principles, we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future for our city. Let us know if you have any other suggested resources to add.