Circular Economy

A circular economy is a systemic approach to economic development designed to benefit businesses, society, and the environment. In contrast to the ‘take-make-waste’ linear model, a circular economy is regenerative by design and aims to gradually decouple growth from the consumption of finite resources. It is based on three principles: 1. Design out waste and pollution; 2. Keep products and materials in use; and 3. Regenerate natural systems. Circular systems employ reuse, sharing, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling to create a close-loop system, minimizing the use of resource inputs and the creation of waste, pollution and carbon emissions.

The standard activities under this thematic area include:

• Waste treatment and valorization, i.e. industrial processing activities aimed at reusing, recycling, upcycling or composting from wastes, useful products, or sources of energy;
• Promoting water reuse in industrial systems;
• Biogas/biofuel production and use;
• Reverse logistics schemes to improve reuse and recycling loops;
• Energy audits of businesses and institutions;
• Support to green social enterprises.