How cities can boost innovation through circularity

Strategies to start a transition towards circular economy have been suggested for Prague

Circular Prague, a visual roadmap identifying best strategies for Prague to start a transition towards a circular economy, is being launched today, 6^th June.

Circle Economy together with INCIEN (Institut cirkulární ekonomiky) are working  on a collaborative Circle City Scan process. The Circular Prague report has defined the  construction sector, the waste management system and households as being the best prepared to develop circularity in the Czech capital. One of the recommended steps leading to the realisation of the concept is utilizing food waste in order to power the city's waste collection fleet.

The document marks the end of a year-long process of collaboration and innovation under the Circle City Scan of Prague, which involved the local government, business and research institutions. Thus, the scanning has taken into account the economic and political situation of the city, before pointing to areas with potential to start swift circular transition.

The so-called ReUse Hubs are a de-centralised network through which the city can focus on circular activities and support circular lifestyles. Another important moment will be the circular procurement in construction, as the public sector has sway over a quarter of all local construction activities. Hence, it will be possible to stimulate both innovation and competitiveness.

"Thanks to the Circular City Scan Prague, we got really inspired. There is a huge opportunity for Prague to make more efficient use of its resources, reduce its climate impact, and at the same time, boost innovation and create new jobs through the innovative circular solutions identified through the Circular Prague project. Now is the time to get these pilot projects off the ground.", confirms Petr Hlubuček, Vice-mayor for Environment and Safety.

The report has identified, for example, that biodegradable and food waste have largely unused potential for the city and furthermore – that developing a biogas plant could transform an annual quantity of 93,500 tonnes into 7 million m3 of renewable biofuels. What is more, the report puts forward an action plan to develop the suggested circular strategies.

Find more on the topic from www.circle-economy.com/ and incien.org/