Cities in the circular economy: An initial exploration
Published in August 2017
Regardless of what one might think about Bill Gates' first foray into climate-change non-fiction earlier this year, he asks an important question, which, he says, should be at the heart of every climate conversation: "what's your plan for cement?"
Published on
Cement, steel, aluminium, and plastics are four of the most commonly used materials in our economy. While they are used for different purposes, the construction of buildings and infrastructure accounts for a significant proportion of the demand for them. The manufacturing of these materials is an important source of greenhouse gas emissions; therefore, to decarbonise our economy and reach climate neutrality by 2050, we must find ways to decarbonise our built environment. We must have a plan for cement.
The circular economycircular economyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature. provides a framework of solutions to address the emissions embodied in our built environment. A new Foundation article, Building a world free from waste and pollution, explores what those solutions look like. By:
making better use of existing buildings
designing new spaces in ways that eliminate waste
and reusing and recycling materials
we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.1 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2050 compared to business as usual. That is more than the emissions that the European Union member states generated collectively in 2019.
Read the full article on our Circulate News page and learn more about redesigning our built environment in the Circular economy in cities section on our website.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation works to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. We develop and promote the idea of a circular economy, and work with business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.
Charity Registration No.: 1130306
OSCR Registration No.: SC043120
Company No.: 6897785
Ellen MacArthur Foundation ANBI RSIN nummer: 8257 45 925
The work of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation is supported by our Strategic Partners and Partners.