Circular public procurement: a framework for cities
Circular public procurement is a powerful tool that city governments can use to shape the...
Lower carbon emissions and pollution will improve air quality and urban health, and enhanced social interactions will make city spaces attractive and liveable.
Why cities are crucial to a circular economy
Cities have a high concentration of resources, capital, data, and talent spread over a relatively small geographic area and are centres for innovation. Because of this concentration, cities are also uniquely positioned to support certain circular business models, such as sharing models, reusereuseThe repeated use of a product or component for its intended purpose without significant modification. systems or product-as-a-service models.
Two-thirds of us will be living in urban areas by 2050. Despite taking up just 2 per cent of global landmass, our urban centres consume more than 75 per cent of natural resources, are responsible for over 50 per cent of solid waste and emit up to 60 per cent of greenhouse gases, contributing to pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss.
Developments in circular manufacturing, fashion, transport, food and procurement are already being led from urban areas. Now is the time to take full advantage of the wealth of opportunities in cities to create a system that can work long-term for the economy, society, and the environment.
Use our resources and examples to find out how we can re-imagine cities as vibrant systems that operate public services more efficiently, improve how buildings are used, re-imagine city transport and more.
Examples
São Paulo
New York City
London
Supporting local farmers as they transition to regenerative practices
Connect the Dots aims to create a food system network that tackles social inequality and supports regenerative farming. Set up for the São Paulo peri-urban zone and the surrounding region, the programme supports and purchases produce from local farmers, to provide healthy food for vulnerable people.
