> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://4revs.gitbook.io/handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://4revs.gitbook.io/handbook/chapters/circular-cities/global-insights.md). # Global insights As you read this chapter: * Sweden plans to build a city [entirely in timber](https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2023/06/21/sweden-wants-to-build-an-entire-city-from-wood). * Germany is at the forefront as one of the global leaders in recycling, boasting an impressive [66 percent recycling rate ](https://www.climateaction.org/news/germany-is-the-worlds-leading-nation-for-recycling)for its waste generation. * New York has implemented a [mandatory policy](https://citylimits.org/2023/06/08/nyc-makes-it-mandatory-for-residential-buildings-to-recycle-food-waste/) for all citizens to compost food waste. * Paris has dropped the proportion of journeys by car by [about 45 percent since 1990](http://afitl.ish-lyon.cnrs.fr/index.php/resume-cahier.html?id_CST=68%7C71%7C2017#A401), and at the same time, the use of public transit has risen by 30 percent. * What's more, at this very moment, a new city concept is being built in Saudi Arabia. It is advertised as an “Eco-City,” and the project is called “[The Line](https://www.neom.com/en-us/regions/theline)”. It has no roads for cars and will run on 100% renewable energy.

Image: The line. Extracted from Entrepreneur. Credits: Neom.

What is the promise of smart cities? Could smart cities be circular? In the evolution of urban planning, various concepts, from the "[garden city"](https://www.archdaily.com/961275/what-are-garden-cities) movement to Le Corbusier's [Ville Radieuse](https://99percentinvisible.org/article/ville-radieuse-le-corbusiers-functionalist-plan-utopian-radiant-city/) and the recent "[15-minute city"](https://www.dw.com/en/15-minute-cities-what-are-they-and-how-do-they-work/a-64907776) have aimed to enhance urban living. But recently, a new concept is taking center stage: [smart cities](https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/smart-cities/). Smart cities hold the promise that enhanced connectivity can lead to improvements in city services and overall quality of life. Such cities deploy extensive sensor networks, often hundreds or thousands of sensors, to gather electronic data from individuals and how they use the infrastructure around them. The primary objective is to enhance efficiency and the overall well-being of residents. In many cases, inhabitants and city personnel are equipped with applications that facilitate access to city services, enable reporting of incidents, and allow for tasks like tax payments. [Smart Nation Singapore](https://www.smartnation.gov.sg/about-smart-nation/sng/) is an example of this. The Smart Nation Group, under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Office and managed by the Ministry of Communications and Information, assumes a diverse role in steering Singapore's digital evolution and spearheading Smart Nation initiatives. Beyond advancing the digitization of government services, the group supervises the implementation of digital technologies and capabilities throughout Singapore. It advocates for digital inclusivity, regulates data and online activities, and reinforces digital security measures. Today, [99% of the government services are digital from end to end. ](https://www.smartnation.gov.sg/) However, the concept has faced criticism for potentially overlooking human-centric elements that make cities vibrant. Despite aspirations to optimize everything, the emphasis on quantification and control raises concerns about eroding the unique and spontaneous aspects that define great cities: can you imagine a non-chaotic Rome or India? [Critics say ](https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/smart-cities/)smart city technologies should focus on people's needs and encourage social interactions like traditional cities do: “People are attracted to the messiness, to the compelling and serendipitous interactions within a wildly diverse mix of people living in close proximity.” Intensification of digitization also means more devices requiring more and more energy resources. Even if machines are electric, in most cases they run off of electricity powered by coal. Moreover, most technology and devices are made from ever-scarcer, more difficult to mine, conflict-ridden materials like lithium and cobalt; are designed in the manner of ‘planned obsolescence,’ where these machines require replacing after a relatively short time; and are not designed with materials recovery and circularity in mind. ## Five different concepts of urban plannign |


| Garden City | Ville Radieuse | Smart Cities | Circular cities | 15-minute cities | | -------------------- | --------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ------------------------------------ | | Year introduced | 1898 | Early 20th century | 20th century | 21st century | 21st century | | Key idea | Merge countryside and city | Rigid, high-density urban plan | Technology-driven efficiency | Sustainable, circular practices | Accessible living within 15 mins | | Social Focus | Harmony and balanced living | Pursuit of urban utopia | Automation, data optimization | Community well-being, inclusivity | Localism, reduced commuting | | Urban Design | Green spaces, radial layout | High-rise buildings, open space | IoT, data-driven infrastructure | Circular economy principles | Mixed-use neighborhoods, walkability | | Transportation | Emphasis on public transit | Elevated roadways, car-centric | Intelligent transportation systems | Sustainable mobility solutions | Emphasis on walking, cycling | | Community engagement | Cooperative land ownership | Centralized planning, top-down | Emphasis on tech integration | Involvement in circular practices | Local community participation | *Table 1. Comparison between five different concepts of urban planning* While they may appear distinctly different, smart and circular cities are not mutually exclusive concepts; they can be complementary. Data plays a pivotal role in circularity by improving decision-making and facilitating monitoring and evaluating sustainability initiatives. Essential metrics for circularity, such as life cycle assessments and circular economy indicators, rely heavily on data. When combined, smart technologies can play a crucial role in achieving the goals of a circular city. Within the 4Revs platform, an illustration of a resource-efficient building can be found in the case titled "[IoT & PoE Smart Technology - Making Building Operations Sustainable.](https://d2w000003xziaeai.my.site.com/onegenerationproject/s/fourrevs-case/a022w00000SO2eVAAT/iot-poe-smart-technology-making-building-operations-sustainable)" The case analyzes how incorporating IoT and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology led to a 40% reduction in energy consumption at The Sinclair, the world's first fully digital hotel in Texas, USA. IoT (Internet of Things) devices and sensors can optimize resource usage, monitor energy consumption, and facilitate efficient waste management. Smart infrastructure and data-driven decision-making can contribute to circular principles by minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices within the urban environment. Integrating smart solutions with circular principles can help create technologically advanced and environmentally conscious cities. ## Cities and circularity: a perfect match. We could have titled this chapter "Green Cities" or "Cities of the Future." Still, we opted for "Circular Cities" because the Circular Economy (CE) provides one of the most potent frameworks for fostering sustainability within urban environments. Considering cities' substantial resource consumption and environmental impact, they must reconsider their approach to material usage, energy consumption, water utilization, and citizen engagement. Currently, the Circular Economy concept is trending. However, the dominant form of circularity we currently see in our economy is mainly at the micro or product level with technology, especially technology focused on recycling. This directly impacts the marginalization of other aspects of circularity that are equally or more important, such as redesigning business models or products to achieve a society with lower levels of overconsumption and overproduction. Or even broader: How about taking a more macro approach, such as applying CE principles to an entire city, nation, or bioregion? For instance, the city of Portland’s (Oregon, USA) 2015 Climate Action Plan incorporates the world’s first, city-scale [Consumption-based Emissions Inventory (CBEI)](https://www.portland.gov/bps/scp/sustainable-consumption). This inventory maps carbon generation not only within the city, but by the city’s imports, thus incorporating a broader systematic view on carbon metabolism. Yet,the current lack of a systemic approach to circularity in most contexts is concerning, but there are steps we can take to do something about this!

Illustration 3. One visualization on the potential dimensions of integrated action for urban transformation and their relationship across sub-areas. Source: UN-Habitat. (2021).

## Multidimensionality towards healthy cities According to the [report](https://reliefweb.int/report/world/global-environment-cities-geo-cities-towards-green-and-just-cities), to create Net-Zero circular cities (dimension 1) means to change how we use energy and materials to reduce natural resource extraction and achieve near-net-zero GHG and other forms of pollution and waste. Building resilient and sustainable cities (dimension 2) involves reshaping urban structures to protect vulnerable areas and communities from environmental degradation, the consequences of climate change, and extreme events. The third dimension is inclusion and justice. This points to the need to establish governance frameworks that encompass all urban residents, urban nature, and biodiversity while ensuring justice across generations. ## Circularity, resilience, inclusion, and support mechanisms: the needs of a circular city Urban transformation is crucial in promoting environmental sustainability and resilience, adn becomes achievable when the various metabolism flows are used more efficiently, considering the overall system rather than individual sectors. To achieve circularity, cities should target an annual per capita material consumption between [six and eight tons](https://www.resourcepanel.org/reports/weight-cities), significantly less than the current 11.4 tons, and the projected 14 tons by 2050 in a business-as-usual scenario. Improving urban transport, buildings, and heating and cooling efficiency can reduce material consumption by[ 46 to 67 percent.](https://www.resourcepanel.org/reports/weight-cities) Here are some aspects a city must embrace to become circular, along with ideas for your company to contribute. * **Cities need to formalize waste collection and recyclables collection, partnering with or incorporating workers from the informal economy into recycling operations by offering training, safe and healthy working conditions, and living wages.** In Kenya, [Mr.Green Africa](https://d2w000003xziaeai.my.site.com/onegenerationproject/s/fourrevs-case/a022w00000HVFEZAA5/mr-green-africa-changing-the-perception-of-waste) has succeeded in establishing a collection and sorting system for plastics from industrial and household waste, while providing ‘waste pickers’ with fair and stable pay. The company has developed a people-centric business model that best exemplifies shared value. The company incentivizes marginalized waste pickers and stakeholders at the pyramid's base by offering premium prices and additional benefits. This approach ensures a steady supply of valuable recyclables, fostering pathways out of poverty for these individuals and simultaneously making a positive environmental impact. * Cities need to reduce waste through second-hand markets or sharing platforms. The most insightful chapter for gaining perspective on this matter is "Materials Reimagined." Within this chapter, the case of the [Austin Materials Marketplace ](https://d2w000003xziaeai.my.site.com/onegenerationproject/s/fourrevs-case/a022w00000HY1UiAAL/austin-materials-marketplace-waste-to-resource)exemplifies the industry's commitment to extending the lifespan of materials, especially in the context of urban infrastructure and construction projects. Austin Materials Marketplace is an online database where companies can list and find available resources in the city, connecting directly with buyers and sellers. The City uses this database to track progress towards zero waste (their aim is 90% materials recovery by 2040, not letting this material go to landfill. In the ecosystem of the Materials Marketplace, innovators develop schemes for reducing specific waste, entrepreneurs create new marketplace ideas for recovered resources, and academics study material flows. According to their [website](https://austinmaterialsmarketplace.org/blog/2019/11/25/acl-2019-materials-recovery-program-impact-report), they have recovered over 3200 lbs of textiles, translating to 823 cubic feet of unused landfill and 1.62 metric tons of CO2 avoided. In addition, the recovered material, once destined for landfills, now circulates in the city, contributing an extra USD 1.1 billion to the local economy, creating 6,300 jobs, and establishing a collaborative network between businesses, the city, nonprofits, academics, and citizens. Due to its success, the marketplace model has expanded to other US, Canadian, and Turkish cities. Another example of waste reduction is the city of Toronto. In 2016, [the City of Toronto](https://d2w000003xziaeai.my.site.com/onegenerationproject/s/fourrevs-case/a022w00000EQhePAAT/torontos-transition-to-a-circular-economy) endorsed the Long-Term Waste Management Strategy and established a Cross-Divisional Circular Economy Working Group. The objective was to integrate circular economy principles into the city's procurement processes, aiming to advance waste reduction, stimulate economic growth, and foster social prosperity through a circular economy framework. This long-term waste management strategy was crucial in promoting innovative and circular business models, given that Toronto's annual purchasing contracts amount to approximately CAD 2 billion. * **Cities need sourcing materials from discarded products to make new ones for consumers, businesses, and industry and maximize renewable energy and recycled water to create a continuous virtuous circle of production and consumption.** New York recently implemented a [mandatory policy](https://citylimits.org/2023/06/08/nyc-makes-it-mandatory-for-residential-buildings-to-recycle-food-waste/) for all citizens to compost food waste. The City Council approved a “groundbreaking” legislative package mandating the diversion of food-based waste from landfills. Instead, it must be repurposed for eco-friendly initiatives such as composting and cleaner energy generation. In Costa Rica, the US, and India, the American multinational technology company Intel demonstrates an environmentally positive approach through their [water-positive strategy](https://www.intel.la/content/www/xl/es/newsroom/news/intel-achieves-net-positive-water-3-countries.html#gs.1dxnc0). This strategy aims not only to meet Intel's water needs but also to positively impact the overall availability and quality of water for the surrounding area, by implementing water conservation and recycling measures. These include a water management plan; rainwater harvesting; partnerships to support water projects in local communities; and further offsetting their water consumption by investing in clean water initiatives in water-stressed areas.

Image: Intel´s net positive water results. Extracted from: Intel.

* **Cities need innovations that drawdown GHGs, cut CO2 emissions as fast as possible, and prioritize key points of intervention.** With its widespread circulation patterns, the atmosphere is a crucial link connecting global environmental changes to cities' air quality and climate. Emissions of greenhouse gasses - particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) from activities like burning fossil fuels - are increasing yearly, [resulting in a rise in atmospheric CO2 concentration,global temperature increase](https://reliefweb.int/report/world/global-environment-cities-geo-cities-towards-green-and-just-cities), and even disruption in [rainfall patterns](https://www.ccacoalition.org/short-lived-climate-pollutants/black-carbon#:~:text=Black%20carbon%20affects%20the%20health,and%20interfere%20with%20rainfall%20patterns.), increasing risk of storms, and rising sea levels. Emissions also impact human health through extreme temperatures, air pollution, food, and water quality issues, alterations in infectious agents, and population displacement. Another significant greenhouse gas is methane (CH4), which is mainly emitted by human activities like agriculture and waste management. On our 4Revs platform, one case study tackles this matter holistically: “[Methane in Asia: Solutions for rapid climate action through methane-reduction](https://d2w000003xziaeai.my.site.com/onegenerationproject/s/fourrevs-case/a022w00000kvYe2AAE/methane-in-asia-solutions-for-rapid-climate-action-through-methane-reduction).” The case finds that adequate solutions for reducing methane emissions in Asia fall into three approaches: behavior change, systems change, and innovations and experiments. [SOLshare](https://solshare.com/) provides vulnerable communities access to clean solar energy using proprietary microgrid technology and has reduced over 700 metric tonnes of GHG since 2015. One of SOLshare´s projects is called SOLmobility, an EV pilot program that wants to use the leftover battery juice of Tuk-tuks to help the nation’s energy demands. “When (the tuk-tuks) return to the garage at the end of the night, they come back with 30% juice in their batteries, (...) if they can feed that back into the grid when the demand is high, that would be amazing.” SOLshare´s projects and innovations have generated more than 750 MWh of clean energy annually. * **Cities need sustainable finances.** In 2021, a case study [for 4Revs](https://d2w000003xziaeai.my.site.com/onegenerationproject/s/fourrevs-case/a022w00000HY6H3AAL/the-eu-sustainable-finance-action-plan-accelerating-green-investment) examines how regulations can facilitate sustainable investments and play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and circular future. To illustrate, meeting the 2030 EU climate target necessitates an investment of 350 billion euros to establish the essential sustainable business infrastructure. The European Union's move toward regulating sustainability-related finance aligns with its long-term vision of achieving decarbonization. * **Circular cities need inclusion and justice.** In Flanders, the Papillon project showed the world that companies have a significant role in addressing the climate crisis and social inequalities. One of the [4Revs cases](https://d2w000003xziaeai.my.site.com/onegenerationproject/s/fourrevs-case/a022w000002jZCeAAM/circular-business-model-to-reduce-energy-consumption-and-alleviate-poverty) delves deep into an exemplary case of products-as-a-service. The project aims to lift people from “energy poverty” by renting them energy-efficient household appliances. The government social services of West-Flanders, in partnership with Bosch, offered pilot participants 10-year contracts of 7 euros per month for a device. The feedback and findings surpassed all expectations, and this example served Bosh to understand the intricacies of logistics, legal and ecological implications of a long-term, circular strategy. ## What are your city´s sustainability goals? So far, we've discussed some of the requirements for a circular city, but the list could go on. To impact your city positively, start by understanding its sustainability goals. But if your city doesn't seem to have ambitious sustainability goals -like a climate action plan, or sustainability strategy - you and your company could set new standards. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), provides a comprehensive international framework. Many of these goals focus on cities, with SDG 11 explicitly addressing urban environments. Unfortunately, these commendable goals are only receiving 15% achievement at this point, so there is a significant opportunity gap for action! Aligning with other global agreements like the[ Paris Agreement](https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement), [Sendai Framework](https://aidmi.org/sendai-framework-for-disaster-risk-reduction-2015-2030/?gclid=CjwKCAiAvdCrBhBREiwAX6-6UiuV5-u-0HIxIqgZ4ge3JIhdFtJPUBjW90uflsS81EE6sSsls0khoBoCPOcQAvD_BwE), [New Urban Agenda](https://habitat3.org/the-new-urban-agenda/), and the upcoming [New Deal for Nature](https://www.unep.org/resources/policy-and-strategy/new-deal-nature), the [2030 Agenda](https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals/life-on-land?gad_source=1\&gclid=CjwKCAiAvdCrBhBREiwAX6-6Ui8kBzEkicAfpKUgmAd1unWvlf68_fQc4AmVSQz4LpmPQO-gbq0xbBoCfWwQAvD_BwE) emphasizes localizing these agreements through coordinated efforts from governments, city networks, mayoral coalitions, development banks, academia, the private sector, and civil society. This bottom-up approach is crucial for effectively implementing environmental agreements at various levels of governance. ## Roadmap to create circular cities. Is there one? Formulating national or subnational Circular Economy strategies is crucial to establishing objectives, providing guidance, and serving as an enabler for the ecosystem. Nevertheless, it's important to note that companies can still take import action even without a national strategy. While it may pose more significant challenges, there are remarkable examples, such as [Intel's development of their Water Positive strategy](https://d2w000003xziaeai.my.site.com/onegenerationproject/s/fourrevs-case/a022w00000ksSImAAM/moving-from-earthneutral-to-earthpositive-a-waterpositive-strategy) (mentioned above), which was achieved independently without the support or guidance of a National Strategy. According to the [Circular City Funding Guide](https://www.circularcityfundingguide.eu/circular-cities/), circular cities are generally fostered by strategies and business models that fall into four main categories: 1. Circular Design Models 2. Use & Life Extension Models 3. Value Recovery Models and 4. Circular Support Models

Figure: Business model categories mapped on the value hill. Source: Circular City Funding Guide.

There is no one-size-fits-all roadmap to create circular cities. However, as seen above, [several tipping points, ecosystems, and key factors can foster cities when aiming to become circular. ](https://www.circularcityfundingguide.eu/circular-categories/) Firstly, adopting circular design models involves integrating features such as modular product designs that facilitate easy repair, disassembly, and recycling while also prolonging product lifespan. This includes substituting virgin materials with recycled alternatives, reducing the use of chemical substances to enhance the ease of reuse and recycling, and advancing innovative materials and process technologies to amplify circular resource efficiency. Secondly, optimal use models encompass leasing and sharing services as alternatives to product ownership; implementing selling and buy-back systems; establishing sharing platforms; and offering services that extend the useful life of products through repair, maintenance, or upgrades. Additionally, these models may involve services facilitating the tracing, marketing, and trade of secondary raw materials, exemplified by using "product passports" and databases tracking the quality and status of materials. Thirdly, examples of value recovery processes include extracting materials and chemicals from waste, residues, and by-products; harnessing energy from residual biomass, bio-waste, bio-residues, and organic sludge; recuperating waste heat; and reusing treated wastewater. Lastly, circular support models facilitate all circular strategies throughout various lifecycle phases. This encompasses managing and coordinating circular value networks and resource flows, optimizing incentives, and undertaking activities that support the transition to circularity. Whether at the national, subnational, or company level, a Circular Economy Strategy is a support model for a circular city. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and services also play a crucial role in supporting circular business models, including predictive maintenance, repair, and refurbishment to extend the life of products and assets. Additionally, developing databases for material passports and other online tools and applications facilitate the tracing, marketing, and trade of secondary raw materials and products for reuse, repair, or recycling are key steps for achieving circular economy targets. ## Circular innovations in the 4Revs research
Circular conditions according to the Circular City Funding Guide 4Revs innovation cases
Circular Design Models: application of reduce/recycle strategies in the design and production phases
  • MoreLoop: Reducing barriers to the reuse of high-quality fabrics
  • Trendy and Sustainable: A beginner's guide to sustainable fashion production
  • NotCo’s food technology 2.0: Making plant-based food using machine learning
  • Using Belgian beer by-products to make baked goods
Use & life extension models: application of reuse/repair / repurpose/refurbish/remanufacture strategies in the use phase
  • The Refurbishment Revolution: E-waste and changing perceptions in Europe
  • Fairphone - the phone that cares for people and planet
  • Circular Business Model: Product Life Extension
Value recovery models: application of recycle/recover strategies in the after-use phase
  • From LATAM to the world: Tackling circularity through Industrial Symbiosis
  • Sand Recovery: Reusing and recycling spent industrial sand
  • Marinatex: Durable and biodegradable bioplastic created from fishery waste
Circular support models: supporters and facilitators of all circular strategies in all lifecycle phases
  • Austin Materials Marketplace: Waste to Resource
  • A brief state of the art of the Circular Economy Strategies in Latin America
  • “Green Industrial Revolution”: The UK’s 2030 ban on petrol and diesel vehicles
## Key takeaways: Smart Infrastructure and Circular Cities: * Smart infrastructure and data-driven decision-making can contribute to circular principles by minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices in urban environments. * Integrating smart solutions with circular principles can lead to technologically advanced and environmentally conscious cities Circular Economy Framework: * The Circular Economy (CE) provides a powerful framework for fostering sustainability in urban environments, making it a key focus for creating cities of the future. * Given their substantial resource consumption and environmental impact, cities need to reconsider their approach to material usage, energy consumption, water utilization, and citizen engagement. ShiftCities Initiative: * The ShiftCities initiative offers an integrated vision for circular cities, addressing the complexity of decision-making and identifying key stakeholders. * Understanding the complexity of decision-making and involving key stakeholders is essential for achieving sustainable urban development. Three Dimensions for Circular Cities: * First Dimension: Aim for Net-Zero Circular Cities, focusing on changing energy and material usage to reduce natural resource extraction and achieve near-net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and waste. * Second Dimension: Focus on building resilient and sustainable cities, reshaping urban structures to protect vulnerable areas and communities from environmental degradation, consequences of climate change, and extreme events. * Third Dimension: Design for Inclusion and Justice, establishing governance frameworks that include all urban residents, urban nature, and biodiversity, ensuring justice across generations. No One-Size-Fits-All Roadmap: * Creating circular cities does not have a one-size-fits-all roadmap, but there are tipping points, ecosystems, and key factors that can foster circularity in cities. * Adopting models like "Circular Design," "Optimal Use," "Value Recovery," and "Circular Support" is crucial for building a city's roadmap toward circularity. Achieving 100% circular cities is an aspirational vision. At present, we use many materials that can never be truly circular - such as plastic. We live in an imperfect system where closed-loop systems are not possible for everything. As long as our materials are rooted in a fossil fuel economy we will struggle with circularity. While the aspiration of establishing entirely circular cities is undeniably ambitious, persuasive motivations exist to pursue this objective. In pursuing circular cities, the transition demands a holistic reevaluation of material utilization, business models, infrastructure, and socio-political dynamics.