• Institution:
    Circle Economy, TNO, FABRIC
  • E-mail:
    info@circle-economy.com
  • Project website

Developing a Roadmap for the First Circular City: Amsterdam

As a pillar of Amsterdam’s sustainability policy, creating a circular economy is high on the municipality’s agenda. Results from the study ‘Circular Amsterdam: A vision and roadmap for the city and region’ provide guidance to the municipality regarding potential steps towards increased circularity. The roadmap explicitly connects with and builds on the many initiatives that are already being implemented.

The Circle City Scan approach consists of four phases. In phase 1, the main material and energy flows as well as the employment levels in the economic sectors in the region were analysed, creating a solid base for phase 2. In phase 2, a comprehensive analysis of the value chains that connect multiple sectors within Amsterdam was conducted. Utilising macro-economic statistics, the study determined which chains can achieve the greatest impact from a circular perspective. The results were discussed during a round table discussion with representatives from the municipality and local stakeholders, resulting in the decision to perform a detailed analysis of the construction chain and the organic residual flow chain. Phase 3 explored the two chains in an ideal circular future. This future vision provides a view of how the chains (and their interactions with other chains) can be set up to be more effective. In phase 4, an action agenda and roadmap were drawn to kick-start relevant circular projects, and potential barriers were identified.

Results of the study show that Amsterdam has the potential to greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and material consumption while, at the same time, realising economic growth and stimulating employment opportunities. The economic activity of the Amsterdam metropolitan region amounts to 106 billion euro annually, of which 47 billion is accounted for by the city of Amsterdam (2013) (CBS, 2015). The following sections summarise the future vision and roadmap that have been developed for both chains and the impact that the implementation of these would have on the economy and the use of materials.

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