Circular Economy Green Deal – Take a Step Towards a Sustainable Future
The voluntary commitment Circular Economy Green Deal is intended for all organizations that want to be part of building a sustainable future. It is particularly suitable for companies, industries, municipalities, and regions that want to reduce the consumption of natural resources, improve resource efficiency, and develop responsible practices. The Green Deal offers clear framework and support that enable organizations to put into practice the principles of a circular economy.
What is the Circular Economy Green Deal?
The Circular Economy Green Deal is a voluntary commitment and a key catalyst for promoting the transition to a circular and resource-efficient society. It supports companies, industries, municipalities, and regions in implementing sustainable changes.
Commitments in the Circular Economy Green Deal span five different transformation themes
The Circular Economy Green Deal consists of five transformation themes that guide the implementation of concrete and impactful measures across different sectors. These transformation themes help organizations focus their resources most effectively and promote systematic change:
- Resource-wise built environment: Planning and implementation of construction projects are directed towards the circular economy. This includes utilizing recycled materials, extending the lifecycle of existing buildings, and improving material efficiency. Resource-wise construction supports sustainable urban development and promotes the maximum use of buildings.
- Industry based on a circular economy: Industrial production processes are renewed by utilizing the principles of a circular economy, such as sustainable product design and more efficient use of raw materials. Electrification of processes and maximizing the utilization of side streams enable more cost-effective and environmentally friendly operations. The industrial transition to a circular economy reduces environmental impacts and creates new business opportunities.
- Sustainable consumption and business: The Circular Economy Green Deal increases the supply of services that are based on the principles of a circular economy. For example, developing service models related to reuse, sharing, maintenance, and repair helps shape consumption habits towards sustainability.
- Material-efficient energy system: The Circular Economy Green Deal promotes resource efficient energy systems, which includes utilizing waste heat and increasing the use of renewable energy sources. Non-combustion-based energy options and the digitalization of energy systems help reduce energy consumption and promote carbon-neutral solutions.
- Renewing food system: The renewal of the food system is based on improving soil vitality and increasing nutrient recycling. Increasing the use of domestic vegetables and fish promotes the sustainability of the food system and reduces dependence on imported raw materials. Additionally, reducing food waste and more efficient packaging help minimize the environmental impact of the system.
By selecting measures from the transformation themes most relevant to your organization, you can promote sustainable solutions that address both local and international challenges. You will receive expert support in making and implementing your commitment, as well as tools for measuring impact. The Circular Economy Green Deal process helps find new partnerships and improves your organization’s resource efficiency, supporting the sustainable development of operations.
Tips for adopting the Circular Economy Green Deal
Coordination and support for commitments
Commitments are coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Circular Economy Finland supports committers together with Green Building Council Finland (FIGBC). Green Building Council is responsible for support in the Resource-wise built environment transformation theme, and Circular Economy Finland in all other transformation themes.
Circular Economy Finland supports the implementation of commitments, creates networks, shares information on best practices and other timely themes, such as new regulation and tools, and identifies opportunities for systemic change. You can book a sparring session from us by e-mail (info@kiertotaloussuomi.fi) or attend Circular Economy Green Deal events.
Further information
The Policy Brief gives information on the preparation process, content and recommendations of the Circular Economy Green Deal on the basis of experiences gained in Finland.