Key Takeaways from the Workshop
1. The Importance of Monitoring & Evaluation
A central theme of the workshop was the role of Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) in ensuring effective implementation of Integrated Action Plans (IAPs). Participants explored:
Indicators of Progress: The workshop emphasized the need for a mix of quantitative indicators (e.g., percentage reduction of waste to landfill) and qualitative indicators (e.g., surveys on recycling behaviours) to assess progress comprehensively.
Baseline and Target Setting: Establishing a clear starting point (baseline) and defining measurable goals (targets) were highlighted as essential for tracking success.
Adaptive Implementation: By continuously analysing data, cities can refine strategies, address shortcomings, and improve the impact of circular economy initiatives.
2. Sustainable Funding & Financing for Circular Economy
Implementing circular initiatives requires robust financial planning. The workshop provided an in-depth look at various funding mechanisms, including:
Multi-source Funding: Successful projects often require a combination of public funding (EU grants, national subsidies), private investments, and crowdfunding initiatives.
Thinking Outside the Box: To ensure financial sustainability, cities need to diversify funding sources by mobilizing private sector and civic investment. Exploring unconventional funding streams such as green or social credits, incentive schemes, and public-private partnership, can unlock new opportunities for circular economy projects.
Phased Approach: Breaking down projects into actionable steps allows cities to secure funding progressively while ensuring financial feasibility.
The workshop reflected on the example of Fábrica Santo Tirso in Portugal. This 43,000m2 former textile factory has been transformed into a business innovation centre and cultural hub, thanks to capitalising on strategic funding phases from ERDF, national grants, and private sector contributions.
3. Circular Economy in Action: Inspirational Examples
The session also showcased innovative projects and planned actions that exemplify circular economy principles such as examples from:
Ciudad Real which planned an action in a previous URBACT project (Resourceful Cities) to map key resource flows in the city’s SMEs with a view to reducing waste and create circular business models through innovative local partnerships.
The LACA Food Laboratory in Cáceres is a pioneering initiative that fosters food sustainability by repurposing surplus food, reducing waste, and supporting local food producers in the circular economy.
Sodertalje’s Sustainable City Hall is another action planned in a previous URBACT project which focussed on the municipality setting an example by integrating sustainability into its own operation. The workshop reflected on the importance of city’s leading by doing whether through ambitious climate actions or simple yet impactful steps like eliminating single-use coffee cups. This leadership demonstrates that every action, big or small, contributes to the broader movement and can inspire others to follow suit.
The Rediscovery Centre in Dublin is a thriving circular economy hub that promotes upcycling, reuse, and sustainable design while providing educational programs and engaging the community in circular practices.
Oslo’s sports equipment hubs are a community-driven initiative where second-hand sports gear is collected, repaired, and redistributed (through a borrowing scheme) to reduce waste and promote inclusivity.
The Green House Food Hub in Oslo is an urban agriculture project utilizing circular practices to minimize food waste, enhance local food production, and foster social inclusion.
The workshop concluded with practical insights on ensuring the long-term successful implementation of the integrated action plans. It reflected on the importance of continued stakeholder engagement and collaboration between municipalities, businesses, academia, and civil society as a crucial means of mobilizing resources and fostering innovation. Participants were reminded to treat IAPs as ‘living documents’ allowing for flexibility and continuous improvement based on real-world learnings.
Looking Ahead
The Larissa workshop underscored the importance of knowledge exchange, strategic funding, and data-driven decision-making in advancing the circular economy agenda. By leveraging best practices and fostering collaboration, cities across Europe can create more sustainable, resilient, and resource-efficient urban environments.
Keep an eye on the URBACT In4Green network as they continue to drive change and empower cities towards a greener future!
