Conference tracks
(1) Space: Built Environment and Urban Design
For a long time, the disciplines of planning and architecture were predominantly understood as linear processes. Planning was associated with growth, building and designing spaces. This goes hand in hand with resource consumption, land use and sealing. In Germany, settlement and transport areas increased by an average of 52 hectares between 2016 and 2019 (DeStatis 2021). This corresponds to the sealing of 52 football pitches per day. Similar trends can also be seen in the EU: between 2000 and 2018, “eleven times more land was newly developed than re-cultivated within the EU” (Marquard et al 2020). As part of the Sustainable Development Strategy, e.g. the German government aims to reduce the average daily increase to 30 hectares by 2030 (DeStatis 2021). By 2050, the goal is toachieve no net additional land use for settlement and transport purposes (ibid.).
Therefore, we focus in Track 1 on the built environment and the construction sector, which is highly connected to the extraction of raw materials, transport and the production of building materials. Resources such as sand, gravel and cement, for example, are required for the production of concrete, an important building material for the construction industry. In 2021, the German construction industry caused greenhouse gases amounting to around 4.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents (Statista 2024). Climate change, extreme weather situations, such as floods or hot summers, emphasise the need for a shift towards sustainable and resource-saving planning. Given the challenges we face due to climate change, new ways must be found to ensure responsible consumption and production in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs; here Goal 12: https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12). Circular design and planning is one approach that addresses this issue. Such approaches are already finding favour in practice. Pioneering and niche projects in the construction sector are being developed to enable a shift from linear to circular planning in construction and design (https://www.circular-city-challenge.com).
On a larger scale and in practice, based on an initial study the city of Amsterdam has already developed an "Implementation Agenda for a Circular Amsterdam 2023-2026". In recent decades, the planning discourse has shifted from top-down planning to co-production. Planning is still seen as a linear process with a starting point and an end point that represents the final result, e.g. a building, a park or a public space. On the other hand, strategies and visions can already include long-term and circular aspects. Structural changes such as the coal exit or the demographic change associated with shrinking cities or, on the contrary, the need for redensification show that regions, cities and thus also the built environment must constantly adapt and retrofit to new circumstances. Therefore, planners' awareness and planning paradigms must change in order to support new approaches towards a circular city.
(2) Links: Mobility, Economy and Energy
Regions and cities are logistic and mobility hubs (of the future). They need to bundle various (infrastructure) services and integrate circular solutions to offer and expand existing structures (https://www.circular-city-challenge.com). In this Track 2 we refer to circular mobility systems that are accessible, affordable, effective, flexible and clean. They reduce air pollution and congestion in cities and regions, e.g. through multi-modal mobility structures that combine shared, on-demand, electric powered and automated solutions in public transport. Furthermore, they can help to convert excessive road infrastructure into attractive spaces for citizens, e.g. green space (https://www.circularcityfundingguide.eu/circular-sector/mobility/). Therefore, it is important to develop collaborations not only with economic but also with social actors. In addition, the (local) offers and producers need to work together on synergies and solutions to develop circular economy, e.g. through sustainable waste management or the use of local resources. But, other actors like municipalities can play a big role as well. They can promote the reduction of vacancies and land sealing as well as better use of existing capacities – including vertical capacities, residuals and resources. Especially, the local level can be important to include local knowledge in transformation processes. There is an increasing citizens' awareness of CO2 reduction through circular energy concepts. With the help of incentives sustainable energy production and conservation measures can be developed in cooperation and implemented, e.g. renewable power solutions, green facades and roofs, PV systems, etc. (https://www.circular-city-challenge.com).
(3) Communities: Societies, Culture and Participation
This track serves as a focal point for a nuanced exploration of the intersection between circularity and the vital components of vibrant societies – their communities. Delve into the societal transformations catalysed by circular urban planning and design, in line with the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs; here target 12). This segment explores the profound impacts circular initiatives exert on lifestyles, social structures, and the overall well-being of communities.
Witness the harmonious integration of cultural elements within circularity frameworks as the session delves into the symbiotic relationship between cultural diversity and the development of circular cities and regions, ensuring authenticity and resonance with the unique identities of the communities they serve. Highlighting the pivotal role of community engagement and participation in the co-creation of circular initiatives, the session invites exploration of successful models where citizens, businesses, and local communities actively contribute to the planning and implementation of circular strategies, fostering a sense of shared ownership and inclusivity. Engage in discussions about strategies to ensure that circular practices actively contribute to building socially inclusive and innovative communities. Address challenges related to equity, accessibility, and social cohesion, tailoring approaches to meet the diverse needs and wishes of communities across different scales. Immerse yourself in real-world case studies and exemplary practices where communities have been catalysts for driving circular initiatives. Learn from the lessons derived and identify replicable modelsadaptable to diverse urban and regional contexts.
This session provides an enriching platform for scholars, practitioners, and community leaders to engage in thought-provoking discussions, share insights, and collaboratively shape the future of circular cities and regions with a specific lens on communities. Active participation, the exchange of expertise, and involvement in this essential dialogue are invited to contribute to the building of sustainable, socially inclusive, innovative and circular communities.
(4) Recycling: Waste Management, Nutrition and Food
Within the scope of the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs; here target 12) the European Union (EU) aims to halving food waste by 2030. To implement this global goal and also the National Strategy for Food Waste Reduction, technological innovations are necessary to improve existing waste management systems. But in order to achieve these goals it must be clear that circular systems are more than improved waste management technologies. At least as important as new technologies, is the integration of and cooperation between various actors and at various levels to promote circular models of production and consumption (SCALIBUR Project 2022).
In Track 4 we focus on ideas and strategies to create and implement circular waste management systems; for example, the six identified intervention types to reduce consumer food waste by the European Consumer Food Waste Forum (ECFWF) - a pilot project involving experts from diverse backgrounds (Candeal et al. 2023). These strategies now have to be disseminated among and supported by all relevant actors, such as industry, economy and society as well as local initiatives and citizens. The three Rs of reducing, reusing and recycling have to become integral part of their everyday life (Wilts 2016: 6). Sustainable sourcing and regional sales channels benefit the environment and society equally. Apart from these ecological and social benefits, there are availability and economic benefits resulting from circular waste management and food systems. Some topics in this field can be: consumption of regional food to reduce long transport distances, healthy and regional eating in public facilities and canteens, shared consumption ideas, use of repair services, exchange points for citizens, uniform reusable strategies in gastronomy on a local level, etc. (https://www.circular-city-challenge.com).
