Written by Kritika Shenoy - Editor: Kata Krnács
There is a slow but noticeable change in the sustainability space worldwide. The time has come for people worldwide to realize that they must take responsibility for doing their part to support a greener economy and provide future generations the opportunity to live on a cleaner and healthier planet. Nordic countries have gone further in their efforts to adopt a circular and green economy.
A circular economy is one in which nature is replenished and materials never go to waste. Products and resources are kept in circulation in a circular economy through recycling, composting, remanufacturing, refurbishing, maintenance, and reuse. By separating economic activity from the use of limited resources By aiming to decouple economic growth from overexploitation of resources, the circular economy addresses climate change as well as other global issues, including pollution, waste, and biodiversity loss.
On average, humanity uses resources of approximately two Earths per year; the European resource use intensity equates to roughly three Earths should everybody consume as the Europeans. In the Nordic region, the level equates to four Earths per year, largely driven by consumption-rich lifestyles. A continuation of current consumption levels is likely to put many of Earth’s resources at risk of becoming scarce by the mid- to late 21st century with a surge in demand for many materials.
For Europe and the rest of the globe, climate change and environmental deterioration pose an existential threat. The European Green Deal seeks to make the EU a competitive, resource-efficient, and modern economy to address these issues.
"A crystal clear example of hedonistic sustainability – that a sustainable city is not only better for the environment – it is also more enjoyable for the lives of its citizens." - Bjarke Ingels, architect & Founder of BIG
Although there are many principles to be identified as a circular economy, it filters into 3 core principles:
Finding the most efficient ways to use resources at each step of a product's lifecycle is essential to creating a circular economy. Products are made keeping lifespan, sustainability, recyclability, and durability in mind. In contrast to the "Take-make-dispose" model, which uses products repeatedly, it employs a closed-loop system. Turning waste into an asset is something that the Nordic countries have embraced, keeping future generations in mind. Denmark’s CopenHill is one such astounding example which transforms waste collected into renewable energy while doubling as a recreational space, thus blending well-being with sustainability.
Waste management is the epicentre of employing circular principles in the Nordic countries. They aim at creating lease or take-back programs that allow items to be returned after usage, making sure they are recycled, reconditioned, or repurposed. It also enables a secondary market for materials or products, prolonging their useful life beyond first usage.
As part of Scandinavian sustainability practices, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture are 2 areas that the community emphasizes. To achieve a circular economy, not only is reducing negative impacts to the environment important but also focusing on regenerative practices to restore natural systems and encourage biodiversity. A great example here would be Denmark’s biogas plant, which converts organic waste into energy.
Compared to other countries, Sweden recovers the most energy from each tonne of garbage. Modern incinerators turn garbage into power and heat, supplying energy to millions of homes. In addition to minimizing landfill waste, this project provides communities with sustainable energy. Sweden leads the world in this area, with 99.3% of all domestic garbage being recycled or recovered as energy.
BIG opens the "cleanest waste-to-energy power plant in the world" in Copenhagen, Denmark, on top of which lies a year-round artificial ski slope.
Located on an industrial waterfront, CopenHill, also called Amager Bakke, is a power plant facility that can transform 440,000 tons of waste into renewable energy each year. It provides district heating to 140,000 dwellings and low-carbon electricity to 550,000 people in Denmark's capital region, with a power efficiency of 107%.
A circular transition is of paramount importance in Norway. The country has taken a number of steps to promote a sustainable and circular economy. According to reports, reorganizing business and industry can help the nation become 45.8% circular. In order to disentangle economic growth from the consumption of resources, the government has devised a plan that places a strong emphasis on sustainable production, product design, and consumption.
By offering useful resources and encouraging creativity among businesses and towns, entities like Circular Norway are spearheading the shift.
One can’t just expect the government or the authorities to take the initiative and solve the long-standing issue of a linear economy. Change starts from within; change starts at home. You, as an individual, can also contribute to gradually moving into the circular world and making it a better place for future generations.
Change is hard, but it is necessary and the need of the hour. By adopting these simple practices, you can actively contribute your bit to the economy - helping reduce waste, conserve resources and promote sustainable living. Even a tiny bit can make a significant impact. Always remember: 1 is always better than 0.
“Let’s try to move our economy from a linear past to a circular future.” - Espen Barth Eide (Chair of Nordic Council of Climate and Environment Ministers; Minister of Climate and the Environment Norway)
References
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (n.d.). Circular economy introduction: Overview. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview
Boston Consulting Group. (2021). Nordic circular economy: A pathway to sustainable growth and resilience. https://web-assets.bcg.com/99/54/a90c0e014125ae8cabaa9a886d00/nordic-circular-economy-a-pathway-to-sustainable-growth-and-resilience-pdf.pdf
Inogen Alliance. (2023). Core principles of the circular economy. https://www.inogenalliance.com/blog-post/core-principles-circular-economy
Smart City Sweden. (n.d.). Waste to energy. https://smartcitysweden.com/focus-areas/energy/waste-to-energy/
Dezeen. (2019, October 8). BIG completes CopenHill power plant with ski slope in Copenhagen. https://www.dezeen.com/2019/10/08/big-copenhill-power-plant-ski-slope-copenhagen/
Ramboll. (n.d.). State-of-the-art waste-to-energy facility in Copenhagen. https://www.ramboll.com/projects/energy/state-of-the-art-waste-to-energy-facility-in-copenhagen
Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment. (2020). Strategy for developing a green, circular economy in Norway. https://www.regjeringen.no/contentassets/a116f209e493471bb26c81cf645152a3/kld_strategi_sirkularokonomi_sammendrag_eng_0507.pdf
Circular Norway. (2014). Knowledge hub: Circular economy. https://knowledge-hub.circleeconomy.com/default_collection_domain/organization/2014?n=Circular-Norway