Did you know that cities consume more than 75% of all natural resources? Or that we’d have to build a city the size of Paris – every week – for the next 30 years to accommodate global population growth?

Transformational design, planning and engineering solutions are therefore critical to changing the processes and materials used in the built environment – with a mindset shift from traditional linear methodologies to system-scale circularity innovations.

At Sweco, we support clients in navigating (and in many cases leading) the green transition, with circular economy strategy consultancy from concept development to construction support. Supporting you with everything from feasibility surveys, risk assessments and material circulation along the value chain through to Capitals-led sustainability reporting – focusing on nature, social and other value creation beyond financial markers alone – our experts across various built environment disciplines will enhance end-to-end operations in a climate-responsible manner.

As part of the UN conference Stockholm+50 in June 2022, Sweco arranged a panel discussion with focus on circularity and how to address global challenges, such as climate change and resource scarcity, with the circular economy as a catalyst for transformative change in societies and economies around the world. 

Design for Circularity: the city as a shared space

Traditionally the development of buildings and plots is mostly undertaken within their geographical confines, with little attention to their neighbouring surroundings and wider conditions. Such an attitude limits the development potential of a site and the opportunities to generate enough critical mass for circular systems.

To create a circular environment, it is crucial to plan, design and build in a strategic way that supports society’s adaptation to a more circular lifestyle. Cities must work towards a circular area development strategy to encourage neighbourhoods to upscale their circular strategies and to incentivise behavioural changes.

Setting out basic circular design principles, promoting multi-use spaces and increasing sharing possibilities for a city’s mobility and work/life needs are therefore the first steps in transitioning to truly circular area development.

Shared mobility

In terms of mobility, a shared city can increase the added value of open spaces, making room for ecological and pedestrian structures. For example, car sharing means less production of new vehicles, less demand for parking spaces, less pollution and no need for oversized streets – thus promoting more healthy environments, room for shared gardens, water retention or whatever the city needs.

With shared mobility, you can develop cities that are centred around people’s needs and shared values rather than focusing on private vehicles and unsustainable mobility.

Shared living

Although co-living for the sake of circularity might sound like a big sacrifice, in reality it offers great opportunities around social, economic and environmental aspects for a diverse group of citizens.

A study of Dutch property development shows that 18% of the millennial target group was open to sharing facilities, a fairly substantial number. Those most opposed to sharing cited lack of privacy and having to create schedules and rules for sharing, reasons that can’t be avoided. The study also states that the people open to sharing are specifically open to sharing with family and friends. This underscores the need to create a cohesive social structure among new residents and foundation for collabo-ration before shared facilities are implemented.

Benefits of designing for circularity

1. Environmental

Smaller houses can promote more sustainable living, because less space = less materials = less energy use = less waste = less emissions.

1. Social

When the concept of shared living is implemented the right way, it can foster a strong sense of community which prevents loneliness and provides help when needed.

1. Economic

Sharing helps to cut expenses, since not everything needs to be purchased by individual households. And smaller houses are generally cheaper, offering underserved groups the potential to own their own comfortable and well-equipped home.

Sweco’s environmental, climate, ecology and carbon experts work across all sectors, providing all the services you require to truly make your company, development or services circular where possible. Browse our services below and contact us for a discussion or quote today.

UNSDG FOCUS:

Sustainability Goal 12: Ensure Sustainable Consumption And Production Patterns

Architects, civil, mechanical, electrical and environmental engineers can promote sustainable material choices in their projects. They can use materials that are environmentally friendly, such as recycled and biodegradable materials, and promote sustainable material sourcing practices.

Engineering innovations support resource management and responsible consumption through the circular economy where outputs and products can become inputs into other processes and products. Innovations to recycle or reuse waste materials, including plastics, are being developed by materials and chemical engineers. Architects and engineers can support education and awareness programs that promote responsible consumption and production. This includes promoting sustainable lifestyles, such as reducing energy consumption and waste, and educating communities on the benefits of sustainable design and construction practices.

Read our guide to this and other UNSDG goals