The transition to a circular economy is in full swing
In this new economic model, innovations are generated in quick succession. These include product, process and system innovations, across all fields. We seek to fulfil an active role in this transition, because we recognise the opportunities it offers. Opportunities to learn as we move forward, to innovate and add value. We can realise this added value in different ways and on different scale levels, with respect to our own business practices, the business environments we develop, and the shaping of our region.
Circular area development
SADC develops circular principles for everyday business practices aimed at preserving existing value and creating further value. For us and for our partners, it is a process of learn-as-you-go. We share our knowledge and experiences with the different communities and institutional parties involved in developing the circular economy, in order to stimulate innovations and remove obstacles.
From sustainable to circular development
We are moving beyond our current practice of sustainable development to focus on circular development. We differentiate five scale levels, required to accomplish our goals, and where we can exert varying degrees of influence, guidance and control:
- Our own business practices: embracing the principle of ‘practice what you preach’, in the coming year we will investigate how we can make our own business practices circular. We will determine what we can achieve in the short term and what in the longer term, for example, with a view to our current obligations.
- Areas: we are focusing on material reuse, minimally without loss of quality, closed recycling loops, using renewable energy, and stimulating diversification.
- Buildings: we encourage our partners and customers to build real estate according to circular principles.
- Businesses: we attempt to exert maximum influence on entrepreneurs to apply circular principles in their business practices. We do so, for example, by connecting them to companies that offer ‘circular service provision’, e.g. in the field of renewable energy.
- National and regional: applying our influence to remove obstacles to circular development embedded in laws and regulations. This pertains in particular to zoning plans and regulations regarding energy and water.