Technical Session | Circular Economy
Presented by: RECYC-QUÉBEC- Circular Economy: Move from Concept to Action!
How can we ensure a green and fair economic revitalization? Circular Economy holds part of the answer, as this new economic model simultaneously reduces pressure on resources, increases GDP, creates local jobs and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It is defined as a production, exchange and consumption system aiming at optimizing resource use at every stage of the life cycle of a product or service through a circular approach, to reduce our environmental footprint and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities (Pôle québécois de concertation sur l'économie circulaire). Circular Economy is a priority for RECYC-QUÉBEC and was integrated into its mission five years ago. Since then, several initiatives have been implemented: events, financial aid, partnerships, dialogues with stakeholders, etc. This presentation will allow you to learn more about these different initiatives and their impact.
– Potential of the Circular Economy for Reducing Québec’s Industrial GHG Emissions
The research project on the potential of the circular economy to reduce greenhouse gases from Quebec industrial emitters was launched in 2018. In a first phase, the researchers mapped industrial GHG emissions in Quebec (report available here: https://cutt.ly/ZffF6w4). A second phase, which was completed in the last few months, presented the analysis of GHG reduction potential from a circular economy perspective. The research team focused on industrial emissions from three sectors: steel, aluminum, and cement. A modeling of GHG reductions was carried out by coupling a material flow analysis to a life cycle analysis (MFA-LCA). The circular strategies analyzed are: (1) the optimization of operations, (2) the development of industrial synergies, (3) the increase of recycling rates and (4) the optimization of the use of products. The project demonstrates the importance of the circular economy in reducing Quebec industries’ carbon footprint. The project also made it possible to develop a methodology that can be replicated across all business sectors.
Research/Study carried out with the cooperation of: Hugo Guerche, HEC Flavien Binet, Polytechnique Montréal / CIRAIG Julien Pedneault, Polytechnique Montréal / CIRAIG Jean-Marc Frayret, Polytechnique Montréal & Manuele Margni, Polytechnique Montréal / CIRAIG Daniel Normandin, Institut EDDEC François Saunier, Polytechnique Montréal / CIRAIG Luc Beaudoin, Hydro-Québec / Johanne Whitmore, HEC Pascal Lemoine / CTTÉI Alexandre Labelle, Polytechnique Montréal.
– The Canadian Circular Cities and Regions Network: Fostering the Role of Local Governments in Catalyzing the Shift towards a Circular Economy
In 2020, the FCM, NZWC and RCA launched the Canadian Circular Cities and Regions Network (CCCRN) to build capacity within the Canadian local government sector, as well as to equip local governments with the knowledge, tools, and research needed to accelerate local circular economy approaches within their jurisdictions. Research has demonstrated that there are a number of ways that local governments are able to support circular economy activities in addition to traditional waste management. Four key intervention points have been identified: (1) research and education, (2) support and collaboration, (3) procurement and operations, and (4) planning and regulation. Early leadership, innovation and collaboration is currently underway within the Canadian context. However, there is potential to further scale up circular economy action in Canada by leveraging local governments as key partners and enablers of community and business action. The CCCRN supports knowledge sharing, capacity building and action with a cohort of local governments across Canada. Learn about this national initiative and discover how municipalities are implementing circular approaches to their activities.
Research/Study carried out with the cooperation of: National Zero Waste Council and the Alberta Recycling Council
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