Peterborough has been invited to join New York, Rio-de Janeiro and Copenhagen in a knowledge exchange platform to explore new ways of thinking about city resources such as materials, energy, land use and water.
The Circular Cities Network, launched by The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, challenges city leaders across the world to rethink the way our current urban systems operate and to build cities in a way that ensures long-term prosperity, resource sufficiency, economic viability and human well-being.
Opportunity Peterborough, the city’s economic development company, and Peterborough City Council have already received international recognition for their work in this arena, being named World Smart City 2015.
Steve Bowyer, Chief Executive of Opportunity Peterborough, said “In Peterborough we are always looking at ways to secure a better and more sustainable future for the citizens of our city. Historically cities adopt a linear economy, based on a ‘take, make and dispose’ approach, relying on cheap easily accessible materials and energy – resources which are limited and fast declining.
“Peterborough announced its vision to become the UK’s first circular city by adopting a circular economy by 2050. In simple terms this means keeping products, components and materials at their highest utility and value at all times.”
An initial cohort of representatives from eight cities – Austin, Copenhagen, London, Ljubljana, New York City, Peterborough, Phoenix and Rio de Janeiro – will foster an active dialogue, showcasing the ideas of leading academic thinkers and practitioners from cities around the world. The first meeting of this international delegation took place last week.
To find out more about the circular city visit http://www.peterboroughdna.com/circular-economy/