The physical limitations of the planet also indicate the physical limitations of natural resources. If humanity continues with the same production and consumption trends, it will need almost three planets to meet its needs in 2050. Which we don't have. Our task is therefore to focus all our efforts on creating economic development and a higher quality of life by reducing and reusing natural resources.

What is circular economy?

The underlying idea of a circular economy is to maintain value in the production and consumption cycle for as long as possible. However, in contrast to a linear economy where the »take-make-dispose« model is applied, the value chains in a circular economy are designed to make the most of the resources, focussing on careful and rational use. The new circular economy models revolve around reuse, repair, refurbishment and sharing, maximizing the efficiency of (re)used resources, which is underpinned by the proper design and crafting of services and products, as well as circular processes driving production and consumption. This means a transition from waste management to resource management, with the ultimate goal being »zero waste«. Acting within planetary boundaries, City of Ljubljana’s aim is the well-being of all people, by integrating economic, environmental and social aspects.

Through implementing practices related to a circular economy, Ljubljana’s aim is to reduce its carbon footprint, i.e. to reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions and in turn help reduce the pollution of our planet. The circular economy is not a new concept - it is a way of living that our grandmothers and grandfathers knew, which we neglected and abandoned with the boom in production and consumption.

Cities and regions, circular frontrunners

Cities and regions are cradles of innovation and socio-economic transformation with enormous potential to lead the transition to a circular economy. They manage many key sectors such as spatial planning, mobility and waste management. Today, as much as 75% of Europeans live in urban areas, and cities globally consume 75% of natural resources, produce 50% of all waste and 60-80% of greenhouse gas emissions.
The title Green Capital of Europe (2016), organization of the Eurocities conference (2017), membership in the CE100 program of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, cooperation with EUROCITIES, ICLEI, OECD and many other international activities and projects confirm the recognition of Ljubljana as a green, circularly oriented European capital.