scholarly journals Circular economy and sustainable development in the EU — some aspects and trends

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-11
Author(s):  
Kliment Naydenov ◽  
Dimitar Atanasov
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Infrastructure Policy ◽  
Strategic Goals ◽  
Business Structures ◽  
Regional Authorities ◽  
Traditional Economy ◽  
The Eu

The main objective of the present study is to prove that the implementation of the circular economy within sustainable development allows the creation of conditions for future development and helps to make informed decisions for the implementation of the strategic goals for development of the Cohesion policy and the circular economy are not only a matter of infrastructure policy, but also of social cohesion and solidarity. They provide answers to the challenges facing local and regional communities about ways to tackle the most important climate problems. In the article are used primary data and secondary sources and the use of both, which is termed triangulation, or dual methodology. Primary data, which we used, is the data collected by us, i.e. interview, observation, questionnaires. Secondary sources used in the article are data that already exists — previous research, official statistics, mass media products, government reports, web information, historical data and information. The results of the survey will prove that, in the context of circular economy implying the adaptation of sustainable development to the requirements of the competitive international and EU market, circular economy is the most adequate instrument that can consolidate the efforts of the regional authorities, business structures, public organizations and others in addressing the problems of transformation of traditional economy in new EU economy related to nature safety.

Sustainable development and the circular economy in Greece: case examples from Costa Navarino and Grecotel

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 609-621
Author(s):  
Justin Darayus Khodaiji ◽  
Dimitra Christopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Development Goals

Purpose This paper aims to identify and analyse sustainable development in the Greek hospitality industry. Drawing on an evaluation of two leading hotel groups in Greece, TEMES S.A. and Grecotel Hotels and Resorts and their respective landmark hotels Costa Navarino and Grecotel (Lux Me) Rhodos, the authors focussed on the role that the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have played in the industry and in a country heavily reliant on its tourism industry. Additionally, this paper examines and assesses the concepts of the triple bottom line and the circular economy and suggests practical approaches by which hotels may achieve sustainability. The recommendation relies on the belief that the two concepts are interconnected in tackling and achieving a successful vision of the future of sustainability through until 2030. Design/methodology/approach The case study focus with regard to the two hotel groups relied heavily on their respective 2018 sustainability reports. Additionally, further secondary research was conducted via several journal databases from 2013 to 2020. Third-party sites were also leveraged including the UN and Forbes. Findings It is evident that hotel companies often highlight their sustainability programmes online so that they are accessible to consumers and other stakeholders – including investors. This enables companies to create and close business loops in innovative ways. Their actions on sustainable development help the local economy and in turn help the country. This paper showcases examples of two leading Greek hotel groups, TEMES and Grecotel already working towards a more sustainable operating future. Originality/value In spite of research that was limited to secondary sources, the topic of sustainability in Greece is of great value as it is yet to be fully explored. This paper does yield some practical insights that will be of interest to the industry as to how to use the UN’s SDGs as pathway drivers for a successful circular economy.

scholarly journals Eco-innovations for a circular economy: the EU countries rankings

2021 ◽  
Vol 114 ◽  
pp. 01012
Author(s):  
Konstantin G. Gomonov
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Eu Countries ◽  
Catching Up ◽  
The Eu

This article reveals the importance of implementing eco-innovation for the circular economy and sustainable development. The author provides different approaches to measuring the level of development of eco-innovation in the countries of the European Union. The two main indices for measuring eco-innovation are revealed in more detail. Described the pillars of each of the indices. Clustering of EU countries was carried out using the k-means method and groups of countries were identified by the level of implementation of eco-innovation. The clear leaders are Denmark, Sweden. Bulgaria, Cyprus, Poland are catching-up countries.

scholarly journals Circular Economy and Environmental Sustainability: A Policy Coherence Analysis of Current Italian Subsidies

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 8150
Author(s):  
Andrea Molocchi
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Large Set ◽  
Policy Coherence ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Development Approach ◽  
The Eu

Policy instruments for a circular economy and for environmental protection both aim at sustainable development, but do not necessarily share the same goals. The purpose of the paper is to assess the coherence with the EU-recognized circular economy principles of a large set of subsidies currently in force in Italy: those listed in the Italian Catalogue of Environmentally Harmful Subsidies and Environmentally Friendly Subsidies. The method is inspired by the OECD’s “Checklist” method and “Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development” approach recommended by the UN 2030 Agenda, which can be usefully applied to all policy instruments, including subsidies and green budgeting. The analysis allows one to identify as many as 56 potentially harmful subsidies for the circular economy in Italy, for a financial value of at least 13.5 billion euros in 2019, and 75 potentially friendly subsidies for the circular economy, for at least 13.0 billion euros. A total of 25% of subsidy schemes analyzed with a circular economy perspective have contradictory effects when compared to the Catalogue’s results obtained with an environmental perspective. The results of the study underline the importance of coordination between environmental and circular economy policies in achieving sustainable development goals. The analysis can be considered a “pilot study” on a national case; its method can be easily replicated by administrations also in ex-ante evaluation of new subsidy schemes.

scholarly journals Circular economy versus planetary limits: a Slovak forestry sector case study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Beckmann ◽  
Uthayasankar Sivarajah ◽  
Zahir Irani
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Forest Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Forestry Sector

PurposeCircular economy is presented as an approach to economic growth that is in line with sustainable development. However, the recent literature has highlighted the limits of the concept in terms of environmental sustainability. The study examines the relationship between circular economy and conservation of ecosystems, using a case study on the implications of a circular economy for Slovak forests and forest sector.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a qualitative methodology through a focused review of the relevant literature on circular economy and sustainable development and primary data gathered through semi-structured interviews with 15 experts and practitioners in the forest sector, forest conservation and circular economy context, both from within as well as outside of Slovakia.FindingsThe study finds that the forestry sector has an important role to play in a shift to a circular economy in Slovakia, with significant opportunities for improved efficiency as well as substitution of wood for non-renewable resources. There is also growing potential for ecosystem stewardship and restoration. However, the increased application of biomass could crowd out other needs, including for biodiversity. Safeguarding these services depends ultimately on good governance.Originality/valueThe study highlights that circular economy taken in a narrow focus on resource efficiency is insufficient to ensure environmental sustainability but rather needs to be set within the broader environmental and social context.

scholarly journals Towards a Sustainable Future? The EU Policies Concerning Plastics and Their Didactical Potential for Primary and Secondary Teaching

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-62
Author(s):  
Ulrich Kerscher
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Education For Sustainable Development ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Marine Litter ◽  
Sustainable Future ◽  
The Eu

Abstract Plastic, plastic waste and marine litter indisputably is one of the key environmental issues of the 21st century. The already existing amount of accumulated marine litter, the high quantity of plastic waste escaping from waste management streams every year in combination with the low recycling rates for plastic and the missing awareness of the consumer for sustainable consumption pose a permanent threat to the ecosystem, biodiversity and human health. What is more, as economic and ecological interests strongly deviate from each other, the transformation of this status quo towards a more sustainable future will take place very slowly. Against this background, this paper will shortly outline the multitude of problems connected to plastic products throughout a productís lifecycle and introduce the idea of a circular economy. On this basis, the paper will critically analyze the strategy papers and the ongoing legislation of the EU introduced to solve these problems and to realize the transformation process of the EU-economy towards a circular economy from a sustainable development point of view. On the one hand, awareness raising is one main strategy of the EU to achieve this transformation, on the other hand, educational institutions are not specifically mentioned by the EU. In order to address this shortcoming, the paper will constitute the teaching principle global development politics / education for sustainable development as one measure to increase consumersí awareness and sustainable consumption. In general, this paper will proof that the topical area plastics can fruitfully be implemented at German schools for primary and secondary education in order to strengthen the education for sustainable development.

scholarly journals From the circular economy to the sustainable development goals in the European Union: an empirical comparison

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Miguel Rodríguez-Antón ◽  
Luis Rubio-Andrada ◽  
María Soledad Celemín-Pedroche ◽  
Soraya María Ruíz-Peñalver
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Eu

AbstractThe European Union (EU) is trying to accelerate the transition from the current linear economy to a circular economy (CE). In fact, the CE is considered a tool to attain sustainable development goals (SDGs). In this sense, this paper aims at analysing the interaction between the CE and SDGs in the context of the new 2030 Agenda and the European CE strategy; thus contributing to the scarce empirical literature that links the potential of the European CE strategy to the achievement of the SDGs set by the 2030 Agenda. Three specific research questions have been formulated. First, could the objectives defined in the 2030 Agenda be considered homogeneous, and could they uniquely measure the concept of sustainability? Second, are there significant correlations between the implementation of a CE in the EU and the SDGs? Finally, is the behaviour of the 28 countries that make up the EU homogeneous in terms of the results of the initiatives aimed at the implementation of a CE? From these questions, nine hypotheses are put forward concerning the possible relationships between a CE implementation and the fulfilment of SDGs in the EU. Using a correlation analysis, an exploratory factor analysis, and a cluster analysis, it has been demonstrated that (a) SDGs do not univocally measure the concept of sustainability; (b) there are significant relationships between CE and SDGs in the EU; (c) the behaviour of these European countries is not homogeneous.

Strategic guidelines for the development of bioenergy potential of agricultural enterprises in the transition to a circular economy

2019 ◽  
pp. 144-151
Author(s):  
Ihor Yatsiv ◽  
Mykhaylo Stupen ◽  
Nadiya Pylypiv ◽  
Diana Shelenko
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Agricultural Waste ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Strategic Orientations ◽  
Circular Model ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Strategic Goals

Given the limited volume of natural resources and the trend towards population growth, the existing linear model of take-use-recycling economy needs rethinking. The idea that underlies the circular model of the economy, according to which goods of today are to become resources of tomorrow, is becoming increasingly relevant. Under these conditions, the agricultural sector must, first of all, ensuring food security, intensify the production of biomass as a renewable source of energy, since bioresources and biomass make up the highest share in agriculture. The article summarizes and proposes the strategic goals and guidelines for the development of the bioenergy component of agriculture. In Ukraine, a significant amount of biomass is produced annually, which is not used efficiently. Instead of addressing the needs of the energy sector, the lion’s share of waste is recovered through incineration, which in itself causes significant damage to the environment in general and the economy in particular. It has been researched that the potential of bioenergy largely depends on the geographical distribution and availability of existing waste and by-products on the one hand, and on the overall strategic orientations of the sector’s development on the other. The article analyzes the strategic goals of the rational use of agricultural waste for bioenergy production, which would certainly be economically viable and contribute to the sustainable development of the state’s economy. Strategic guidelines that are formulated in terms of the requirements and constraints of the circular economy are also offered. They are: 1) Use biomass that is obtained only on the basis of the principle of sustainability; 2) Promote the use of research, development and innovation at various stages; 3) Adhere to the principles of optimal use of bioresources; 4) Transformation of business models of players in the bioenergy market. Successful implementation of the circular business model in the agricultural sector must take into account the interests of all market participants, based on the principle of sustainable development. At the stage of transformation from a linear to a circular economy, the agricultural sector needs to change its existing business models in order to increase its innovation component, improve its logistics processes, develop a strategy for realizing its existing bioenergy potential and sustainable economic development in general. It should be understood that the benefits expected from the bioenergy sector are only possible in the long run.

scholarly journals Development of Circular Economy Concept: Historical Background

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 120-129
Author(s):  
Yuliia Maksymiv ◽  
Valentyna Yakubiv ◽  
Iryna Hryhoruk ◽  
Viktoriia Kravtsiv
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Historical Background ◽  
Economic Science ◽  
Scientific Papers ◽  
Business Structures ◽  
Basic Approaches ◽  
The 1960S

Nowadays, sharp economic growth has increasingly depended on utilizing different resources causing environmental issues and hindering sustainable development. Consequently, governments of developed countries, the public sector, representatives of business structures, and scientists look at the circular economy as a way to support achieving sustainable development goals.  The article aims at researching the historical background of the development of circular economy, analyzing the basic approaches and their possible usage for spreading this concept in developing countries, such as Ukraine. It is mentioned that the concept of circular economy cannot be traced back to a single author or date when it appeared. The concept of circular economy was inspired by several schools of thought with overlapping approaches, which demonstrates the relevance of distinguishing evolutionary phases and framings of a concept. The article presents a historical overview of the development of the concept of circular economy since the 1960s. The stages of adoption of regulations in the EU in the field of promoting the transition to a circular economy are highlighted, key milestones and key actions that actively began in 2015 and continue to this day, are described. This positive experience should be taken as a basis in developing countries, where the circular economy is in its infancy. The article also analyzes the highly cited scientific papers in the Scopus Scientometric Database and the basic definitions of the concept of "circular economy".  Our findings indicate that the circular economy necessitates a systemic shift in the state policy of Ukraine, as well as economic science, and it should be aimed at developing a clear strategy and improving basic regulations in this area to increase the social responsibility of both businesses and local communities. The growth of a circular economy will benefit everyone within the limits of this planet.

Energy policy and the energy market in the EU states: a retrospective view

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-145
Author(s):  
Janusz Soboń ◽  
Stepanov Alexander Annarovich Annarovich ◽  
Savina Margarita Vitalievna ◽  
Mikhail Rybin
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Energy Policy ◽  
Driving Force ◽  
Energy Supply ◽  
Energy Market ◽  
Retrospective View ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Strategic Goals ◽  
Near Term ◽  
The Eu

The aim of the article is to present the most important goals in energy policy to be achieved in the near term in the context of sustainable development. The starting point for the analysis is the assessment of the condition of the energy sector, as goals and tasks result from a number of circumstances and conditions of the energy supply sector. The strategic goals of climate and energy policies presented in the study show the necessary challenges for the implementation of sustainable development within the analyzed sector, which is the driving force world economies.

scholarly journals Implementation of circular economy on the basis of European experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (2) ◽  
pp. 280-289
Author(s):  
Natalia Horbal ◽  
◽  
M. Mazuryk ◽  
Oleh Mykytyn ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Eu

Accelerated population growth, depletion of natural resources, excessive pollution of the environment, which threatens the existence of mankind, was a prerequisite for the emergence of the concept of circular economy and the principles of sustainable development, ie doing business without harm to the environment. The model of circular (circular) economy is aimed at energy saving, regenerative environmentally friendly consumption and production. The article presents the results of the study of the concept of circular economy and the benefits of its implementation based on the experience of the European Union - a global leader in this field. The main goals, priorities and measures of the EU in the implementation of the circular economy are revealed. The basic principles of the circular economy are highlighted, examples of successful use of its business models are given. The two most acute global problems that can be solved only by a closed-loop economy are identified, and forecasts of the results of its global use are given. Closed-loop economics is a concept of resource management that is rapidly gaining global popularity and is recognized in the scientific literature as one of the key drivers for achieving objectives of the Paris Agreement. 30 years have passed since the first mention of the "circularity" of the economy, however only after its official introduction in the EU its popularity has grown rapidly, and world leaders have gradually been realizing its importance for achieving sustainable development. Climate change and depletion of natural resources are the visible negative processes that require the implementation of a circular economy. At the same time, society itself must change – from the choice of raw materials, product development methods and new concepts of service to the widespread use of by-products of one industry as complete raw materials for another. This requires the training of relevant specialists, whose professional activity will be the circular economy.To date, the most significant results in the transition to a circular economy are demonstrated by the European Union (EU), where the European Resource Efficiency Platform, which brings together EU countries, aims to ensure the transition to a circular economy based on reuse and high-quality recycling. Circular economy is a new trend that is seen as an important area of structural reform and aims to raise awareness of the real environmental, energy and socio-economic situation of the world by identifying ideological options for a better understanding of the dilemma of economic growth vs. the environment, optimal ways and more effective tools for solving problems, faced by society. The goal of the circular economy is to ensure, in line with the global CSWs, a shift towards sustainable production and consumption while integrating environmental issues into the adoption process solutions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document