Climate Smart Circularity – A Decision Making Framework

There is currently a lack of awareness and understanding amongst organizations regarding the difference in environmental impact (ranging from net positive to net negative) that might result from different circular material flow options. Not all circular flows reduce GHG emissions. As recently demonstrated by research, factors such as geographical scale and transportation requirements, resource use intensity (eg: water, energy) of upcycling/recycling/reprocessing activities, the GHG intensity of the energy source used, and the quality of the materials generated from waste streams, can greatly influence the overall environmental impact of a circular model.

To help organizations navigate the complexities of adopting circular business models, this standard will provide a clear decision-making protocol that makes use of a systems thinking approach, and will identify and recommend the best approaches and most important considerations that should taken into account when implementing circular material flows. This would enable businesses and governments to incorporate systems wide considerations within their circularity strategies, taking into account a variety of logistical, environmental and process related factors that can influence the overall outcomes of their decisions. Such approaches and best practices would complement and also include recommendations for Life Cycle Assessment studies.