Climate Smart Circularity – A Decision Making Framework

Designation Number:
CSA R119
Standard Type:
National Standard of Canada - Domestic
Standard Development Activity:
New Standard
ICS code(s):
03.100.70
13.020.20
Status:
NOI withdrawn
SDO Comment Period Start Date:
SDO Comment Period End Date:
Posted On:

Scope:

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.

Project need:

Note: This notice of intent was withdrawn by the responsible SDO on December 19, 2023. To support the advancement of circular economy practices across Canada that complement and are aligned with climate change mitigation objectives. This proposed New Standard is being developed at the request of businesses and municipalities. It will provide the industry with a climate smart decision making framework This will meet the strategic needs of the following key interests: a) Businesses seeking to transition to circular models by providing key guidance and recommendations to inform climate smart decisions b) Governments at all levels by providing a framework for maximizing the environmental benefits associated with circular economy practices

Note: The information provided above was obtained by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) and is provided as part of a centralized, transparent notification system for new standards development. The system allows SCC-accredited Standards Development Organizations (SDOs), and members of the public, to be informed of new work in Canadian standards development, and allows SCC-accredited SDOs to identify and resolve potential duplication of standards and effort.

Individual SDOs are responsible for the content and accuracy of the information presented here. The text is presented in the language in which it was provided to SCC.