DESIGNING URBAN COMMUNITIES OF TOMORROW
The negative impact of the linear economic system is most noticeable in urban areas: Cities currently consume 75 percent of the extracted natural resources, produce 50 percent of global waste, and emit between 60 and 80 percent of all greenhouse gases. The ultimate goal is the reduction of waste and the creation of a closed-loop system. That is why the majority of pilots for circular cities prioritize technical solutions and material flows. These projects model circularity in line with today’s market structures and a focus on business – societal aspects are often left aside.
However, societal aspects such as participation, social justice, and quality of life are indispensable if circularity as a model is to foster genuine and comprehensive sustainability. In other words: We must broaden the concept of circular urban economies to circular urban societies. We believe: Circular societies are the key to sustainable solutions for the numerous challenges cities face today and in the future.
The 2021 Hans Sauer Award “Circular Cities – Designing Urban Communities of Tomorrow” therefore focuses on the societal aspects of circularity. The Hans Sauer Foundation is searching for new ways of cross-sector co-operation to transform cities of today into circular societies of tomorrow. The competition is open to municipalities, non-public organizations and initiatives, academic institutions, start-ups, and civil society groups from all over Europe. Registration opens on October 1, 2020 and closes January 31, 2021.
Find more information and details about the call HERE.
