Redesigning urban living: revamping construction, transportation, and energy consumption in circular cities

In a growing number of cities across Europe, a new vision is taking shape – the Circular City. This concept, rooted in the circular economy, aims to reduce waste, promote sustainability, and create a more resource-efficient urban environment.

Michael Kuchta, a renowned researcher in the field, is one of the key advocates for this movement. His work focuses on polymer recycling, bio-based solutions, and the recycling of rare metals. Kuchta encourages conscious consumption, suggesting that we should not buy too much and opt for monomaterials when purchasing new textiles. He believes that the idea of a resource-saving future should be celebrated, not necessarily the understanding of how the circular economy works.

One of the key features of Circular Cities is flexible and modular building construction. This approach allows apartments or offices to be expanded or reduced in size depending on the life phase of the residents. In these cities, nothing new would be added, except for classic consumer goods like food.

Urban areas, home to more than half of the world's population, produce more than half of the waste and are responsible for 70% of greenhouse gas emissions. The increase in renewable energies is expected to significantly reduce energy prices in the future, further contributing to the sustainability of these cities.

To combat the issue of microplastics and their impact on the environment, Circular Carbon, using plant charcoal, is being explored as a driver of the circular economy. Additionally, a recycled concrete has been developed for school construction projects, demonstrating the potential for waste reduction in urban areas.

The topic of the circular economy is also gaining traction in academic institutions. A new Maker Lab has been established in the Hamburg Central Library, focusing on innovation and the circular economy.

Michael Braungart, a visionary in the field, believes that everything needs to be reinvented for a circular economy. He advocates for a complete overhaul of our current production and consumption patterns.

Several European cities, including Hamburg, Vienna, Zurich, and Berlin, have initiated circular economy urban projects. These projects focus on modular building, reuse of building materials, and sustainable urban development, reflecting a growing but still niche movement within the EU. Comprehensive transformation efforts like the Wolf area in Switzerland are developing smart, sustainable city districts with over 40 pilot projects spanning buildings, mobility, and energy systems.

Kuchta is hopeful for a future where purchase decisions become intuitively ecological. He wishes for more enthusiasm for the circular economy, a future where we consume consciously, and where our cities are transformed into Circular Cities within 30 years.

Redesigning urban living: revamping construction, transportation, and energy consumption in circular cities