Strategy «Circular Zurich»
The strategy aims for the city administration, economy, science and the population to jointly implement the circular economy. The goal is to use resources intelligently, consume conscientiously and reduce environmental pollution. With the signing of the «Circular Cities Declaration», the circular economy strategy is also embedded internationally.
Three goals along the phases of the cycle
Design and production
In the cycle phases of design and production, the building site plays an important role: Zurich is already considered a pioneer in the use of recycled building materials. Circular building, such as component reuse, is to be promoted more strongly. There is also great potential in the design of recyclable products and materials. In this respect, being an important university hub and the location of innovative companies as well as a dynamic start-up scene, Zurich can make a valuable contribution.
Distribution, Consumption and Use
In the cycle phases of distribution, consumption and use, the potential lies particularly in strengthening local products and cycles as well as in optimised logistics. With regard to consumption and use, the need for action in the City of Zurich is especially large, due to its high per capita consumption. In order to stimulate the demand for more recyclable products and services, the promotion of inner loops (sharing, repairing, reusing and remanufacturing) is at the forefront. This offers companies a wide range of opportunities to develop new business models. If the citizens of Zurich integrate the strategies of the inner loops into their everyday consumption and use behaviour, this can result in a significant contribution to resource conservation.
Collection, Recycling and Raw Material Proces¬sing
Only at the point where a product can no longer be used, is it recycled to reuse its material. The collection, recycling and raw material processing phases of the cycle are already well developed through separate collections and the waste recycling infrastructure. There is still potential for improvement in a number of specific material flows, such as organic waste or plastics. In the future, additional and new products and materials will be recyclable, and the City of Zurich can play a role in their collection and recycling.
How Zurich intends to reach these goals
The City of Zurich cannot implement a circular economy on its own. An intelligent use of resources requires the cooperation of the city administration, the economy, science and the population. In order to achieve the goals, Zurich wants to actively focus on topics that promise the greatest impact. The city wants to be a role model and innovator.
We create knowledge and bring stakeholders together
Implementing the circular economy in Zurich will be a joint effort of the business community and the society. Platforms for cooperation are created and partnerships between science, business, administration and civil society actors initiated to create synergies and innovation across the different sectors and along the value chain.
We design spaces and create space
Circular economy concepts are taken up in the future spatial development of the city. They feature in urban development and planning instruments, besides playing a role in the real estate and financial management of the city’s own assets.
We set economic incentives
The City of Zurich provides financial support to promote innovation and the development of new services that advance the circular economy.
We create suitable framework conditions
The further development of existing laws and regulations will provide and maintain favourable conditions for the circular economy in Zurich. Where necessary, this is done in coordination with the canton and the federal government.
We buy and use in an exemplary manner
With its own purchasing and usage behaviour, the city administration can use an effective lever to stimulate the demand for circular products, buildings and services in Zurich.
Publication
The "Circular Zurich" strategy was developed under the joint responsibility of the Environmental and Health Protection Service Zurich (UGZ), Waste Management and Recycling Zurich (ERZ), Urban Development Zurich (STEZ) and the Zurich Office of Structural Engineering (AHB) under the lead of the UGZ. More than 30 internal and external experts were involved.