Towards a circular future: 'Together we can take steps and make meters'

Towards a circular future: 'Together we can take steps and make meters'

Sharing knowledge, learning from each other, developing new ideas but above all looking at changes with fresh eyes. That is the rationale behind the transition arenas, a new pilot program at three Limburg business parks. "We have to do it together, that is the main message I want to give everyone."

This article previously appeared on www.lwv.nl

Inevitable

"Let's start that the transition to circularity is inevitable," Sonja Demandt (Sustainability & Innovation Expertise Manager at LWV) begins her story. "We need to take action, and fast. But to actually take the necessary steps, we need the involvement of companies, governments, citizens, knowledge institutions, and even students. We need to look at this challenge from all facets. And that is exactly what transition arenas are for."

Transition Arenas

"You can think of our 'arena' as a temporary and dynamic learning network where co-production and co-creation are central. We look at opportunities and possibilities, but also at dilemmas and bottlenecks. It is important that entrepreneurs work together, across company boundaries. We need governments to accelerate, and we shouldn't forget the training bodies."

So in this learning network everyone comes together. In doing so, it is also intended that the "frontrunners," "fresh thinkers" and "cross-thinkers" will think along about solutions to today's complex circular issues. "Because of the amount of knowledge and different people coming together, you are often amazed that some solutions are more obvious than first thought," Sonja said.

Creating Space

But easy? It certainly isn't. "The whole transition circularity is very complicated. Even much more complicated than the energy transition, and we already find that very difficult. "But we really need to start looking at it differently," Sonja believes. "And we also have to think about whether what we're doing is still good, or whether it would be better to stop. This creates space again. Space that you can start organizing and using differently."

Small steps forward

On the one hand, transition arenas are about raising awareness; on the other, they help you shape things. "Circularity is not yet at the same level of attention as the energy transition, although the two are closely linked. Still, it's smart to include circularity directly in your sustainability efforts." Tip from Sonja: "Look at the long-term perspective, but try to translate that into concrete actions you can already take now. In small steps forward."

Other mindset

"With those small steps, we can create a big movement. This also causes our mindset to change. We have been programmed to think in a linear economy. Now suddenly we have to start looking at how we can do things differently to move to a circular economy. So basically, it's also a matter of reinventing ourselves."

Sustainable Change

"We are at the root of sustainable change. But we very much need each other to get the road to the future right again so that it is equitable for everyone. And that is exactly what this pilot program is about."

Sonja: "I always say: The new normal can only emerge when we tear down something old. This is the time to collaborate, experiment and activate the whole process, while at the same time exploring what we need to tear down. Only then will circularity have a chance!"

Stip on the horizon

"The moment we start doing everything together in Limburg, we can only really make a difference. This does mean that when you start looking at production processes, this has a huge impact. So the circle does become very complex. But if we get together, make the chains transparent and take the right decisions from that position, it will help us all move forward."

"Dot on the horizon is 2050. Now it's about determining what steps we can take to eventually get there together."

Stichting Duurzame Bedrijventerreinen

In 2019, the Sustainable Business Parks Foundation was established by Ondernemend Venlo, Limburg Employers Association, Municipality of Venlo and Rabobank Limburg. The goal: to demonstrate the added value of collective sustainability of business parks by the end of 2023, with a focus on energy transition and climate change. This includes the shift from fossil fuels to sustainable energy generation and exchange, as well as modifications to business parks to reduce heat stress and water nuisance and make the environment greener.