Prague’s journey towards circular economy

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The Czech Capital of Prague has recognized the potential of a circular economy and is constantly making efforts in improving itself in this field. Now, the city is closer and closer to reaching its goal of turning towards circularity.

In only three years, Prague has become a regional leader in circular innovation. This successful journey has been a result of many different factors. 

Circle Economy’s ‘Circle Scan‘ analyzed the material flows, GHG emissions, and value generation of Prague’s economy to set priorities and measure the scale of issues. This has helped the city to focus on things that matter and to make a faster transition towards circularity.

Circular economy has also been embedded into the daily decision-making processes of the city.

The city of Prague is becoming a thriving, healthy, and resilient city in which circular economy can work and provide the citizens of Prague with a more sustainable way of life. It also provides citizens with opportunities for innovations and businesses.

Many important steps have been made in the city which all make the goal of circularity possible. A circular city promotes the transition from a linear to a circular economy in an integrated way across all its functions in collaboration with citizens, businesses, and the research community, and the city is on a good way to becoming a city like this.

One of these important steps is a declaration to be a carbon-neutral city by 2050, while halving the CO2 emissions by 2030. These goals are very ambitious, but the city of Prague realizes that this cannot be achieved without fully grasping the concept of circular economy which is why it has been one of the top priorities.

Therefore, Prague is developing a circular procurement program and Prague’s Circular Economy Strategy 2030 is also being developed.

This strategy will be helpful because it will redefine goals and measures to reduce the total production of mixed municipal waste in the city by at least half by 2030 and thus contribute to reducing the amount and volume of all waste generated in the city.

The city constantly addresses urban challenges, supports nature and secures social benefits. These are all proofs that the city has placed the circular economy at the heart of its city planning and climate mitigation ambitions.

Furthermore, Prague also made some important steps like agreeing to support organic farming on land owned by the city, the introduction of city-wide biowaste collection, support for re-useage and the reduction of disposable plastics at the municipal level external events.

Multiple RE-USE centers have been opened throughout the city. These centers allow citizens to deposit furniture, toys, sports equipment, dishes, books, and other items which no longer serve them. This way, these objects are still going to be used by someone else, instead of going to waste.

Through the RE-USE project, Prague applies the principles of a circular economy. These centers also prevent the creation of waste and keep products in use. (photo credit: pikisuperstar/Freepik)