Environment for Europeans : Circular economy – saving resources, creating jobs Green Week supplement 2014

Green Week 2014, Europe’s largest environment conference, held in Brussels in the first week of June, was about the ‘Circular economy – saving resources, creating jobs’. More than 3000 participants, including policy-makers, scientists and stakeholders from business and civil society, took part in wide-ranging debates on policy frameworks, business models, green jobs, eco-innovation and many other facets of the circular economy. European Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potočnik set the scene, noting: “Europe’s competitiveness will be determined by its ability to use resources efficiently and there will be no place for waste. We need to move away from our throwaway culture and switch to a more circular model, cutting waste and turning it into a resource.” Green Week debate and discussion demonstrated the benefits of a circular economy, but also showed that to succeed, the required transition from a linear to a circular economy would need all stakeholders on board. This means policy-makers too – listening and learning from examples and experience, ensuring a consistent and objective approach. Looking back on the week, Commissioner Potočnik told participants that he felt optimistic about a switch to the circular economy: “I know it can happen, I know it will happen, I know it is inevitable – and after seeing so many bright ideas, and so much willingness to confront change, I am starting to sense some reassurance that we can do it before we are forced to do it.” The aim of the EU’s 7th Environment Action Programme is “Living well, within the limits of our Planet”. This supplement of Environment for Europeans magazine spotlights the various debates during Green Week on how to achieve this – and showcases some of the stakeholders in the exhibition area. We hope you enjoy this special edition