On 12 January 2016, ACR+, in cooperation with Zero Waste Europe and Zero Waste France, organised a conference which gathered 130 participants to discuss the transformation of the European Union into a low carbon economy, and more specifically the promotion of low-carbon solutions for material resources issues.

“Circular economy must be perceived as a driver which can stimulate sustainable production and consumption and through this ease the transition to a low carbon economy.” With these words Céline Fremault, Minister of Environment of the Region of Brussels Capital Region, opened the conference and highlighted the clear link between circular economy and climate change.

This position was backed by the presentation of a report commissioned by the three organisers to Eunomia, entitled “The Potential Contribution of Waste Management to a Low Carbon Economy“. Dominic Hogg, Eunomia chairman, gave a summary of 11 recommendations drawn from the report. “We need to be focusing on upper levels in the hierarchy because that is where the potential for GHG savings is”, he said. The ensuing lively discussion showed that even if certain details of the report are still being debated, everyone agrees on the main message.

After listening to the presentations of experiences from 2 ACR+ members (Brussels and Porto), the participants had the opportunity to listen to and exchange views with Julio Garcia Burgues (EU Commission – DG Environment), Tom Van Ierland (EU Commission – DG Climate Action) and Claire Roumet (Energy Cities). This panel debate proved the necessity for closer cooperation between the policy fields of circular economy, energy and climate.

All the presentations from the conference are available online.