Can Cities Really Become Circular and How Are They Doing It?

Cities consume more than two-thirds of the world’s energy and emit over 70% of greenhouse gases. Faced with this reality, they are seeking to reduce their impact by adopting strategies inspired by the circular economy. This approach aims to limit waste by reusing, recycling, and optimizing resources rather than discarding them after use. However, there is no single way to make a city circular. An analysis of 26 metropolises around the world reveals that each city adapts this transition according to its needs and resources.

Some cities focus on a few key sectors to initiate change. For example, they target construction and public procurement, two areas where environmental gains can be rapid and visible. They rely on concrete actions such as building renovation, the creation of material exchange platforms, or training residents in new practices. These initiatives, often driven by local stakeholders and communities, aim to set an example and encourage the adoption of more sustainable behaviors.

Other cities adopt a more ambitious approach by transforming multiple sectors simultaneously. They innovate in food, waste management, mobility, and energy by developing technological solutions or supporting research. Their goal is to fundamentally rethink urban functioning, relying on partnerships with businesses, universities, and citizens. These cities seek to become models by testing new ideas and sharing them with other regions.

A third category of cities prioritizes collaboration between public and private actors to evolve traditional sectors. They gradually improve waste management, construction, or food systems by promoting reuse and recycling. Their strength lies in their ability to bring together different partners around common goals, even if their actions are sometimes limited by budgetary or regulatory constraints.

Finally, some cities simply adjust existing practices without disrupting their habits. They mainly act in construction and food by promoting principles such as waste reduction or material reuse. Their actions may be less spectacular, but they allow for steady progress toward a more sustainable economy.

The choice of strategy often depends on political support, available financial resources, and local traditions. Cities with dedicated budgets and strong political will can launch more ambitious projects. Conversely, those lacking resources or support focus on targeted and short-term achievable actions. European and North American examples also show that local regulations and inter-city exchanges play a key role in accelerating this transition.

These different approaches prove that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for a circular city. Each region finds its own balance between innovation and pragmatism, depending on its strengths and challenges. The important thing is to start, even on a small scale, because every initiative helps reduce the ecological footprint of urban areas. Cities that share their experiences enable others to learn and adapt, thus speeding up the transition toward more sustainable ways of life.

Website References

Scientific Reference

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44498-026-00018-y

Title: What do circular cities do? Insights from 26 case studies

Journal: Journal of Industrial Ecology

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Mugur Schuppler; Christina Bidmon; Mark Roelfsema; Detlef van Vuuren; Julian Kirchherr