AMSTERDAM CIRCULAR BUILDING BLOCKS - FOR THE NEW STRATEGY - Circle Economy
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BUILDING BLOCKS
FOR THE NEW
STRATEGY
AMSTERDAM
CIRCULAR
2020-2025
Directions for a thriving city within
the planetary boundaries
Date: 19.06.2019
1
COLOPHON Building blocks for the new strategy Amsterdam Circular 2020-2025 This report is the joint product of a collaboration between the City of Amsterdam, Circle Economy and Kate Raworth. Publication date: Amsterdam, 19 June 2019 Circle Economy Ilektra Kouloumpi (Senior Project Manager), Jurn de Winter (Project Manager), Annerieke Douma (Director Cities and Regions), Max Russell (Researcher), Pien van Berkel (Researcher), Josefine Köhler (Researcher), Inge ter Laak (Graphic Designer), Alexandru Grigoras (Graphic Designer). At Circle Economy, we believe in a visionary future for our planet — one in which we do not have to compromise in order to achieve economic, social, and environmental prosperity. As an impact organisation, we connect and empower a global community to create the conditions for systemic transformation. With nature as our mentor, we work alongside businesses, cities and governments to identify opportunities to make the transition to the circular economy and provide a powerful combination of practical and scalable solutions to turn these opportunities into reality. Our mission is to empower a global community of businesses, cities and governments to accelerate the transition to the circular economy through practical and scalable insights and solutions that address humanity’s greatest challenges. www.circle-economy.com We would like to thank Kate Raworth in particular for her contribution. 2
TABLE OF Colophon P2
Reader’s Guide P5
CONTENTS 1
2
Introduction P6
The Ambition P7
3 The Doughnut Economy P8
4 Circular Economy Directions for Amsterdam
4.1 Seventeen circular economy directions P10
4.2 Levers and instruments for the circular city P11
4.3 Construction P12
4.4 Biomass and food P26
4.5 Consumer goods P40
Footnotes P52
References P54
Appendices P56
4
READER’S GUIDE
CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 4
INTRODUCTION CIRCULAR ECONOMY DIRECTIONS
The first chapter gives an introduction into the current state
FOR AMSTERDAM
of the circular economy in the city of Amsterdam: where are
we now? This marks the starting point for the development The fourth chapter presents the seventeen directions for a
of the circular economy strategy for Amsterdam for the circular economy that were developed for three value chains
period 2020-2025 and a forward view to 2030. Also, insights - Construction, Biomass and food, and Consumer goods.
from Kate Raworth’s Doughnut economics model are For each direction, a description and an analysis of its main
explained. impacts in Amsterdam is provided. Moreover, the current
state of the city, and the different roles and responsibilities
of stakeholders to bring this direction to reality are also
CHAPTER 2 described. Additionally, important levers and policy
instruments that can be used as enabling tools for these
THE AMBITION directions are presented. An indicative icon shows what
The second chapter describes the ambition of the city of levers can be used for which direction.
Amsterdam to become a thriving, regenerative and inclusive
city for all its citizens, within the planetary boundaries.
CHAPTER 3
THE DOUGHNUT ECONOMY
The third chapter describes the Doughnut economy, and
why the city of Amsterdam has chosen this model to shape
its future circular economy strategy.
5
1. INTRODUCTION
Systemic transformation of Amsterdam
has prioritised the value chains of Construction, Biomass
Amsterdam wants to be a fully circular city by 2050. To and Food, and Consumer goods, following the report
realise this ambition, systemic change is needed. The city of Amsterdam Circular: Evaluation and Action Perspectives. In
Amsterdam is the first city in the world to use the Doughnut the transition towards circularity, these three value chains
economics model. With this model, Amsterdam is building are key. Currently, the construction sector creates 40% of
an integral circular economy strategy for the period 2020- total municipal waste, consumer goods represent the largest
2025; creating a point on the horizon where environmental, environmental impact of households and one-third of all
societal, and economic priorities take centre stage. This food goes to waste. By pursuing circularity in these value
report is the first outcome of this process. It outlines the chains, Amsterdam will contribute to substantially decrease
building blocks for a holistic circular economy strategy for their associated environmental impacts. On top of that,
the period 2020-2025 with a forward view to 2030. circularity presents an opportunity for the creation of added-
value and jobs in the local economy, for instance through the
repair of products.
The future of Amsterdam’s economy is circular
The municipality of Amsterdam wants to transition towards
a circular economy as soon as possible. Over the last few Global momentum for a circular economy
years, the city has already completed over 70 projects that The transition towards a circular economy is not only under-
contribute towards a circular economy. The evaluation of way in Amsterdam, but in numerous cities and countries
these projects has proven that the circular economy is both throughout the world. The circular economy contributes to
realistic and profitable. To bring the circular economy into achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the
mainstream practice as soon as possible, Amsterdam is Paris Climate Agreement,3 while creating positive effects on
now focused on upscaling and accelerating these existing themes such as employment, industrial innovation and the
circular projects. To do this, the municipality aims to employ social agenda.4 This is why both the European Union (EU) and
all of its municipal instruments available. On top of that, the China have prioritised the circular economy in their trade
municipality lobbies on the national and European level for and development strategies.5 Recognising this potential, the
fitting financial, fiscal and legal frameworks. Dutch government aims to become 50% circular by 2030,
and fully circular by 2050.6
Priorities for Amsterdam
The city of Amsterdam plans to move towards a circular
economy as quickly as possible - and by 2050 at the very
latest.1 The municipality has adopted various circular
programmes, including Amsterdam Circular: Learning by
doing, and the Circular Innovation Programme.2 To realise a
circular economy, a fundamental shift in our present ways of
producing and consuming is necessary. This is why the city
6
‘’
A thriving,
regenerative and
inclusive city
for all citizens,
2. THE AMBITION
Amsterdam wants to be, and continue to be, a thriving and
equitable city; to ensure a good life for everyone - for all
citizens and visitors - without compromising the natural
boundaries of the Earth. In the pursuit of equality, the city
has set a specific focus on wellbeing, next to welfare.
A finite Earth does not have an infinite supply of resources.
while respecting This is why it is crucial to work towards creating a more
circular economy. The city of Amsterdam is aware of the
the planetary impacts that its modes of consumption and production
generate, both within and far beyond the boundaries of
boundaries.
the city. Ultimately, Amsterdam recognises the potential of
circular measures towards realising its climate goals. To this
end, the city of Amsterdam is challenging all citizens and
visitors to be aware of their personal impact and to actively
work on decreasing this cumulative impact.
To realise its ambition, the municipality focuses on becoming
a circular and climate-neutral city.
The circular city: The city of Amsterdam wants to become
a circular city, and aims to use 50% fewer primary raw
materials by 2030 and become 100% circular by 2050 at the
latest.7
The climate-neutral city: The city of Amsterdam has
adopted the objective of the Paris Agreement and strives
to cut its CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030. Before 2050, CO2
emissions should be decreased by 95% in comparison with
1990 levels. The city wants to be natural gas-free by 2040.
Amsterdam’s motto is, and remains, “learning by doing”.
This encapsulates the innovative character of the city and its
citizens, companies and knowledge institutions.
7
3. THE DOUGHNUT THE DOUGHNUT MODEL
the municipality to develop a holistic vision for a circular
economy, design relevant strategic directions and measure
ECONOMY The social foundation
progress. The model gives insight into the dynamics
between material flows and social and environmental issues,
showcasing the deep interconnectedness of our system. On
The inner boundary of the Doughnut represents the top of that, the model helps in preventing trade-offs when
social foundation. The twelve categories are derived from
To safeguard the future of the Earth; its flora, fauna and implementing a new circular economy.
internationally agreed minimum social standards, such as
humanity as a whole, it is crucial to create a system that does access to adequate water, health, and peace and justice.
These standards were internationally established through
not overshoot the planet’s ecological ceiling. In the meantime,
the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015.9 The process towards creating the first City
the wellbeing of all people must be guaranteed. To realise
Doughnut
the vision of a thriving city, the municipality of Amsterdam
has adopted the Doughnut economics model. This model of To create a strategy for a Circular Amsterdam 2020-2025,
The ecological ceiling Kate Raworth’s Doughnut model was used as a powerful
the Doughnut brings together environmental sustainability
and social justice topics under the same umbrella, in an easy- The outer boundary of the Doughnut represents the tool. A participatory trajectory was designed to bring
to-grasp framework. It provides a way for the nations, cities, ecological ceiling of our planet. This ceiling consists of nine together all involved stakeholders. Together, they formulated
categories. Each category presents a threat to a system
businesses and citizens alike, to work towards creating a the directions for a circular Amsterdam. Over 50 officials
or process that is important to maintaining the stability of
safe and just space - creating the building blocks towards the the planet. We cannot go beyond these limits if we want to
from the various departments in the city and region, and
circular economy, and guiding the radical transition towards a ensure prosperity for future generations. over 100 stakeholders from three value chains were brought
new economic system. together.
A safe and just space for humanity
Between the social foundation and the ecological ceiling lies The process comprised of four steps:
The Doughnut model a safe and just space in which humanity can thrive.
The Doughnut model, developed by the British economist 1. Mirroring the current targets of the city with the
Kate Raworth, highlights the inadequacies of the current Doughnut model
global economic system and the dichotomy between social 2. Developing holistic circular economy directions for the
wellbeing and environmental sustainability. Obsessively three priority value chains
focused on producing, consuming, and discarding waste, the
3. Enhancing the current targets to align them with the
global system is driving global environmental crises, while
ambitions in the circular economy directions and the
also increasing social inequality - welfare is distributed in an climate
change Doughnut model
increasingly unequal way. With the Doughnut model, Kate r
ye G I CAL CEI L IN ac oc
Raworth describes how we can operate in a safe and just e
la on
ti EC
OLO G id ea
ifi n 4. Enriching and validating the directions with knowledge
on ple ca
just space for
e t
from the ground
oz
space for humanity; a place that allows societies to thrive and hu
d
io
n
fe m OO
T
a I AL FOUNDATIO a SH
without harming our planet.8 s C
SO water N O VE
R
ni
food
e
th
ty
energy health For each step, a workshop was organised with the various
ion
chem n
pollu
stakeholders.
air pollut
A LL
TF
ical
tio
Why a City Doughnut for Amsterdam? networks SH
OR education
housing income
The city of Amsterdam decided to work together with & work
Kate Raworth and Circle Economy to develop the first City gender
equality
peace &
justice ding
bio los
social political
Doughnut. With the Doughnut, Amsterdam can develop
or n &
loa
equity voice
div s
Y
RE
ph oge
M
EN
us
er
G
O
N
and shape the city of the future. The Doughnut enables ER O
os itr
s it
AT EC
ph n
y
IV E
E AN
D DIS TRIB U TIV
r
co land ate ls
hw
nve
rsio fres rawa
d
n with
8
The outcome “Around the world, ambitious places are starting to
The outcome of the four workshops was a set of seventeen ask a crucial question: how can we thrive here, while
directions for pursuing circularity in the key value-chains respecting the rights of all people and the whole planet?
of Construction, Biomass and food, and Consumer goods. Amsterdam is at the forefront of asking this very 21st
Together they form the building blocks for an inclusive and century question and has begun a pioneering journey of
thriving Amsterdam. putting its implications into practice.
The directions are built upon existing initiatives, best
practices and (inter)national policies, as well as strategies
It has been a huge pleasure for me to work with the
that have been pursued over the past years in Amsterdam.
officials and residents of this city over the past five
Besides environmental issues, the directions cover
months, using the Doughnut to start answering this
social topics, such as social equality and employment
opportunities. question. Together we have turned the Doughnut into
a creative tool for big-picture thinking, exploratory
discussions and strategic planning, and I know that the
The seventeen directions form the building blocks towards innovations made here will inspire many other places
creating a holistic strategy for the city of Amsterdam - to start asking similar questions, and to find their own
towards the first City Doughnut. place-specific answers.
Amsterdam has of course already shown clear leadership
with the city’s existing circular economy ambitions.
Through this project, in collaboration with the team at
Circle Economy, the city is forging ahead once again,
drawing up a transformative roadmap for circularity
that sets it on course to become one of the world’s most
regenerative and inclusive cities. I have no doubt that the
impacts of this work will ripple far beyond the city limits,
spurring others to summon such vision, ambition and
momentum towards the future that we want and need to
create.”
Kate Raworth
June 2019
9
4. CIRCUL AR ECONOMY
DIRECTIONS FOR LEVERS FOR THE CIRCULAR CIT Y12
AMSTERDAM
DIGITALISATION E XPERIMENTATION
4.1 Seventeen circular economy Digitalisation relates to the incorporation of smart
sensors and technologies to collect and monitor
The circular economy requires space to
experiment, test and prototype new innovations.
directions data. This enables the tracking and monitoring of Testing with future users helps to validate
material and resource flows in the city. Capturing innovations and identifies those that are ready
In the transition towards a circular economy, Amsterdam this data makes it possible for the city to identify to be scaled up. Such places could be living labs,
has prioritised the three value chains of Construction, where resources are located and distributed, and incubators or festivals that the city can provide
Biomass and food, and Consumer goods, following further extends the possibilities to close material and (co-)create.
cycles.
the report Amsterdam Circular: Evaluation and Action
Perspectives.10 The three value chains have the potential LOGISTICS
TRUE AND FAIR PRICING
to create positive environmental and economic impacts, The circular economy demands an efficient
In a circular economy, the prices of products logistics system in which materials can be
and drive the transition towards a more circular and
and services must reflect their true and full transported to users, producers, and processors.
equitable economy. To realise circularity in these priority costs. This also includes the indirect social and A city-wide (reverse) logistics networks reduce
value-chains, seventeen circular economy directions were environmental costs, such as CO2 emissions, that transportation and enable the efficient recovery
are incurred to produce the product or service.
formulated. of resources.
The city can stimulate true and fair pricing with
municipal instruments such as procurement. Also,
the city can lobby the national government and
JOBS AND SKILLS
The seventeen directions presented in the following the EU. The circular economy creates new possibilities
chapters are built upon existing initiatives, activities, and for employment and also demands new skills.
strategies that have been pursued over the past years in INNOVATION NET WORK S Preparing the labour market, for example through
education and training programmes, is essential
Amsterdam. (Inter)national policies, best practices and the to accelerate the circular economy.13
Innovation networks connect diverse groups of
recommendations presented in the report Amsterdam innovative stakeholders (e.g. startups, corporates,
Circular: Evaluation and Action perspectives have also knowledge institutes and artists) to ideate new
circular solutions. Fostering innovation networks
been taken into account while designing the seventeen
secures the provisioning and mainstreaming of
directions. new circular products and services in the future.
SYSTEMS THINKING
Each circular direction was designed and tested in a
participatory process with over 50 representatives from Systems thinking, in practice, is about systemically
addressing collaboration issues. It is about good
the municipality of Amsterdam. In addition, the directions intentions that go wrong, about patterns that
were validated by over 100 external stakeholders, trap people and about interventions that have
including businesses, experts and knowledge institutions. an effect on the system as a whole. Systems
thinking is a holistic approach that aims to tackle
For each of the circular economy directions presented major issues by analysing and exploring the
in the next section, the following is described: interrelations of spheres of influence in a system.
In order to achieve systemic change towards a
• Description of the circular economy direction: circular economy, we need to embrace systems
thinking. It demands involvement, participation
What is the direction, why is it relevant for Amsterdam?
and alignment of all stakeholders in the city.
10• Main impacts of the circular economy direction
for Amsterdam: What are the key Doughnut
POLICY INSTRUMENTS FOR THE CIRCULAR CIT Y14 themes (social foundation and planetary boundaries)
impacted by the direction?
• Current state in Amsterdam: What are the
DIGITALISATION E XPERIMENTATION current activities in Amsterdam? And where is the
REGUL ATION ECONOMIC FR AMEWORK S
The circular economy requires space to city currently at with reference to developing this
Digitalisation relates to the incorporation of smart
Regulation is anand
sensors instrument that to
technologies thecollect
city can
andleverage
monitorto
experiment,
Economic frameworks testare
andeconomic
prototype new innovations.
incentives to direction?
set requirements for citizens and businesses. The city of Testing with future users helps to validate
guide and foster the market towards circularity. The
data. This enables the tracking and monitoring
can steer, for instance,
material spatialflows
and resource planning orcity.
in the landCapturing
issuing, innovations and
Dutch Government, identifies
as well as thethose that
EU, are are ready
developing • Who needs to be involved and what should
to be scaled
to holdup. Such places could be living labs,
but also monitoring or permitting (environmental- or
this data makes it possible for the city to identify agreements manufacturers and importers be done?: Which stakeholders need to be involved
parkingwhere
permits). incubators
responsible for theortreatment
festivals that the city
of their can provide
products. The city
resources are located and distributed, and (e.g. businesses, governments and civil society)?
and (co-)create.
can use these agreements for local policy. Furthermore,
further extends the possibilities to close material
the city can strengthen collaboration between the public What should the different stakeholders do in order to
cycles.
LEGISL ATION and private sectors (public-private-partnerships, PPPs). implement the direction?
LOGISTIEK
Legislation consists of legal rules that the city can use
TRUE AND FAIR PRICING The circular economy demands an efficient
to change behaviour. Technology standards or labelling
logistics system in which materials can be
In a circular
(for example energyeconomy,
labels forthe prices can
houses) of products
stimulate KNOWLEDGE, ADVICE AND
transported to users, producers, and processors.
4.2 Levers and instruments for the
and towards
behaviour services amust
the citycosts. Thiscertain
can ban
reflect
circular
also includes
their true
economy.
theor
activities, indirect
remove
and full
Additionally,
social and
barriers
INFORMATION
A city-wide (reverse) logistics networks reduce circular city
transportation and enable the efficient recovery
environmental costs, such as CO2 emissions,
(for instance in waste legislation), that hinder a circular that The instrument of knowledge, advice and information How can the city of Amsterdam give effect to the circular
of resources.
economy.are incurred to produce the product or service. describes the way the city can directly influence the
The city can stimulate true and fair pricing with creation of knowledge. For example, the city can expand
economy directions? Levers and policy instruments
municipal instruments such as procurement. Also, research and development
BANEN activities, initiate education
EN VA ARDIGHEDEN support the successful realisation of the seventeen
FISC AL FR AMEWORK
the city S
can lobby the national government and programmes and increase information campaigns (such circular economy directions. In some cases, they even
the EU. The circular
as marketing economy creates new possibilities
for good).
Fiscal frameworks are positive and negative price for employment and also demands new skills.
act as a prerequisite for a circular city. To support
incentives to stimulate the circular economy. The city Preparing the labour market, for example through the circular transition, relevant levers and policy
can useINNOVATION
positive incentives,NET
suchWORK S
as tax exemptions or COLLeducation
ABOR ATION PL ATFORMS
and training programmes, is AND
essential instruments are presented next to each direction. Levers
credits, to stimulate desirable products and services. On
INFR A STRUC TURE
to accelerate the circular economy.
apply to all actors in the circular economy, whereas
the contrary, the city can apply negative incentives, such
Innovatienetwerken Innovation networks connect
as taxes, penalties or levies, to disincentivise undesired
diverse groups of innovative stakeholders (e.g. Through collaboration platforms and infrastructure, policy instruments are to be used by the municipality
activities.
startups, corporates, knowledge institutes and the city can enable the sharing of knowledge, data, best specifically.
artists) to ideate new circular solutions. Fostering practices and information amongst stakeholders. This
DIREC T FINANCIAL
innovation SUPPORT
networks secures the provisioning can increase government transparency and empower
and mainstreaming of new circular products and entrepreneurs and academics.
services in the future.
Levers: Levers are enabling elements that facilitate the
Financial instruments are a direct means to overcome
transition to a circular economy. The box “Levers for the
financial barriers for businesses or citizens. The city can GOVERNANCE
support businesses through
SYSTEMS THINKING debt financing and projects circular city” presents the levers for all actors in a circular
and programmes with grants, while procurement can Cities can utilise instruments of governance to shape Amsterdam. The levers are applicable to all value-chains.
leverage the purchasing power and large material actions and decision-making in practice. With lobbying,
Systems thinking, in practice, is about systemically They form the foundation for the transition and are
portfolios of the city. for instance, the city and its partners can work in favour
addressing collaboration issues. It is about good
or against an activity.
necessary to achieve a circular economy.
intentions that go wrong, about patterns that
trap people and about interventions that have Policy Instruments: Policy instruments are
an effect on the system as a whole. Systems interventions that the city can leverage to stimulate the
thinking is a holistic approach that aims to tackle
major issues by analysing and exploring the
transition towards a circular economy. They are explained
interrelations of spheres of influence in a system. in the box “Policy instruments for the circular city”.11
In order to achieve systemic change towards a
circular economy, we need to embrace systems
thinking. It demands involvement, participation
and alignment of all stakeholders in the city.
114.3 CONSTRUCTION
CIRCUL AR ECONOMY
DIRECTIONS
• Foster circular area development through • Scale-up circular dismantling and mono-
flexible zoning, climate adaptation and stream collection
regenerative urban design
• Support the use of renewable and secondary
• Incorporate circular criteria into the land construction materials
issuing and tendering of all construction and
infrastructural projects and in the public
• Stimulate circular retrofitting in private and
space
social housing
• Enable the construction of adaptable and
modular buildings
1213
Impact visualisation of the direction Moving towards a circular construction chain occurs on
according to the doughnut economy model multiple scales; from the construction element, to the
building or to the neighbourhood.15 16 Buildings need
to be embedded in circular infrastructure and urban
1 CLIMATE CHANGE systems to opera te in a fully circular way. It is important
that the planning and development of buildings are able
Foster circular area
Climate-adaptive neighbourhoods are better
capable to adapt to the effects of climate change. to adapt to area-specific needs that can change over time.
development through Flexible zoning can, for instance, allow for ‘hubs’ that can
support circular activities. Hubs for reuse and repair,
flexible zoning, 2 NET WORKS
Developing circular districts demands new ways
or local nutrient recovery facilities, could be integrated
within residential areas to enable the everyday realisation
climate adaptation of collaboration within the municipality and with
businesses. Moreover, circular areas will enable
and uptake of circular practices.
networks due to their physical properties, e.g. At the same time, designing districts or buildings around
and regenerative flexibility. mixed-uses can enable more efficient use of space, while
minimising the impacts of transportation, and overall
urban design negative climate impacts. Furthermore, mixed-use
districts within the city have the potential to be more
3 PEACE & JUSTICE
cohesive and enable more collaborative and sustainable
By developing more heterogeneous and resilient
behaviour.
Regardless of how circular a single building neighbourhoods, they will become more inclusive
and decrease the rate of conflicts and crimes.
may be, it should be embedded in a circular
Impacts of the direction on Amsterdam
urban environment in order to be fully circular.
Creating climate adaptive and regenerative areas goes
The design of an area is crucial in creating
hand-in-hand with fostering a healthy and sustainable
a socially inclusive and regenerative urban Amsterdam.17 18 Applying the learnings from projects
system. The planning and development of that already use a holistic circular approach (such as
districts should be able to adapt to evolving Buiksloterham) to upcoming large area developments
area-specific demands. At the same time, area 1 (such as Haven-Stad), is crucial in embedding circularity in
climate
the city of Amsterdam.
developments should embrace regenerative
change
r
ye G I CAL CEI LIN ac oc
la on OLO id ea
energy, water and waste management systems e
on ple
ti EC G ifi n
ca
just space for
e t
oz
and hu
d
io
that can support climate adaptivity and the
n
fe m OO
T
a I AL FOUNDATIO a SH
s S O C N O VE
R
circular economy in the city.
ni
water food
e
th
ty
energy health
ion
chem n
pollu
2
air pollut
LL
FA
ical
RT
tio
networks O
SH education
housing income
& work
3
gender peace &
equality justice ding
bio los
social political
or n &
loa
equity voice
div s
Y
RE
ph oge
M
EN
us
er
G
O
ER N
O
os itr
s it
AT EC
ph n
y
IV E
E AN
D DIS TRIB U TIV
r
co land ate ls
hw
nve
rsio fres rawa
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n with
14CURRENT STATE OF CIT Y OF AMSTERDAM ROLES OF OTHER NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS AND
AMSTERDAM STAKEHOLDERS INTEREST GROUPS
Environmental organisations and social
associations: bring their knowledge and
There are already a few examples of
Regulation REGIONAL, NATIONAL AND relevant content on environmental and
neighbourhoods in Amsterdam that embed circular • Spatial planning should allow for flexible INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENTS social concerns into new area development
principles. Future area developments should ensure projects
zoning. • Regional government: enable circular area
that mixed-use criteria are also taken into account development through flexible zoning;
and are based on a zoning plan that allows a • Challenge the market by adopting criteria provide support and data to housing
degree of flexibility to adjust to future changes and on climate adaptation and circular systems corporations, urban planners, architects,
UTILIT Y AND PUBLIC SERVICE
changing needs in the area. in land issuing. and construction firms for the planning PROVIDER
of new districts
Examples of existing initiatives: • Housing associations: explore the
Collaboration platforms and • National and international governments: potential for mixed-use concepts;
infrastructure adjust the legal framework to facilitate collaborate with developers and other
• The Haven-Stad area, where 40,000-70,000 new parties that operate in the area
circular development projects; offer
houses will be built, aims for 75% reduction in • Share knowledge to adopt circular
advice, supporting services and
CO2 emissions, emission-free mobility, rainproof principles in construction through guidelines to municipalities and
districts, 50% reuse of resources and 65% waste
collaboration and co-creation. Best businesses KNOWLEDGE/EDUC ATIONAL
separation.19
practices and knowledge in the fields of INSTITUTIONS
biophilic23 design and biomimicry24 can • Universities, and other research institutions:
• Stadstuin Overtoom, developed by housing BUSINESSES
association Eigen Haard, is the first climate- expand knowledge of architecture and develop and assess new approaches and
technologies for regenerative energy,
neutral district in Amsterdam with energy- construction firms. • Financial advisors: develop investment water and waste management systems;
efficient residential buildings, a green and car-
strategies and financial means to conduct research about local social and
free environment, and space for businesses.20
support circular area development environmental impacts of different
Knowledge, advice and information
• Startups and advisors: bring innovations, urban planning approaches; collect and
• Bajeskwartier will be a car-free district with a mix • Research the application of flexible zoning, new ideas and inspirational pilots for evaluate best practice cases in circular
of rented and private housing, providing a green by using shorter leasehold (“erfpacht”) area development
circular area development into new
and healthy environment for living, work and
periods. district planning; develop innovative
recreation.21
approaches and technologies for
CIVIL SOCIET Y
regenerative energy, water and waste
• Buiksloterham is a sustainable and circular management systems; communicate the • Private homeowners and tenants:
district for living and working.22 impact of new approaches; shape new engage in the design and continuous
improvement of circular areas
LEVERS visions for future area developments
• Companies in industrial and office areas: • Community initiatives: collaborate with
DIGITALISATION SYSTEMS THINKING collaborate with other companies, local local companies and other actors in the
communities and civil society; practice district to create a green and healthy
an open work environment environment
• Urban planners, developers, architects,
engineers and construction firms:
incorporate circularity in new area
development projects; incorporate local
needs into design and planning
15Impact visualisation of the direction Despite the growing global recognition of the potential of
according to the doughnut economy model the circular economy, mainstream adoption of circularity
in the construction sector is still yet to be achieved. The
development and the use of circular criteria in public
1 CLIMATE CHANGE tendering and procurement processes can change this.
The criteria can play an essential role to accelerate the
Incorporate circular
Using circular tendering criteria increases the
share of reused and renewable materials. with a demand, innovation, and wide-scale adoption of circular
lower carbon impact, which leads to a reduction
principles in the construction sector.25 Circular tendering
criteria into the land in CO2 emissions during the production of new
construction materials. criteria should target topics such as energy, water and
material usage, but also regenerative and resilient design,
issuing and tendering 2 INCOME & WORK
in harmony with ecosystems and biodiversity.
of all construction Circular tendering will stimulate businesses in the
circular economy, which can lead to additional jobs. By incorporating circular criteria in public tendering
and infrastructural However, jobs in the conventional construction
sector may be lost.
and procurement processes for construction, cities can
contribute to the creation of a thriving and sustainable
projects and in the 3 HOUSING
city. As such, all public construction projects can be
realised in an economically responsible way that also
public space The houses built and renovated according to
circular criteria contribute to more environmentally
contributes to the wellbeing of people and the biosphere,
and that prevents unnecessary resource depletion,
and socially friendly housing.
environmental pollution and ecosystem degradation.26
Circular criteria in land issuing and tendering The national transition agenda for a circular construction
processes enable construction projects to economy mentions that from 2023 on, all governmental
tenders - on the national, provincial and municipal level -
be evaluated on their economic, social and
will be circular, unless this is not (fully) possible. Following
environmental performance. The criteria this, by 2030, all governmental tenders are circular. 27
should be incorporated into all public
procurement and tendering processes, from
1 Impacts of the direction on Amsterdam
the renovation of a building, redevelopment climate
Amsterdam is in a unique position to issue land on a
of neighbourhoods, to the construction of new
change
ye
la on
r
OLO
G I CAL CEI LIN ac oc
id ea
regular basis, due to its leasehold of a large part of the
infrastructural projects, buildings and public e
on ple
ti EC G ifi n
ca
Amsterdam area. This can be used to provide circular
just space for
e t
oz
and hu
d
io
spaces. guidelines for new buildings.28 29 Using circular criteria
n
fe m OO
T
a I AL FOUNDATIO a SH
s S O C N O VE
R
for land issuing could ensure a resilient and low-carbon
ni
water food
e
th
ty
energy health
built environment in Amsterdam. Circular tendering
ion
chem n
pollu
air pollut
LL
FA
criteria related to housing can also contribute to healthier
ical
RT
tio
networks O
SH education
housing
3 2 income
indoor living conditions and contribute to a better quality
& work
of life for citizens of Amsterdam.30 By incorporating
gender peace &
equality justice ding circular criteria in its tendering processes, Amsterdam
bio los
social political
or n &
loa
equity voice
could operate as a launching customer for circular
div s
Y
RE
ph oge
M
EN
us
er
G
O
ER N
O
os itr
infrastructural projects. In this way, the city can provide
s it
AT EC
ph n
y
IV E
E AN
D DIS TRIB U TIV
businesses with an incentive to develop, apply and use
r
ate ls
co land
nve
rsio
hw
fres rawa circular strategies.
d
n with
16CURRENT STATE OF CIT Y OF AMSTERDAM ROLES OF OTHER UTILIT Y AND PUBLIC SERVICE
AMSTERDAM STAKEHOLDERS PROVIDER
• Omgevingsdienst Noordzeekanaalgebied
(environmental services): ensure
There are already some examples of successful
Direct financial support REGIONAL, NATIONAL AND compliance with legal obligations
circular procurement and tendering in Amsterdam. • Stimulate demand by including uniform INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENTS
Acknowledging these examples, circular criteria
circular criteria into the procurement of all
need to be further developed and incorporation • Regional government: develop circular KNOWLEDGE/EDUC ATIONAL
of circular tendering criteria needs to become construction-related projects. tendering criteria for procurement
INSTITUTIONS
mainstreamed. of construction-related projects and
land-issuing; guide investors to invest in • BIM Loket, CROW: provide a technology
Regulation circular construction and infrastructural platform for transport, infrastructure
Examples of existing initiatives: and public space
• Incorporate circular criteria into all new projects; initiate public-private
collaborations • PIANOo: share knowledge about
• The Roadmap Circular Land Tendering is used
land-issuing.
• National government (e.g. Rijkswaterstaat): procurement
by the municipality of Amsterdam to issue
incorporate circular criteria in national • Universities: conduct research about
residential and non-residential building plots,
and for tendering transformation, renovation
Collaboration platforms and infrastructural and public construction the effectiveness of regulations and
projects; change fiscal system to facilitate
and demolition projects.31 infrastructure policies; collect and assess example
circular construction cases; develop and assess new business
• Share knowledge between government and models, construction techniques and
• Rapid Circular Contracting (RCC) is a method market about innovative circular tendering materials for circular construction
developed by Stichting Circulaire Economie to BUSINESSES
procedures through exchange platforms.
accelerate the tendering of innovative projects
• Consultancies (e.g. Copper8), innovators:
with circular ambitions.32 • Facilitate new types of collaboration CIVIL SOCIET Y
develop services and support regarding
between developers and owners, of circular tendering criteria and processes • Tenants: demand and appreciate circular
• The Port of Amsterdam is using circular public areas where land is not owned by the criteria integrated into their homes
• Construction companies and architects:
procurement for a cycle lane.33
municipality, to allow for experimentation integrate circular principles into their
work
• The redevelopment of Comeniusstraat Oost was
the first circular building tender in Amsterdam.34 Knowledge, advice and information
Other projects include Bijlmerbajes and NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS AND
• This direction requires specific and
Stadstuin Overtoom.35 INTEREST GROUPS
customised inputs w ith capacity from the
municipality to facilitate different types • Green Office: create a platform for
of construction and area development exchange and collaboration between
projects. private and public actors around
LEVERS construction
• The city can track and measure progress
JOBS AND • Material passports (e.g. Madaster
TRUE AND on resources that are sourced circular. Foundation): give insight into and provide
FAIR PRICING SKILL S
data about the composition of buildings
and materials
EXPERIMENTATION Governance
• Associations and other collaboration
• Lobby to change the fiscal system towards initiatives (e.g. Cirkelstad, Platform31,
increasing tax on resources and decreasing CB’23): provide a platform for
collaboration and knowledge
tax on labour, as well as for more adaptive
exchange among different actors
regulations. in the construction sector; develop
new initiatives and standards in the
construction sector
17Impact visualisation of the direction The existing built environment is one of the biggest barriers
according to the doughnut economy model to circular construction. This is because these buildings
have not been constructed with future purposes in mind.
Adaptable buildings (commercial real estate, municipal real
1 CLIMATE CHANGE estate, as well as housing) are essential in ensuring that
these will also be suitable for other functions in the future.
Enable the
Adaptable and modular buildings have a longer
lifetime, which means that less materials are
needed for rebuilding. The adaptability of buildings is dependent on, amongst
construction of other things, floor to floor height, wall insulation, space for
installations or fire safety. Requirements for office space
2 HOUSING
adaptable and Adaptability and modularity will prolong the
are different from living space, and again for specialised
functions. Therefore, the level of adaptability is determined
lifetime of a building as it can be rearranged or its
modular buildings purpose can be changed according to changing
circumstances or needs.
mostly by the inner skeleton of the building, meaning
its structural layers (load-bearing and floor structures).
The inner structure of new buildings should meet the
requirements to be adaptable for future use.
3 L AND CONVERSION
To meet the ever-changing societal needs In a fast-changing economy, the functional demands of a
Adaptable and modular buildings will lead to
of the city (such as housing and recreation), more efficient use of land, because buildings can building can change over time, and the future building stock
buildings should be designed from the ground- change their function and can be used for multiple has to be made ready for this. What is more, modular design
purposes. reduces the time of construction and consequently reduces
up to be adaptable and modular. This avoids
the construction costs.
unnecessary (de-)construction. The city of
Amsterdam can take the lead by incorporating
Impacts of the direction on Amsterdam
flexibility and adaptability into all new
Ensuring the design of modular and adaptable buildings
construction projects.
could give Amsterdam the opportunity to meet the demands
for sufficient and affordable housing. Moreover, modular-
and adaptive design contribute to meeting the occupants’
1 individual needs, which increases their quality of life.
climate
change Furthermore, more efficient use of land could be achieved
ye
la on
r
OLO
G I CAL CEI LIN ac oc
id ea
since buildings can change functions instead of having to
e ti EC G ifi n
on ple
e
just space for
ca
t build new ones. This offers opportunities for multi-purpose
oz
and hu
d
io
utilisation.
n
fe m OO
T
a I AL FOUNDATIO a SH
s S O C N O VE
R
ni
water food
e
th
ty
energy health
ion
chem n
pollu
air pollut
LL
FA
ical
RT
tio
networks O
SH education
housing
2 income
& work
gender peace &
equality justice ding
bio los
social political
or n &
loa
equity voice
div s
Y
RE
ph oge
M
EN
us
er
G
O
ER N
O
os itr
s it
AT EC
ph n
y
IV E
E AN
D DIS TRIB U TIV
3
r
co land ate ls
hw
nve
rsio fres rawa
d
n with
18CURRENT STATE OF CIT Y OF AMSTERDAM ROLES OF OTHER UTILIT Y AND PUBLIC SERVICE
AMSTERDAM STAKEHOLDERS PROVIDER
• Housing associations: ensure mono-
stream collection in all buildings
There is a need for flexible and adaptable buildings Regulation REGIONAL, NATIONAL AND constructions and renovations
to prevent a decrease of value in the future.36 • Provide greater flexibility for modular and INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENTS
There are a few examples of modular and flexible
adaptable design in regulations for land
buildings. However, such buildings are exceptions to • Regional government: support and reward KNOWLEDGE/EDUC ATIONAL
the rule, as most buildings are constructed in a rigid use. The function of buildings should be
the modular design of buildings through INSTITUTIONS
and linear way. enabled to change according to temporary adapted or new regulations and taxation
needs. schemes • Universities: conduct research about
new innovations of high-value material
Examples of existing initiatives: • National and international governments: processing and more effective ways to
adjust relevant regulations to foster dismantle buildings; include supply-
Governance
modular and flexible building practices; driven architecture and design for
• Finch Buildings develops wooden modular
buildings.37 • Lobby for fitting legislation and regulation. create demand and best practices disassembly in their curriculum
through public construction projects
• Sustainer Homes provides prefabricated homes Knowledge, advice and information CIVIL SOCIET Y
BUSINESSES
made from wood.38
• Stimulate the development of the skills • Private homeowners: consider mono-
• Construction firms, planners, and stream collection in all buildings
• In the Sluis-neighbourhood, a flexible building
required for innovative design (design for
architects: incorporate modularity and constructions and renovations
will be designed.39 deconstruction) as well as repair.
adaptability into design and construction
• Investigate the broad application of flexible • Businesses: invest in modular building
• Crossover is a mixed-use building with office and modular building design to improve design for their offices
space and facilities and homes for students and
adaptivity and resilience to future changes. • Associations and other collaboration
residence permit holders, in which also 40% of
materials are circular and 98% are reusable.40 initiatives (e.g Bouwend Nederland
(association of construction companies)):
Fiscal frameworks provide a platform for collaboration and
• Superlofts represents a flexible design and knowledge exchange among different
development framework merging hybrid • Provide positive price incentives, such as actors; develop new initiatives and
urban programmes, designing participatory subsidies to individuals and corporate real standards regarding modular and
sustainable and adaptable lofts, offering its
estate owners to financially support their adaptive buildings
members the freedom to personalise.41
investment into adaptable and modular
construction. NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS AND
INTEREST GROUPS
LEVERS • Public-private innovation partnerships
and networks: build collaboration and
INNOVATION
knowledge exchange about innovative
NET WORKS
modular building solutions; support the
development of innovative business
models; raise awareness and spread
knowledge about advantages and
impacts
19Impact visualisation of the direction In the Netherlands, most of the construction and demolition
according to the doughnut economy model waste is reused for low-value purposes such as in the
foundation of roads.42 The lack of mono-stream collection,
resulting in the contamination of resource flows, prevents
1 CLIMATE CHANGE high-value applications, such as repurposing. There is a great
opportunity in the reuse of materials and components, such
Scale-up circular
Circular dismantling and reuse of materials
decreases the demand for new materials. This as insulation, timber frames, bitumen, doors, metals and
entails that emissions during extraction, processing
stone.
dismantling and and transport can be avoided.
One of the largest constraints to the large-scale reuse
mono-stream 2 INCOME & WORK
of construction materials is the lack of insight into the
existing stocks materials that are already stored in the built
Circular dismantling and mono-stream collection
collection creates new business opportunities.This provides
new job opportunities. Contrary, jobs in more
environment.43 A thorough mapping and tracking of all
materials in the existing and new (building) stock can help
conservative sectors might get lost. to predict where and when certain materials will become
available to the market. Technologies such as material
To enable the high-value reuse and recovery 3 NET WORKS passports can assist in doing so. These insights can allow for
of construction materials, it is essential to matching future demand with available demolition materials.
Linking residual streams with new clients demands
Furthermore, in order to facilitate the transportation
dismantle buildings in a circular way. In doing new forms of cooperation in the value chain.
and exchange of secondary materials and components,
so, building components and material streams Amsterdam can make use of transport over water and
should be collected separately (in mono- electric transport. In this way, the city can minimise its
streams) to avoid contamination. A variety of contribution to climate change, congestion and particulate
pollution.
digital innovations, such as material passports
and online marketplaces, can enable these
circular practices in the construction sector. Impacts of the direction on Amsterdam
These innovations should be stimulated by the In Amsterdam, there are several initiatives that focus on
the mono-stream collection of construction waste and
city. 1
climate early findings are now collected.44 Circular dismantling and
change
r
mono-stream collection could contribute to the reduction
ye G I CAL CEI LIN ac oc
la on OLO id ea
e
on ple
ti EC G ifi n
ca of virgin material use and associated climate impacts of
just space for
e t
oz
and hu the construction sector, as well as economic value losses.
d
io
n
fe m OO
T
a I AL FOUNDATIO a SH
s S O C N O VE
R
Circular dismantling and mono-stream collection of
ni
water food
e
th
ty
energy health construction materials should be combined with digital
ion
chem n
pollu
3 tracking and matching of resources, to enable the exchange
air pollut
LL
FA
ical
RT
tio
networks O
SH education
of materials amongst the different stakeholders in the
2 income
housing
& work Amsterdam Metropolitan Area (AMA). The implementation
gender
equality
peace &
justice ding
of the direction has the potential to establish connections
between various stakeholders and strengthen the networks
bio los
social political
or n &
loa
equity voice
div s
Y
RE
ph oge
M
EN
us
in the AMA, while also providing opportunities for new
er
G
O
ER N
O
os itr
s it
AT EC
ph n
y
IV E
E AN TIV
D DIS TRIB U circular business models and circular employment.
r
co land ate ls
hw
nve
rsio fres rawa
d
n with
20CURRENT STATE OF CIT Y OF AMSTERDAM ROLES OF OTHER NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS AND
AMSTERDAM STAKEHOLDERS INTEREST GROUPS
• Public-private innovation partnerships
Digital material passports, disassembly plans and
Regulation REGIONAL, NATIONAL AND and networks (e.g. Climate-KIC,
digital material exchange platforms are already • Large-scale adoption of circular dismantling and INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENTS Stroomversnelling): create awareness
being developed in the city of Amsterdam. The mono-stream collection should take place in all about the importance of mono-stream
next phase in the transition towards a circular new construction, transformation and renovation collection to enable high-value reuse;
• Regional government: foster the
Amsterdam should focus on the further exploration projects (locally and regionally). Align with the consideration of mono-stream collection create collaborations and knowledge
of the applicability and profitability of mono-streams
companies to scope whether specified areas for of demolition materials through new exchange about innovative solutions to
collection during the demolition, retrofitting and
materials hubs are required in zoning plans. regulations; provide physical space foster the use of secondary materials in
renovation of buildings.
for processing and storage of reusable buildings; support the development of
Direct financial support materials; create demand and best innovative business models; share data
Examples of existing initiatives: practices through public procurement of and knowledge
• Include circular criteria related to deconstruction
• Amsterdam Logistic Cityhub in the Port of and reuse of mono-streams into each tender of construction and retrofitting projects
Amsterdam aims to create a distribution centre municipal real estate (see direction related to • National and International government:
where goods and materials for construction
UTILIT Y AND PUBLIC SERVICE
circular procurement). formulate regulations and guidelines;
are transported over water. Reverse logistics advise municipalities and businesses; PROVIDER
are used to obtain residual flows, goods and
Governance provide taxation incentives for mono- • Promotion commission: advertise and
materials of construction projects from the
stream collection and digital resource communicate best practice examples
city.45 • Intensify the conversation with the national
tracking
legislator on how to create a new standard for • Public service provider: provide support
• REPAiR (Resource Management in Peri-Urban circular deconstruction using Amsterdam as services for the construction and
Areas) is a European project in which a
exemplary projects. maintenance of modular buildings and
geodesign approach is used to turn (construction
their components
and demolition) waste into value.46 • Lobby for changes in the fiscal system to decrease BUSINESSES
tax on labour and increase taxes on material • Housing associations: invest in modular
• Madaster provide insights and data regarding
consumption, and the need for material passports. • Demolishers, collectors of demolition and adaptive new buildings
the composition of buildings and materials.47
waste: exploit the full potential of
• Material Passports are applied through (Building Collaboration platforms and mono-streams in the deconstruction of
Information Modeling) BIM at new and current
infrastructure structures KNOWLEDGE/EDUC ATIONAL
buildings at the Vondeltuin project.48 INSTITUTIONS
• Use data and information sharing platforms • Construction companies, planners, and
• In the redevelopment of the former Bijlmerbajes to collect data and make resources flows more architects: consider using secondary • Universities: carry out research about
prison into the new district called Bajeskwartier, materials and modularity in the design adaptable and modular construction
publically available.
98% of the materials from the former prison will approaches, materials, and components
and construction of new buildings
be reused.49
Economic frameworks • Material passports (e.g. Madaster
• New Horizon and the Urban Mining Collective
• Support public-private partnerships that engage foundation): give insight into and provide CIVIL SOCIET Y
enable high-value reuse and upcycling of
in smart waste management solutions. This way data about the composition of buildings
products and resources that are released in the • Private homeowners: invest in flexible
innovative and circular waste treatment can be and materials
renovation, transformation and demolition of building design
buildings.50 51 fostered in the whole city (both for public and • Associations and other collaboration
commercial construction waste). initiatives (e.g Bouwend Nederland
• Insert is a platform to create collaboration
(association of construction companies):
between demolition companies, civil
provide a platform for collaboration and
engineering, and green business to stimulate
material reuse.52 exchange knowledge and experiences
LEVERS among different actors; develop
• Oogstkaart is an online marketplace for new initiatives and standards in the
redundant and secondary materials.53 DIGITALISATION SYSTEMS THINKING construction sector
• Netwerk Betonketen strives for sustainable
construction projects by closing the concrete INNOVATION
loop, preventing the use of virgin concrete and NET WORKS
reducing CO2 emissions.54
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