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Closing the City Cycle: An Approach for Defining Cross-Sectoral Circular Actions to Be Included in a Circular Urban Plan

Author

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  • Federica Paoli

    (DICCA—Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy
    Higher University School IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Francesca Pirlone

    (DICCA—Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy)

Abstract

The topic of the circular economy and its potential applications to urban areas is currently widely discussed as it is seen as a possible solution to the state of environmental, economic, and social unsustainability resulting from the previous consumption model. However, although many contributions focus on one or more key sectors affecting the urban environment (Mobility, Waste, Built Environment, Water, Energy, and Food), few attempts address the topic comprehensively, promoting a broad vision that encompasses all sectors and evaluates their interrelation. This paper aims to meet this need by first providing an overview of the topic of circular cities, best practices, and circular actions, and subsequently defining a synergistic methodological framework of intersectoral circular actions that considers the interrelation of the various key sectors and that can be used as a tool to contribute to the overall closure of the urban cycle of a city. The city of Genoa is proposed as a case study for a first application. This research should be incorporated into a possible Urban Circular Action Plan aimed at implementing current international strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Federica Paoli & Francesca Pirlone, 2024. "Closing the City Cycle: An Approach for Defining Cross-Sectoral Circular Actions to Be Included in a Circular Urban Plan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-25, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:17:p:7747-:d:1472346
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marcin Dąbrowski & Viktor Varjú & Libera Amenta, 2019. "Transferring Circular Economy Solutions across Differentiated Territories: Understanding and Overcoming the Barriers for Knowledge Transfer," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 4(3), pages 52-62.
    2. Kirchherr, Julian & Reike, Denise & Hekkert, Marko, 2017. "Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 221-232.
    3. Hilde Remøy & Alexander Wandl & Denis Ceric & Arjan van Timmeren, 2019. "Facilitating Circular Economy in Urban Planning," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 4(3), pages 1-4.
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    1. Chitralada Chaiya & Pichate Pinthong, 2024. "Integrating Environmental and Socioeconomic Factors for a Sustainable Circular Economy in Thailand," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-34, December.

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