Brighton & Hove was one of the first councils to declare climate and biodiversity emergencies and commit to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 (Brighton & Hove City Council, 2021).
The circular economy is a term that covers a broad range of system changes that will support the council’s response to these declarations and towards achieving its 2030 carbon neutral goals.
In line with our approach to combatting these emergencies, in 2018 we committed to creating a Circular Economy Route Map to 2035 as part of the Economic Strategy for Brighton & Hove.
Circular economy principles move away from a linear ‘take, make, consume and throw-away society’, towards one that minimises waste and pollution, keeps products and materials in use for as long as possible and supports the regeneration and protection of natural resources.
Since making the commitment, we’ve been working to identify the challenges and opportunities that moving to a circular economy approach will create in the city.
The route map will grow and evolve over time, shaped around new opportunities, learning, and collaboration as the city begins to unlock its potential and transition towards circular systems and ways of working. It will help to drive sustainable economic prosperity and protect our communities and the environment.
Brighton & Hove City Council plays an important role in leading our city in this ambition and we can use this position to facilitate a move to circular principles through our own practice, as well as introducing policies that support the whole city to become more circular.
"The Route Map’s vision, mission, goals and actions are bold and transformative, focused on the merits of the city and designed to future proof its residents and businesses from climate, economic and social challenges"
- Dr David Greenfield International Vice President of The Circular Economy Institute (CEI) and Co-founder of Circular Brighton & Hove
We have a clear ambition
The mission and vision is supported by the council’s first Circular Economy Action Plan published alongside this route map.
Mission
We want to empower the city to end linear wasteful practices, do more with less, achieve carbon neutrality
and support the recovery of nature through facilitating a change to a circular mindset.
Vision
Our vision is for our city to become a national frontrunner where circular economy practices and principles are embraced by all, as a route to address the climate and biodiversity emergency.
Key climate achievements that define leadership in our city
- UNESCO Biosphere designation for Brighton & Hove
- Brighton & Hove City Council first to commit to One Planet Action Plan
- September 2019 we welcomed our first accredited climate change teacher in the city
- First city in the UK to achieve Gold Sustainable Food City status
- First city in the UK to have buses that can run in zero emissions mode when they go through the city centre
- The Brighton Waste House is Europe's first permanent public building made almost entirely from material thrown away or not wanted