The INSET project shines a spotlight on H4C – Hubs4Circularity, a collaborative initiative aimed at advancing industrial-urban symbiosis and the circular economy across Europe. Last 26 of September, A.SPIRE webinar brought together stakeholders to explore the significance of H4C and its role in fostering self-sufficient economic ecosystems that promote resource circularity.
The initiative engages a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry leaders, local authorities, and educational institutions. Together, they aim to build a robust framework for sharing knowledge, best practices, and technological innovations, accelerating the transition towards a sustainable and resilient industrial landscape.
The event began with a session led by Antonio Ferrandez Garcia of the European Commission, focusing on the goals of H4C and pathways to achieve industrial-urban symbiosis. Garcia highlighted the transformative potential of industrial symbiosis to bridge traditionally separate sectors, enabling the efficient exchange of materials, energy, and by-products. The session advocated for a shift from supply-driven business models to demand-driven approaches, encouraging the formation of local industrial clusters to boost resource efficiency.
The subsequent session showcased impactful projects under the P4Planet initiative:
REDOL Project: Presented by Diego Redondo Taberner of CIRCE, this initiative seeks to integrate municipal solid waste into industrial processes. By mapping value chains and identifying barriers, REDOL establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate environmental, technical, economic, and social impacts.
MOBICCON-PRO Project: Kalin Marinov from Glavbolgarstroy Holding shared insights on accelerating circular economy practices in construction. This project emphasizes stakeholder collaboration to implement sustainable, innovative solutions in the sector.
Finally, the panel discussion moderated by Àngels Orduña explored the regional potential of H4C in the EU. The speakers emphasised the importance of tailor-made strategies to systematically close resource loops, taking into account regional characteristics and promoting stakeholder involvement. The discussion emphasised the need for shared demonstration structures and stable long-term business models to drive the adoption of circular solutions.
The INSET project considers initiatives such as the Hubs4Circularity and the A.SPIRE webinar of crucial importance to reaffirm the critical role of industrial symbiosis in the transition to a circular economy. By promoting collaboration, innovative projects, and the exchange of knowledge and technology, these efforts pave the way for sustainable resource management. Such initiatives are essential to achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing the resilience of industrial ecosystems in response to environmental challenges, and the INSET project supports these transformative efforts, championing a greener, more circular future for European industries.
The slide from the webinar are available here
Photo Credit Vlada Karpovich
