FIVE-C Network
Overview
FIVE-C exists to accelerate the transition towards a regenerative, circular economy across five interconnected sectors:
Digital
Construction
Fashion & Textiles
Renewable Energy
Healthcare
Our Vision
FIVE-C aims to catalyse systemic transformation, leveraging circularity not just within sectors, but as a web of solutions spanning technology, materials, infrastructure, policy and societal wellbeing.
We envision a world where resources are kept in use at their highest value, where waste is designed out, and where economic activity supports both planetary boundaries and societal wellbeing.
Why These Sectors?
These sectors are chosen for their high impact and potential for transformation through circular strategies.
Digital
- Represents over 15% of global GDP
- Enables circular design, AI-enhanced sorting, and smart infrastructure
- Powers cross-sectoral innovation
Construction
- Responsible for 39% of global greenhouse gas emissions
- Circular strategies like designing for deconstruction and material reuse are essential
- Key to decarbonising built environments
Fashion
- Produces 92 million tonnes of waste annually
- Less than 1% recycled into new clothes
- Scaling textile-to-textile recycling could unlock billions in value
Renewable Energy
- Circularity in EV batteries, solar PV, wind turbines, and hydrogen fuel cells
- Reuse of critical minerals like lithium and nickel
- Challenges include traceability, reverse logistics, and fragmented regulations
Healthcare
- Emerging circular opportunities via telehealth, sustainable procurement, and energy-smart solutions
- Supports efficient, equitable health systems
Sector Synergies
FIVE-C promotes cross-sectoral collaboration.
Examples include:
Digital + Renewable Energy → Smart microgrids, IoT-driven energy optimisation
Fashion + Social Engagement → Sustainable fashion workshops, consumer behaviour change
Construction + Circular Procurement → Integrated policy and material reuse strategies
Become a Founding Academic Member of FIVE-C
Are you an academic passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact?
As a Founding Member, you will:
- Contribute to funding bids, collaborative projects, and events.
- Share your expertise and help shape the direction of FIVE-C.
- Champion our values across your networks and disciplines.
Join us and help shape the future.
Activities & Initiatives
FIVE-C will drive transformation through the following:
Sector-Specific Working Groups
Forming interdisciplinary teams focused on each key sector to identify research gaps, share best practices, and co-develop guidance for sectoral transformation.
Co-Creation Workshops
Interactive sessions with researchers, industry, government, and civil society to prototype circular interventions.
Knowledge Exchange Forums
Regular symposiums, webinars, and seminars to share findings and showcase exemplar projects
Open-Access Resource Hub
A digital platform offering datasets, toolkits, policy briefs, and case studies
Know Digital: The free skills-learning platform for digital skills..
Mentorship & Skills Development
Training programmes and expert pairing to nurture future circular economy leaders.
Policy Dialogues
Ongoing engagement with policymakers to align legislation with circular ambitions.
Impact Evaluation
Metrics and monitoring systems to track progress and feed insights back into strategy.
Network’s Leads
Theme Leads
Digital Economy
Building and Construction
Fashion & Textiles
Renewable Energy
Healthcare
Join the Movement
FIVE-C is building an ecosystem of shared ambition and practical action. Together, we can bridge disciplinary silos and mainstream circular solutions.