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Circularity, Resources & Carbon

A core driver of systemic transformation is ensuring that resources are used efficiently, waste is minimised and carbon impacts are reduced. This theme provides a knowledge-exchange platform for lifecycle thinking, material flow management and evidence-based sustainability strategies across sectors.

Examples: material passports and lifecycle tracking in construction and textiles, carbon-aware energy systems, circular product design in healthcare and digital tools for monitoring resource use and emissions.

Why this matters:
This theme binds together technical, environmental and lifecycle knowledge to ensure that circular strategies genuinely deliver sustainability outcomes (not rebound effects).

KE focus:

  • Tools for lifecycle assessments, material flows, repair/refurbishment pathways
  • Knowledge exchange around net-zero, embodied carbon, material passports
  • Shared metrics, data infrastructures, and evidence synthesis
  • Cross-sector resource loops and symbiotic systems