Circular

Circular cities reduce waste and regenerate resources by rethinking production, consumption, and material flows. Through circular design, green construction, and sustainable urban systems, cities close resource loops, create green jobs, and lower environmental footprints.

Circularity redefines how cities use resources—shifting from a linear “take, make, waste” model to one that values regeneration and reuse. Circular cities minimize waste through smarter design, sustainable materials, and closed-loop systems for water, energy, and food. This approach reduces environmental impact, lowers costs, and stimulates local innovation and green entrepreneurship. Embedding circular principles into urban planning ensures that growth remains within planetary boundaries.

 

Explore more resources in the GPSC Digital Library, featuring case studies, toolkits, and technical guidance from cities around the world. Use the filters and categories to navigate by theme or topic and find content tailored to your city’s priorities.

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Invest in liveable streets: Why and how governments can launch Liveable Streets Investment Programs

03 March - 03 March 2026, 10:00 EST

Introduction Goals Speakers Registration Download the Report Across countries, local governments are expected to deliver safer, healthier, more productive streets—yet funding and delivery systems often remain fragmented. This webinar will introduce the case for national and sub-national governments
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Circular

Market Study for the Philippines: Plastics Circularity Opportunities and Barriers

Mismanaged plastic waste has growing economic and environmental consequences. USD 80-120 billion worth of plastic packaging is lost from the global economy each year due to lack of recycling and
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Circular

Waste Resources Management and Utilization Policies of Korea (English and Korean)

The study of Korea’s economic and social transformation offers a unique window of opportunity to better understand the factors that drive development. Within approximately a single generation, Korea
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Circular

EPR for Waste Management in Korea: From the Deposit Refund System to EPR

This study examines the expansion of the role of the producers of recyclable goods in the arena of Korean waste management between 1992 and 2010. In the late 1980s, increasing waste generation became
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