A Concept Design for Circular Economy Villages
A concept design for circular economy villages that incorporate sustainable living practices has been proposed by Dr. Steven Liaros from the Department of Political Economy at The University of Sydney. In his article, Dr. Liaros explains that by managing food, water, energy, housing, and transport as a unified infrastructure ecosystem, these elements can become more efficient.
The Principles of a Circular Economy
- Eliminating waste and pollution
- Circulating products and resources
- Regenerating nature
The circular economy is also underpinned by a transition to renewable energy.
Designing Circular Economy Villages
- Move away from the traditional approach of solely focusing on the number of houses that can fit on a parcel of land.
- Begin the design process by determining the population size that needs to be accommodated.
- Explore how the land can sustain that population.
The location, climate, and existing ecosystems of the land must be considered when designing a circular economy village. A good starting point is to design the village as a resilient system powered by a renewable energy micro-grid. This involves estimating the energy needs of the population and implementing generation and storage systems to meet those needs.
In addition to energy, other resources such as water should be considered in the village system. Dr. Liaros suggests using a chain of ponds to store rainwater or bore water for residents’ use and irrigation. A constructed wetland can clean the water before it is reused, creating a managed water cycle.
Maximizing biodiversity and implementing regenerative agricultural systems can also be integrated into the design of circular economy villages. By aligning with the principles of regenerative agriculture, these villages can not only produce food but also contribute to nature regeneration.
By integrating food, water, energy, housing, and transport into a unified infrastructure ecosystem, each component becomes more efficient. For example, food waste can be composted or used for energy production, and passively designed housing can minimize energy demand. The close proximity of work, education, entertainment, and housing reduces the need for transportation and promotes residents’ well-being.
Decentralized Approach
Circular economy villages should be seen as nodes in a network of villages, rather than standalone entities. This decentralized approach echoes the idea of garden cities proposed by Ebenezer Howard, where self-contained satellite cities are connected to a central hub. Modern technology and business models enable both physical and virtual connectivity, influencing the design and organization of these settlements.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The concept of circular economy villages aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
In summary, designing circular economy villages involves considering the population needs, sustainable energy generation, resource circulation, regenerative agriculture, and integrated infrastructure. By following these principles, circular economy villages can create sustainable and resilient communities.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- Indicator: Renewable energy generation and storage systems implemented in the circular economy village to meet the energy needs of the population.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
- Indicator: Designing circular economy villages as resilient systems powered by renewable energy micro-grids, considering population needs and sustainable energy generation.
-
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- Indicator: Implementing resource circulation in circular economy villages, such as composting food waste or using it for energy production, and creating a managed water cycle through the use of ponds and wetlands.
-
SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
- Indicator: Integrating regenerative agricultural systems into the design of circular economy villages to maximize biodiversity and contribute to nature regeneration.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Renewable energy generation and storage systems implemented in the circular economy village to meet the energy needs of the population. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries. | Designing circular economy villages as resilient systems powered by renewable energy micro-grids, considering population needs and sustainable energy generation. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | Implementing resource circulation in circular economy villages, such as composting food waste or using it for energy production, and creating a managed water cycle through the use of ponds and wetlands. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | Integrating regenerative agricultural systems into the design of circular economy villages to maximize biodiversity and contribute to nature regeneration. |
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Source: energyportal.eu
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