New research from Planet Ark’s Australian Circular Economy Hub (ACE Hub) finds consistent data is needed across all levels of government to support Australia’s transition to a circular economy.
The Measuring the Circular Economy: An Australia perspective report said that currently, local, state and federal governments lack a comprehensive framework for measuring the circular economy, and while some measurement activities do exist, they are disconnected, piecemeal and focused on waste and recycling.
“Data is the driving force of a circular economy – it allows us to identify problems with the linear system and advance circular solutions,” explained Paul Klymenko, Planet Ark co-CEO.
“Waste and recycling are important, but are only a part of the picture. We need to move beyond measuring waste to build a truly circular economy in this country.”
The report establishes a baseline understanding of circular economy measurement in government, it examines existing data gaps, and outlines strategies for improving circular economy data sets across all levels of government.
The research shows interest in circular economy metrics is gaining traction among policymakers in Australia.
Activities taking place at the state level are referenced in the report as important first steps that could help form the basis of a national approach.
“This research shows there is momentum in government departments across the country, and in many cases, valuable data too,” Klymenko added.
“What we must focus on now is working together to harness this huge opportunity and establish a nationally coordinated approach for measuring circularity in Australia.”
The report’s findings were generated through interviews with technical experts in the fields of circularity and metrics, and surveys with government representatives from the local, state and federal level.
Among both sample groups, there was agreement that a circular economy measurement framework is needed to guide decision-making at all levels of government.
“The report shows the benefits that could be gained from aligning and harmonising the many efforts by governments and the business community for developing such metrics,” said expert interviewee Dr Heinz Schandt, senior science leader at CSIRO and chair of the ACE Hub’s Metrics Working Group.
The research was conducted sustainability and circular economy consultancy Edge Environment in collaboration with the ACE Hub. It is the first in a series of projects the ACE Hub is undertaking with its Technical Supporters – a selection of organisations partnering with the Hub to fast-track Australia’s circular transition.
“There is a general belief that we need to start from scratch and that we don’t have data to measure circularity, but the reality is, we have a solid foundation of data across departments and agencies to build a first picture of Australia’s circularity, which is really encouraging,” said report author Jenni Philippe, head of circular economy and life cycle thinking at Edge Environment.
“Setting up the right infrastructure to collect, analyse and visualise the data will be the challenge. This requires collaboration, supported with dedicated funding to help bring all the pieces of the puzzle together, and identify some clear priorities to make progress.”
The report finds Australia has the opportunity to capitalise on existing data sets to build a comprehensive circular economy measurement framework, and such a tool would help the country realise the projected social, economic and environmental benefits of the transition to a circular economy.
