Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 September 2025
This chapter outlines the best practices and strategies for cities to transition towards becoming circular and liveable. It emphasises the importance of adopting circular economy principles across various urban sectors, including waste management, energy efficiency, transportation, and urban agriculture. By applying the 5R approach – reduce, reuse, recycle, restore, and recover – cities can decouple economic growth from environmental degradation and create more sustainable urban environments. The chapter presents actionable strategies, such as implementing energy-efficient financing for building retrofits, promoting water reuse through grant programmes, and creating comprehensive electronic waste collection and disposal systems. It also emphasises the role of public participation and stakeholder collaboration in driving circular initiatives, highlighting the Quadruple Helix model, which involves academia, industry, government, and civil society working together to foster innovation. Additionally, the chapter explores the integration of nature-based solutions, sustainable infrastructure, and urban resilience practices. Case studies from cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and Copenhagen showcase successful examples of circular business models and governance frameworks that contribute to sustainability. Finally, the chapter presents a roadmap for moving forward, focusing on education, policy innovation, and community engagement as critical components for building resilient, circular cities that prioritise both environmental sustainability and social equity.
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