Circular Economy (CE) is about designing a new way to create value, and ultimately prosperity, by extending a product’s lifespan and relocating waste from the end of the supply chain to the beginning – in effect, using resources more efficiently by using them as much as possible. In a linear system, the limited raw materials eventually run out, and waste accumulates (either through the incurring expenses related to disposal, or through pollution). In a circular economy, however, materials from old products are reintroduced in the production of new ones. As best as possible, everything is reused, re-manufactured or, as a last resort, recycled back into a raw material or used as a source of energy. Hence, moving from the traditional linear model of resource consumption (take – make – use – throw away) to a more advanced circular model, promises not only environmental benefits, but also economic ones through job creation, cost savings, and the prevention (or reduction) of pollution.
The first steps to introduce such a business model of Circular Economy in the Republic of Belarus have been based on the adopted legal requirements for saving resources, for increasing energy efficiency and energy conservation, and the measures to promote the principles of “green” economy. Currently, the country has begun developing regional programmes and “roadmaps” for implementing Circular Economy approaches for the next five years. These approaches are necessary to further ensure compliance with the sustainable development of the country’s economy (especially for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and the private sector), compliance with international requirements (especially in the field of climate protection), as well as to increase the competitiveness of national products on foreign markets.
Therefore, the enterprises need to implement modern technological solutions in the field of energy and resource efficiency, water consumption and wastewater discharging, waste management, all while taking into account their impact on the environment.
In this regard, a new webinar for specialists from Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and private sector companies takes place in Belarus. The online event, entitled “Needs and opportunities for implementing Circular Economy at the Company Level”, takes place on the 3rd November 2021 and welcomes specialists and representatives from the private sector not only from Belarus, but also the other Eastern Partner (EaP) countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine).
The webinar aims to provide assistance in the formulation and identification of appropriate measures for implementing Circular Economy (CE) principles at the company level (relevant for various industry sectors within the economy), and to develop the necessary supporting regulation and policy measures for implementing CE as a new business model.
The target audience consists of managers and technical specialists from various enterprises, mostly SMEs, representing different sectors of the economy in Belarus. A special focus is given to the engagement of the private sector, and resource efficiency and cleaner production (RECP) experts, representatives of research institutions and universities, consultancy and project organizations, and NGOs. Representatives of the other Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries, participating in the EU4Environment Action and interested in promoting CE in their countries are also invited to join the webinar to benefit from the online format of the event.
Key objectives include:
- get acquainted with the concept of CE and the basic conditions and requirements for implementing it at the enterprise level in various sectors of the economy;
- familiarize themselves with the economic conditions and complete cost estimates related to the assessment of resource and products’ life cycle in an enterprise;
- identify the existing problems and risks related to the implementation process of CE as a business model for Belarusian enterprises;
- learn about the current requirements in the product’s sales market and in the supply chain system (in connection