UK to establish world’s first UN-backed centre for circular economy research

The UK is set to launch the world's first UN-backed International Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Resource Management in the Circular Economy in April 2024. The center will be supported by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and will comprise five key British institutions: University College London, University of Exeter, Brunel University London, Swansea University, and the British Geological Survey.

The center will focus on developing sustainable approaches to the circular economy, particularly in areas like metals, construction, and critical minerals. A UNECE research manager based in Geneva will coordinate the initiative, with the participating institutions contributing £1.85 million for technical activities.

This development builds on the UK's existing work in circular economy research, including the £30 million National Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Research (NICER) programme established in 2019. It also aligns with the UK government's "Maximising Resources, Minimising Waste" programme announced in July 2023, which aims to increase resource efficiency through reuse, repair, and recycling.

The initiative represents a significant step in promoting circular economy practices globally, where resources are kept in use for as long as possible rather than following a traditional take-use-dispose model.

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