At the beginning of November, our colleague Sybille Mai, Leading Consultant at EPEA — Part of Drees & Sommer, represented us again at the Tagesspiegel Future Sustainability Week.
With a view to this year's UN Climate Conference, this was dedicated to solutions, innovations and framework conditions for the sustainable transformation of our economy. On a panel entitled “Between Ambition and Reality — How Circular Economy Can Succeed Even in Times of Crisis,” Sybille Mai discussed with representatives from business and politics how ecological responsibility and economic competitiveness can be combined.
The central message:
A decisive component of sustainable economic growth is assured (secondary) raw material availability and the associated innovative green technologies of the circular economy or circular economy. For Germany to remain a strong business location, technical innovations must face the risks of climate change and scarcity of resources. Circular business models that are economically sustainable and ecologically beneficial offer answers.
The panel showed that there are already many positive examples — from a recycling rate of 95% in the corrugated board industry to innovative plastic recycling solutions. As an international innovation partner for Cradle to Cradle® design and circular value creation, EPEA also contributes to the practical implementation of circularity. We advise companies on circular economy strategies and support research and development departments in making products recyclable, often creating completely new business models. Circular construction products form an intersection between industry and real estate. We can recommend circular products from our customers, including Lindner, Schüco, Strähle, Wienerberger, Glapor, Sülzle, etc. in construction projects so that buildings become raw material depots in the future.
It was also discussed how practical regulation and best practice examples can help to strengthen knowledge and reduce prejudices. It became clear that companies should not wait for the regulations first, but must take responsibility. The question “What do I have to do? “Better watch “What can I do? “and take the first steps. With easy-to-implement measures, “low hanging fruits,” companies can start today and develop long-term circular economy strategies in parallel. Another very important economic player is the public sector, which can decisively advance the circular economy, for example through proactive procurement of circular products.
Our appeal:
Start instead of waiting! Instead of theoretical debates, there is a need for a doer mentality and openness to new paths that combine economic growth and stability with ecological effectiveness.
We would like to thank Sybille Mai for her dedicated efforts and competent representation of EPEA and Drees & Sommer on this important panel. With her expertise and passion for circular solutions, the importance of the circular economy was incorporated into current economic discourse and practical paths for the future were shown.