Circular economy could halve industry’s decarbonisation costs – think tank
Circular economy could halve industry's decarbonisation costs ... Clean Energy Wire
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Improving Circular Economy Principles for Energy-Intensive Industries in Germany
According to an analysis conducted by think tank Agora Industrie, implementing circular economy principles for the use of steel, cement, and plastics could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Germany’s energy-intensive industries. The current linear procedures dominating the industry could be replaced by circularity concepts, resulting in a reduction of transformation costs by up to 45% and energy consumption by 20%. Additionally, if more energy-intensive basic materials are reused systematically, about one quarter of cumulative emissions could be saved by 2045. Circular economy principles could also help reduce the industry’s demand for hydrogen and the need for carbon capture and storage (CCS) procedures.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Goal 13: Climate Action
“The benefits of increased circularity are immense and should be taken advantage of,” said Frank Peter, the director of Agora Industrie. By adopting circular economy principles, Germany can not only achieve its climate targets but also enhance its resilience to supply chain problems and energy cost hikes. For example, the car industry could reduce material offcuts by about half through optimized design. Furthermore, the systematic introduction of circular solutions could position Germany as a leader in industrial production. The country’s expertise in recycling and strong support for sustainable solutions provide a foundation for innovative business models and technologies, such as 3D printing, digital product passports, design optimization, and smart sorting and recycling technology.
Germany’s Vision for a Circular Economy
- Germany still lacks a comprehensive vision for establishing a more circular economy, despite the numerous benefits it offers.
- Better recycling and circularity procedures are crucial for a sustainable rollout of renewable energy sources, batteries, and other transformation technologies.
- Achieving a climate-neutral economy requires responsible sourcing, processing, and recycling of raw materials to minimize ecological impact, emissions, and waste.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
- Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added in manufacturing industries.
- Indicator 9.4.2: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.
- Indicator 12.2.2: Domestic material consumption, domestic material consumption per capita, and domestic material consumption per GDP.
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SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.
- Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year.
Analysis
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their corresponding targets. The SDGs addressed in the article are SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13: Climate Action.
1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The article discusses how improving circular economy principles for steel, cement, and plastics can help Germany’s energy-intensive industries reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become more resilient and competitive. This aligns with SDG 9, which aims to promote sustainable industrialization, foster innovation, and upgrade infrastructure.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The article emphasizes the importance of circular economy principles in achieving a more sustainable and efficient use of natural resources. It mentions that circularity concepts could help reduce transformation costs and energy consumption while saving emissions. This aligns with SDG 12, which focuses on promoting responsible consumption and production patterns.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
The article highlights how circular economy principles can help Germany reach its climate targets by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the need for carbon capture and storage procedures. This aligns with SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
4. Targets and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9 | Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. | Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added in manufacturing industries. Indicator 9.4.2: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP. |
| SDG 12 | Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP. Indicator 12.2.2: Domestic material consumption, domestic material consumption per capita, and domestic material consumption per GDP. |
| SDG 13 | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer. Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year. |
The targets and indicators identified in the article are aligned with the SDGs discussed:
– Target 9.4 focuses on upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and adoption of clean technologies. The indicators mentioned in the article, such as CO2 emission per unit of value added in manufacturing industries and material footprint, align with this target.
– Target 12.2 aims to achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. The indicators mentioned in the article, such as material footprint and domestic material consumption, align with this target.
– Target 13.2 emphasizes the integration of climate change measures into national policies and planning. The indicators mentioned in the article, such as total greenhouse gas emissions per year, align with this target.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: cleanenergywire.org
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