Friesland’s Leadership in Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Goals

Friesland has distinguished itself as a leader in the transition towards a circular economy, achieving a circularity score of 10.6%, which exceeds both the Dutch national average of 9.8% and the global average of 6.9%. This accomplishment was recognized in Circle Economy’s recent Circularity Gap Report, positioning Friesland as an international frontrunner. The region’s success is rooted in over a decade of collaboration among businesses, government, and academic institutions, exemplifying the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Collaborative Framework Driving Circular Economy Progress

Friesland’s progress is largely driven by the “Triple Helix” model, which integrates efforts from government, academia, and industry. This collaboration is institutionalized through the Circular Friesland Association, established in 2014, now comprising over 180 members. The association focuses on key sectors such as water technology and sustainable construction, aligning with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

• Integration of government, academic, and business sectors to foster innovation
• Focus on circular projects addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges
• Promotion of shared responsibility and community engagement (“Mienskip” philosophy)

The Frisian Model: A Blueprint for Circularity and Sustainable Development

The Frisian Model represents an integrated regional approach to circular economy, emphasizing community involvement and shared responsibility. It supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering a future-proof economy through sustainable innovation. Key objectives include:

1. Closing material loops to reduce waste and resource consumption
2. Strengthening data systems and supporting targeted innovation
3. Enhancing collaboration to deepen circular economy impact by 2035

Notably, Friesland has achieved a 15% reduction in waste production over the past three years, demonstrating measurable progress towards SDG 12.

Measuring Circularity: Friesland’s Performance Metrics

Friesland’s circularity score of 10.6% reflects its advanced integration of circular principles across multiple sectors, including agrifood, high-tech systems, and maritime technology. This cross-sectoral approach supports SDG 9 and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by promoting sustainable industrialization and protecting marine ecosystems.

• Surpasses national and global circularity averages
• Applies circular economy principles across diverse industries
• Demonstrates leadership potential within Europe

Challenges and Future Ambitions Aligned with SDGs

Despite significant achievements, Friesland faces challenges in further reducing material footprints and carbon emissions, particularly scope 3 emissions. Key areas requiring improvement include freshwater usage monitoring and circular procurement practices, which relate to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Friesland’s ambitious targets include:

1. 50% reduction in primary raw material use by 2030
2. Achieving a fully circular economy by 2050

To meet these goals, Friesland plans to continue investing in innovation, resource management, and policy alignment with European frameworks. Collaboration with European governments and networks such as ACR+ further reinforces its commitment to SDG 17.

Conclusion

Friesland exemplifies how regional cooperation and integrated strategies can advance the Sustainable Development Goals through circular economy practices. Its “Frisian Model” and collaborative initiatives provide a replicable blueprint for sustainable development, emphasizing innovation, community engagement, and measurable impact. Continued focus on overcoming challenges will be critical to achieving Friesland’s long-term sustainability ambitions.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The article highlights Friesland’s focus on water technology, indicating efforts to improve water management and sustainability.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Friesland’s emphasis on sustainable construction, high-tech systems, and innovation-driven circular economy aligns with this goal.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The circular economy initiatives and community-driven ‘Mienskip’ philosophy contribute to sustainable urban and regional development.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Central to the article is Friesland’s circular economy model, waste reduction, recycling, and material footprint reduction.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action – Addressing high carbon emissions and scope 3 emissions relates directly to climate action efforts.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The ‘Triple Helix’ collaboration model and cooperation with European networks emphasize partnerships for sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6
   • Target 6.4: Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors.
2. SDG 9
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency.
3. SDG 11
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including waste management.
4. SDG 12
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
   • Target 12.7: Promote sustainable public procurement practices.
5. SDG 13
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
6. SDG 17
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Circularity Score – Friesland’s 10.6% circularity score compared to national and global averages measures progress in circular economy implementation.
2. Waste Reduction Percentage – A 15% reduction in waste production over three years is a key indicator of improved waste management.
3. Material Footprint Reduction – The target of 50% reduction in primary raw material use by 2030 serves as a measurable indicator.
4. Carbon Emissions – Monitoring scope 3 emissions and overall carbon footprint relates to climate action indicators.
5. Freshwater Usage – The article implies the need for stronger monitoring of freshwater use as an indicator under water efficiency targets.
6. Circular Procurement – The integration and monitoring of circular procurement practices serve as indicators of sustainable consumption and production.
7. Membership and Collaboration Metrics – The number of members (180+) in the Circular Friesland Association and partnerships with European networks reflect progress in SDG 17.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ioplus.nl