ECLECTIC

ECLECTIC uses a research-oriented approach combining quantitative analysis of urban metabolism with qualitative research on social vulnerability to support local authorities in designing, implementing and monitoring circular economy (CE) actions plans. Using material flow analysis (MFA) and life cycle assessment (LCA), ECLECTIC models resource flows and associated environmental impacts in four city-regions: Bolzano (Itay), Coimbra (Portugal), Jonava (Lithuania) and Gothenburg (Sweden). In each region, City-Region Living Labs (CiRLabs) are operated to co-select CE strategies aligned with local needs and climate neutrality goals. The project assess the potential of the co-selected CE strategies to environmental impact reduction and develops a KPI-based monitoring framework to track implementation of CE action plants. ECLECTIC also provides policy  recommendations focused on social justice and inclusion, ensuring CE actions consider the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups across Europe.

ECLECTIC will deliver a toolkit for local authorities to support the design, implementation and monitoring of CE actions plans. The toolkit will integrate project results, metrics, learnings and recommendations derived from research in the 4 CiRLabs to develop CE actions plans, considering city or region-specific challenges, goals and opportunities. ECLECTIC’s expected impact is to enable sustainable transition pathways to CE by equipping policymakers with knowledge, guidance and tools on CE. At a broader level, ECLECTIC aims to increase evidence and awareness on CE by analyzing circular transitions according to multiple perspectives (economic, environmental and social), contributing to multidisciplinary research on CE. To this end, ECLECTIC organizes joint events and webinar with other projects across European cities and regions, promoting shared learning and comparison of methods and results to accelerate progress towards a just and sustainable circular economy in the EU.