Prague has a Strategy for the transition to a circular economy
Rada hl. Today, Prague approved a key strategy aimed at reducing the consumption of primary raw materials, waste production and greenhouse gas emissions in the capital. The strategy of circular economy or circular economy follows the Climate Plan of Prague until 2030. The principles of circular economy want to introduce Prague mainly in the field of construction, waste management, water, agriculture and food.
The approved strategy represents a framework for activities by which Prague can introduce the principles of the circular economy into the daily life of the city and support their overall development.
“The circular economy represents a new approach to the handling of raw materials, materials and products. The main goal is to minimize waste – that’s why we want to place great emphasis on the prevention of waste generation and keeping raw materials and products in circulation for as long as possible. “ explains Petr Hlubuček / STAN / Deputy Mayor for the Environment and Infrastructure.
The strategy is part of the metropolis’ long-term plan to reduce CO 2 emissions2 and achieve carbon neutrality by the capital by 2050. “We know that up to 45% of global CO emissions2 is related to the production and consumption of food, materials and products that we use every day. The circular economy thus opens up space for new practices and innovations. The introduction of its principles thus also gives us the opportunity to create new services, products and jobs in Prague, ” supplied by Petr Hlubuček.
The strategy focuses on 7 thematic objectives and measures in 4 sectors with the greatest potential for material and emission savings; they are: 1) construction, 2) water, 3) agriculture and food, 4) waste. In total, there are proposals for 73 measures and 34 specific projects.
“Among the main areas in which we have identified the greatest potential for possible savings in the consumption of primary raw materials, other materials and CO emissions2, include construction, construction waste and their recycling. Furthermore, water management or waste management system,“Says Petr Hlubuček / STAN /, Deputy Mayor for the Environment and Infrastructure.
The construction sector, which generates more than 70% of waste in the metropolis, consumes the most materials and primary raw materials. By responsible procurement, where requirements for demolition procedures or the use of recycled materials will be set, the city can significantly reduce the amount of waste.
In terms of household waste, their largest separation and separation of biodegradable waste and other uses as certified compost or digestate. To reduce the amount of waste – especially the more extensive use of the network of re-use services, ie services that prioritize the reuse of things and products, their repair and subsequent sharing. These are, for example, repair shops, swaps, re-use points or community events such as “Iron Sunday”.
“The tools we can support the implementation of the measures proposed in the strategy are, for example, public procurement. It is purely up to us to decide what products and services we will want to demand in Prague. Furthermore, they are motivational tools such as subsidy support, but also targeted education and communication support, ”Explains Deputy Hlubuček how Prague wants to stimulate the transition to a circular economy.
Completely new topics of the circular economy are food policy and the prevention of food waste in the city.
“The largest planned infrastructure project is a biogas plant prepared by Pražské služby, as, which represents the final technology for the use of biodegradable waste, it is not suitable for composting. In addition, PSAS is also preparing slag treatment technology so that 60,000 tonnes of this material, which ends up in landfills during the year, can be used in construction, ”Calculates the specific projects of Hlubuček Square.
Pilot projects are also being prepared by other city companies. Pražské vodohospodářské společnosti, as (PVS) is planning the processing of biogas from sewage sludge into bioCNG, which will then be forced into the gas network, and the solution of a sludge terminal with the possibility of energy use for heating Prague households.
source: press release