Charlotte Fernández
UKIMEA Press Office,Leeds
Announced at the Foundation’s 2016 CE100 Annual Summit in London, Arup and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation will be working together to develop circular economy principles across four key areas including cities, transport, energy and water.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation aims to accelerate the transition to the circular economy by influencing key policy makers, institutions and planners. Arup’s strong relationships with governments, cities and corporates means that the firm is well positioned to provide leadership across the sector.
Arup has been a member of the Foundation’s CE100 business network for two years, and the firm is already working on opportunities to embed circular economy principles in the built environment. Work has already begun on the CE100’s Built Environment Business Models project which evaluates the impact of the circular economy on the built environment, and aims to define how clients and suppliers across the industry can rethink and remodel their value chains.
“Since 2007, more than half of the world’s population live in urban areas and this figure is forecast to rise to 60% by 2030. At the same time, a huge growth in middle class population is expected. Combined, these trends mean that the need to put a circular framework around urban development is more critical than ever before. We are excited to forge this new partnership with Arup to help drive a major shift in mind-set and behaviour across the built environment. Ellen MacArthur, Founder, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
“At Arup, across all our professional disciplines, our focus is on the positive change design can make. We believe that existing practices regarding the materials, energy and waste produced cannot be sustained. As designers of some of the world’s most enduring buildings and infrastructure we know that leadership is needed to change the way we commission, procure construct and operate the built environment. It is our intention that working together with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation we can lead our industry toward a more circular economy. Gregory Hodkinson, Chairman, Arup
“This knowledge collaboration will allow us to develop a comprehensive research programme in support of circular construction, an important part of the Foundation’s Circular Cities programme. It will also allow us to work together on joint initiatives and projects that will engage other stakeholders in rethinking the future of living and working in cities. Stephanie Hubold, Government & Cities Programme Lead, Ellen MacArthur Foundation