Developing a Circular Economy Strategy for a Climate-Forward U.S Midwest City
Location: United States
Industry: Local Government
The challenge
A mid-sized U.S. city aimed to translate its net-zero ambitions into measurable circular economy action. The administration needed a strategy that connected material flows, community engagement, and greenhouse gas implications into one cohesive framework.
What was done
Developed a citywide Circular Economy Strategy that integrated decarbonization, resilience, and equity. Analyzed municipal waste and recycling data to model end-of-life emissions and identify priority intervention pathways. Piloted the framework with three local stakeholders and facilitated workshops, video-based outreach, and community engagement efforts. Delivered the final strategy and presented it to the city’s sustainability office and the broader university community.
The impact
The project helped the city embed circularity into its climate agenda, established a data-driven foundation for material flow decision-making, and strengthened community participation in local sustainability efforts.
