The Scottish Government has become the first national administration to sign up to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Economy 100 (CE100) programme, which the government said would give its zero waste plans a ‘big boost’.
The CE100 scheme seeks to ‘accelerate the transition to a circular economy, helping businesses rethink the way they manage resources, whilst stimulating economic growth’ within a three year period.
Commenting on joining the CE100 programme, Scotland's Environment Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland’s economy will benefit from moving to a more circular model of production and consumption. Our Zero Waste Plan is already delivering important actions to make better use of resources, and we can accelerate progress if we join together with others on a global level.
“Joining the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s CE100 gives Scotland an excellent opportunity to share its own successes with others, and to take a leadership role in a growing global movement.”
Jamie Butterworth, CEO of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, also welcomed the move by the Scottish Government, stating: “We're excited to welcome the Scottish Government as one of the first governmental members of the Circular Economy 100 programme.
“Regions and governments will play an important enabling role within this initiative and in a transition towards a circular economy by supporting businesses in developing new markets and generating informed policy. We look forward to working with Scotland over the next three years.”
Purpose of the CE100
The CE100 programme provides members with ‘privileged access to a range of academic and practical tools’. This includes reports and presentations, workshops, contact networks and advice on moving towards a circular economy.
The Foundation states that it ‘created the Circular Economy 100 programme to support business in unlocking this commercial opportunity and to enable them to benefit from subsequent first mover advantages.’
Businesses already signed up include Unilever, Renault, The Coca Cola Company and Morrisons.
The announcement follows the April 2013 launch of Resource Efficient Scotland, a project designed to help Scottish businesses ‘reduce energy, water and raw materials costs’ by offering ’free support, training and access to funding to help… implement resource efficiency measures’.
Read more about the Circular Economy 100 programme.
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