The City of Turku is committed to a resource wise future with zero emissions, zero waste and a low ecological footprint with the sustainable use of natural resources by the year 2040. Turku aims at being carbon neutral already by 2029 and climate positive with negative net emissions thereafter. In order to reach these ambitious goals, we collaborate with regional partners to accelerate the circular transition of the Turku region.  

Circular economy is in the core of a successful climate policy with positive impacts on environment, economy and wellbeing. A circular climate policy also addresses the indirect emissions embedded in products and materials along their entire lifecycle. 

• The current linear economy relies on intensive resource extraction where the vast majority of materials are wasted after a single use. This generates huge amounts of emissions and drains natural resources.  

• Circular economy is growth redefined. Materials and products are maintained in use for as long as possible and the consumption is based on using services. Circularity decouples economic growth from the consumption of finite resources, regenerating natural systems, minimizing waste and pollution and creating wellbeing. 

A recent study by Finland Futures Research Centre recognized about 700 circular economy operators in the Turku region, 270 of them being businesses visibly engaged in circular economy. Cities have a crucial role as enablers of circularity and in creating a good operating environment for new solutions.  

• ICLEI Green Circular Cities Coalition: feasibility study to build an active network of circular economy actors in the Turku region

Circular Turku – collaboration for resource wisdom in the Turku region

 

Circularity is a massive challenge that requires broad collaboration. Circular Turku is a joint effort of local, regional, national and international partners to accelerate the circular transition.