Scottish Resources Conference 2016 to address circular ambitions and EU relations
Scotland’s circular economy ambitions and future relationship with the European Union are among the topics that will be covered at next month’s Scottish Resources Conference 2016.
The two-day event, which this year will focus on a theme of ‘Building a Circular Economy Together’, will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 5-6 October and will include talks and seminars exploring the potential of Scotland’s growing circular economy and showcasing innovative business models and investment opportunities.
In February this year, the Scottish Government published its circular economy strategy, ‘Making Things Last’, which included a Europe-first target to reduce food waste by a third by 2025. The strategy also highlights other areas that hold the greatest potential for rapid progress and significant environmental and economic benefits: the bioeconomy, remanufacture, construction and energy infrastructure.
Scottish Secretary for Climate Change, Environment and Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham, who took up the role after Richard Lochhead’s resignation in May, will address the conference for the first time as one of the event’s key speakers, commenting on the progress of the ‘Making Things Last’ programme, while Pierre Henry from the European Commission’s Directorate General for the Environment will discuss how Scottish and European policy can work together to deliver a more circular economy.
The conference, hosted by BBC Scotland presenter Sally Magnusson, will include discussions on global challenges facing the recycling industry and priorities for achieving Scotland’s food waste target.
Businesses chasing circularity
Following the publication of Scotland’s zero waste strategy, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a £70-million programme to develop and grow the circular economy in Scotland, as part of a package of measures to boost manufacturing in Scotland.
Some of the circular economy package funding has gone towards an £18-million fund to help small and medium-sized businesses to explore ways of developing a circular economy, which is being run by the event’s joint-organisers Zero Waste Scotland.
As well as policy and the country’s progress towards a circular economy, the programme will look at how businesses can make a move towards circularity, and advisors from Zero Waste Scotland will also be providing information for companies on the fund and how they could benefit.
Innovative circular business models will also be showcased, including: smartphone apps that help to divert surplus food; Vigga, a Danish company leasing baby’s clothing as an alternative to ‘fast fashion’; and Celtic Renewables, a Scottish biotechnology firm creating advanced fuels from whisky by-products.
Mathis Wackernagel, President of environmental think tank and research organisation Global Footprint Network, and Eric Lombardi, Executive Director of American zero waste consultancy Eco-Cycle International will deliver further keynote addresses.
Commenting on this year’s programme, Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “With a topical, thought-provoking agenda and an outstanding line-up of speakers, such as Mathis Wackernagel, a global promoter of sustainability, and the first chance for this conference to hear from our new cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham, I’m really excited about this year’s Scottish Resources Conference. Focusing on building a circular economy to benefit all, this event is once again setting the pace.
“We’re also keen to hear from businesses and innovators with ideas to accelerate our shift to a circular economy. Zero Waste Scotland has £18 million to invest in SME businesses over the next three years, so there’s a real opportunity to turn ideas into action.”
‘A chance to be inspired by business leaders’ already benefitting from the circular economy
The Scottish Resources Conference is an annual event now in its 15th year run jointly by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and Zero Waste Scotland. The conference aims to bring together a wide range of Scottish businesses, public-sector and third-sector organisations, practitioners, educators and policy makers to explore global trends, methods of sustainable business growth and a waste-free Scotland.
Steve Lee, Chief Executive of CIWM, added: “Circular economy thinking offers a real chance to develop a more sustainable and resource-efficient future for Scotland’s communities and businesses, and Scottish Government and Zero Waste Scotland are leading from the front on this agenda. The impressive speaker line-up offers delegates a chance to be inspired by business leaders who are already realising the benefits of adopting circular approaches, and to understand the policy support and funding that is available to enable others to follow.”
More information about the Scottish Resources Conference, including a full programme and registration information can be found on the CIWM website.
