The extraction, processing, use and disposal of materials in many products and structures is a major contributor to climate change, with adverse environmental and social impacts as well.
The building and construction sector uses many materials that add to global emissions. Cement alone contributes 8% of global emissions, and the contributions of steel, brick, and stone are significant. Technology and renewable energy sectors rely on minerals and metals like coltan, lithium, and copper. Excessive use of raw and processed fabrics in the garment industry is exacerbated by “fast fashion” business models.
Growing interest in a “circular economy” focuses on reducing materials footprints and preventing disposal in landfills. It prioritises re-purposing or re-using materials already in circulation, and recycling others. Such approaches reduce dependence on supply chains, and related risks of human rights abuses, and can generate positive social outcomes, including stimulating new industries and generating new jobs.
The benefits, however, are not inevitable. New approaches to waste management and recycling may displace methods that provide incomes for informal workers, particularly women. To be sure, some traditional methods are degrading, dangerous, or dehumanising and these must change. But circular economy transformations must not disregard the livelihoods of informal workers . Similarly, “green” industries do not necessarily have strong worker protections, nor provide opportunities for those facing barriers to employment.
High income countries have much larger material footprints per capita than low-income countries – by some estimates, as much as 10 times – making it critical that nationally-determined contributions (NDCs) to climate change include not only emissions generated within borders, but also the impacts of consumption. Circular economy innovation in highly industrialised contexts may overlook the fact that for many low-income and traditional communities, minimal material footprints and re-use is a way of life.
In the time ahead, ensuring that circular economy developments move in a positive direction for workers and communities will likely gain momentum and involve strategic interventions by multiple actors.
Investors and owners of companies, buildings, and infrastructure projects will need to assess materials impacts, apply “materials passports”, and guide shifts towards circular practices consistent with human rights standards.
Companies, supported by investors, will need to scale up innovations in materials re-use and recycling, and provide platforms that connect buyers to low-carbon and responsibly-produced materials.
Governments – from national level to regions and cities – have critical roles to play as well, by harnessing regulatory, procurement, and convening powers to reduce waste , incentivising circular strategies, and ensuring strong social and worker protections.
In the time ahead, ensuring that circular economy developments move in a positive direction for workers and communities will likely gain momentum and involve strategic interventions by multiple actors – investors and owners, companies, and governments.