Description
Abstract: As a city label, the regenerative city appeared in literature around 2010 but received limited attention [1]. Even though regeneration is a fundamental pillar of a circular economy, it is often omitted from research or discussed mainly in qualitative terms. Here, we explore tools from regenerative economics, a scientific field based on energy network science and information theory which can address regenerative aspects of complex systems such as cities [2]. Since data on urban metabolism are scarce, we present findings from assessing the material and energy flows of the EU27 by using data from Eurostat at a national level [3]. Between 2010 and 2018, all Member States developed their metabolism towards higher network efficiency rather than redundancy in their flow path diversity becoming potentially brittle against shocks. Their development can be described by the “window of efficiency” which we juxtapose next to the “window of vitality” theorized to characterize sustainable natural ecosystems [4]. Finally, we reflect on the implications of using regenerative economics for developing regenerative cities.References
[1] D. Schraven, S. Joss, and M. de Jong, “Past, present, future: Engagement with sustainable urban development through 35 city labels in the scientific literature 1990–2019,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 292, p. 125924, 2021
[2] B. D. Fath, D. A. Fiscus, S. J. Goerner, A. Berea, and R. E. Ulanowicz, “Measuring regenerative economics: 10 principles and measures undergirding systemic economic health,” Global Transitions, vol. 1, pp. 15–27, 2019
[3] F. K. Zisopoulos, D. F. J. Schraven, and M. de Jong, “How robust is the circular economy in Europe? An ascendency analysis with Eurostat data between 2010 and 2018,” Resources, Conservation & Recycling, vol. 178, no. 106032, 2022
[4] R. E. Ulanowicz, “Quantifying sustainable balance in ecosystem configurations,” Current Research in Environmental Sustainability, vol. 1, pp. 1–6, 2020
| Period | 8 Nov 2022 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Urban Transitions 2022 |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Barcelona, SpainShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |