Programs

Fryslân Builds Circular

The construction sector: from major polluter to source of inspiration. By 2030, the Dutch government wants to emit 55% fewer greenhouse gases and consume 50% fewer primary raw materials. In Fryslân we embrace these objectives and even want to raise the bar, where possible. This way we remain circular leader in the Netherlands and Europe.

We use buildings and materials that are already there, create efficient and detachable designs and opt for CO2 storage instead of emissions. An important focus of the programme is therefore on clients in construction: through circular invitations we create a circular supply that’s feasible, affordable and scalable. We build from the principle of planetary boundaries and use what is available within those boundaries. We combine Carbon Based Design with the 7 pillars of the Circular Economy and thus arrive at an integrated approach.

Circular Commissioning & Purchasing

Circular purchasing is the opportunity for governments to be a leader in the transition to a circular economy. By reusing raw materials and reducing waste, governments not only help achieve environmental and climate goals, but they also stimulate new forms of employment and local entrepreneurship.

In addition, collaboration between governments leads to greater efficiency and savings in time, money and capacity. They thereby stimulate innovations and remove barriers, making circular purchasing the standard. 

Municipalities work together by developing joint circular requests for product groups such as work clothing, office furniture and street furniture. This ensures uniformity in the region, which offers companies certainty and contributes to large quantity benefits and efficiency.

A new effect monitor is being developed to measure not only the efforts but also the results of circular purchasing. This monitor provides insight into whether the circular objectives in tenders are being achieved and supports Frisian authorities in continuously improving their circular purchasing practices.

Overview of other projects

Below is an overview of other initiatives that we are part of:

SPARK the Movement

SPARK the Movement is a UN recognised RCE that works to inspire schools, experiment with learning issues across all levels and make the educational curriculum more sustainable. SPARK is a Circulair Friesland initiative to structurally involve education in the movement towards a circular economy and a sustainable world.

SPARK invites teachers, directors, custodial workers, teaching assistants, policy makers and administrators, in short, everyone who is involved in creating education, to help young people discover how we can find sustainable solutions in a local context.

CIRCO Hub Fryslân

Circulair Friesland has been the CIRCO Hub for Friesland since 2021. This includes organising CIRCO Tracks; three-day development programmes for companies focused on circular entrepreneurship and circular design. Companies are supported in developing circular business models and design processes.

Circular Industrial Parks

The Circular Industrial Parks project started in 2021. The goal is to develop roadmaps that support industrial parks in the transition to circularity. Five industrial parks are participating, in addition to a general roadmap for the whole of Friesland.

Circular Business Management Programme

Since 2023 Circulair Friesland has been offering this programme for members, aimed at integrating circular steps into business operations and increasing awareness among employees.

Sustainable Mobility

Via the Sustainable Mobility Think Tank, Circulair Friesland is working on CO2 reduction in the mobility sector. Current projects include sustainable transport options for employees, tendering for sustainable mobility, hydrogen filling stations and shared mobility.

Area development Frisian Wadden Coast 2100

This think tank, started in 2022, focuses on a sustainable, climate-proof coastal landscape. Projects link water safety, nature development and circular opportunities.

Wad Goes Around

The Wad Goes Around programme is committed to reducing plastic pollution in the Wadden area through a circular approach and system change. The approach is twofold: on the one hand, cleaning up existing pollution, and on the other hand, preventing new plastic in the area.

Plastics and Circularity

In the Greenwise Circular Plastics programme, Circulair Friesland works on better recycling and circular design of plastics. Friesland is developing an ecosystem for plastics, with the Heerenveen cluster as a flywheel. Collaborations with European projects strengthen these efforts.

Closing Nutrient Cycles

Closing Nutrient Cycles Think Tank is working on a future-proof agricultural system. By recovering raw materials from human excreta, the closure of biological cycles is promoted.

Water projects

Circulair Friesland focuses on water quality and quantity, including reuse and storage of rainwater in construction. Collaboration with Watercampus Leeuwarden supports innovative water solutions.

Legislation and Regulations

The Legislation and Regulation Think Tank (started in 2023) promotes policies that accelerate the circular economy. Circulair Friesland provides insights into policy and makes recommendations at the national and European level.

Tourism and Recreation

The sector is encouraged to take circular steps and acts as a source of inspiration for consumers. Circulair Friesland investigates opportunities and bottlenecks for a circular tourism sector.