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Circular economy

On the path to a circular-oriented economy

A circular economy revolutionises our economic thinking. Instead of consuming resources and producing waste, a closed cycle with repair, reuse and recycling is created. The circular economy not only offers environment benefits, but also produces long-term economic growth and additional benefits for society.

Latest news

Event

Expert Talks 2024

How the circular economy runs smoothly thanks to standards

Course + certification

Certified Circular Economy Officer acc. ISO 59004

Standards for the circular economy

With the Circular Economy Action Plan, the European Commission is endeavouring to ensure a cleaner and more competitive Europe. The measures go above and beyond waste reduction and start right from the beginning of the production chain. Product design, life cycle, supply chain and life cycle assessment – the aim is a sustainable product policy which completely exploits the potential of the c They provide the methodological basis for achieving the regulatory aims.ircular economy.

Standards play a key role in an efficient circular economy and support this transformation.

Current standards

Standard

ISO 59004:2024

Circular economy – Vocabulary, principles and guidance for implementation

Standard

ISO 59010:2024

Circular economy – Guidance on the transition of business models and value networks

Insights into the committee's work

Three questions for committee manager Alena Rabitz

Standards play a key role in the green transformation by making sustainability practical and therefore increasing acceptance. They harmonise terminology and set requirements for circular products and services, which is a key prerequisite for making sure that the circular economy is economically successful.

Current international projects are focussed on standardising terms, changing business models, measuring the performance of circular-oriented solutions and optimising value chains.

The aim of a circular economy is to retain the value of products and resources for as long as possible. This not only results in reduced CO2 emissions, waste and environmental pollution, but also unleashes considerable economic potential thanks to resource-efficient, low-emission and circular production processes. Standards offer a framework and increase the obligation, which supports the green transformation.

Help shape standards with regard to the circular economy

The European and international committee work is reflected in Austria in Committee 157 "Waste management".
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Circular economy

Management systems as helpful tools

Management systems for quality, energy and the environment promote activities that bring about sustainability by enabling a comprehensive view of the organisation. They offer structured and systematic approaches in order to achieve aims in the company and continuously make improvements.

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ÖNORM ISO 9001

Systematically plan and manage quality-related processes

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Affordable And Clean Energy Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com

ÖVE/ÖNORM EN ISO 50001

Improve energy efficiency and reduce costs

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ÖNORM EN ISO 14001

Achieve environmental goals and meet legal requirements

More on circular economy and sustainability

Technical literature

Energieeffizienzgesetz (EEffG) leicht gemacht

Praktische Umsetzung des EEffG mit Energieaudits und Managementsystemen

Course

Corporate Sustainability und ESG-Manager:in (German only)

Seminar

Ökobilanzierung für Baustoffe (German only)

Want to know more?

We would be happy to help you if you have any questions about standardisation and developing standards for the circular economy.