The most appealing steps towards decarbonisation of SMEs in the UK

This paper aims to examine current efforts of small-and-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK towards decarbonisation using the circular economy principles. Business operations are at the heart of decarbonisation, and the reduction and removal of carbon dioxide output from operations is currently a key concern. This study subsequently analyses which energy choices and circular economy (CE) practices have been the most attractive option, along with the overall long-term sustainability of these choices. A facilitated workshop methodology was undertaken with SMEs already using CE principles to improve their sustainability credentials and lowering their carbon footprint. The results led to the identification that solar energy has been chosen as the key focus towards greener energy, with the reduction of materials used in operations as the primary CE practice. These being easier actions which do not disrupt current operations, however for longer-term sustainability stronger actions like closing material loops will be needed.</p

Shoving Not Nudging: A Case of Shaming ‘Waster’ Stickers

Sustainability is centred around the concept of finding an equilibrium with regards to Earth’s ability to support life and the need for economic growth. The circular economy complements this by seeking to provide a production and consumption model which seeks to use resources for as long as possible with minimal waste. This paper aims to examine householder response towards recycling campaigns using the shoving intervention strategy and subsequently the emotion of shame. The case study methodology was used on a UK campaign using negatively framed ‘waster’ stickers. Three secondary literature sources and two primary interviews were used for the case study analysis. Two main reactions were found because of the campaign – the feeling of being insulted and to shift the blame, with the insult indicating a level of shame. Thus, the use of shoving as an intervention strategy was found to lead to negative householder reaction, suggesting that other strategies such as nudging may be more effective in positive recycling attitudes.</p

The gamification of circular practices using the SDGs

Global society is becoming increasingly committed to the values of responsi-ble businesses and long-term value creation. There is also a strong under-standing of the need for more sustainable economic growth, which is demonstrated with the global sustainable development goals (SDGs). Gami-fication provides an opportunity to increase sustainable awareness and be-haviours by providing instantaneous rewards for completing desired pro-environmental tasks. These actions are based on circular economy practices, seeking to keep waste minimal, extending and closing the loop. A case study methodology was used to examine the gamified sustainability scheme launched by a higher education institution in the United Kingdom. The de-sign of this scheme was found to cover all four of the categorisations of sus-tainability games and apps, as well as optimising key gamification principles of realistic goals, clear progression and reward, as well as using strategy and novelty to engage users. The scheme also focused on the delivery of five of the seventeen SDGs and four of the Rs. Thus, although gamification princi-ples have been optimised to encourage circular practices in this case, further consideration should be given to the remaining SGDs and Rs to ensure a balanced approach to sustainable operations and growth. The case serves as an example of how gamification can be used to encourage stakeholders to-wards sustainable attitudes and behaviours.</p

The emerging ecosystem of circular start-ups

Start-ups renew circular industries as they can develop and test new business opportunities in a more committed way than established larger businesses. There is, nevertheless, a lack of empirical research on what start-ups contribute to circular ecosystems. This study analyses circular start-up cases collected from a large international database. It applies network analysis to the examination of start-ups’ market offerings, activities, and business strategies. Eight start-up clusters are recognized, with the largest three involving design strategies in the fashion industry which transform waste to production resources, new business models in leasing and renting in the manufacturing industry, and product life extension in the service industry. The remaining five circular start-up clusters concern electricity grids, recycling and waste in construction, education and its impact, design concerning well-being and environment, and sport kits. Our findings provide an empirical foundation for the role of start-ups in circular ecosystems