Zero Waste Scotland | Systems mapping of Scotland’s built environment

Zero Waste Scotland has published interactive systems maps for Scotland’s built environment and energy infrastructure sectors to highlight factors influencing circular economy practices. Circular economy approaches can reduce emissions from infrastructure design and operation, strengthen local supply chains by keeping materials in use at their highest value, and decrease reliance on international sources for critical materials. The maps were developed using a systems thinking approach, combining literature review and stakeholder engagement to identify root causes, key factors, and interconnections affecting circular practice adoption. 

The next step involves engaging stakeholders across industry and local government to determine effective interventions and ensure long-term impact. The systems maps focus on four strategies: circular design, lifetime extension, alternative business models, and recycled materials. They reveal where barriers and opportunities exist and how actions in one area can influence others. Interactive maps and an audio explainer are available for users to explore the insights and priorities for advancing circular economy practices. 

Source: www.zerowastescotland.org.uk