“We know that we cannot continue to use resources as if they were unlimited. We must think about the recycling of materials, the decreasing of our resources use, and we must concretely support the valorisation of materials,” said Willy Borsus, Vice-President of the Belgian Walloon Region.

Worldwide material consumption has expanded rapidly, as has material footprint per capita. In 1990, some 8.1 tonnes of natural resources were used to satisfy a person’s need, while in 2017, almost 12.2 tonnes of resources were extracted per person.

To ensure that current material needs do not lead to the overextraction of resources or to the degradation of environmental resources, we need to act urgently to improve resource efficiency, reduce waste, and mainstream sustainability practices across all sectors of the economy.

Circular economy

The concept of circular economy is at the forefront of global discussions. The International Resource Panel argues that a transformation from a linear economy—where products, once used, are discarded—to a circular one—where products and materials continue in the system for as long as possible—will contribute to a more sustainable future. Rethinking how we manufacture industrial products and deal with them at the end of their useful life could provide breakthrough environmental, social and economic benefits.

Breaking the link, or decoupling natural resource consumption from economic gains and environmental impacts, is key for a circular economy.

Belgium—a frontrunner

Belgium is already on its way to build a more sustainable society through circular economy. The federal government and the three autonomous regions —Brussels-Capital, Wallonia and Flanders—are all aligned in this effort.

“A transition to a low-carbon, climate-neutral and resource-efficient economy requires a holistic approach: it is not achieved by addressing challenges in silos. Science, technology and innovation must be put to work for this transition. Belgium is ready to play its role and to lead by example,” said Marie-Christine Marghem, Minister of Environment, Energy and Sustainable Development in Belgium.

“The circular economy will create economic activity. This is one of the reasons why we, the Brussels government, want to be among the pioneers: we want to show that it is possible!” said Alain Maron, Minister for Climate Transition, and Barbara Trachte, Secretary of State in charge of Economic Transition in a joint statement.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Brussels Environment (the environment agency of Brussels-Capital), together with Ecocity Builders and the World Council on City Data have developed a conceptual framework to track the city’s transition to a circular economy, including draft indicators (see the report for details).

With Brussels as one of its pilot cities, UNEP is also working on a methodology to measure the number of jobs created in a circular economy transition.

UNEP and Belgium, working together on a global level

Belgium is a strong political and financial supporter of the work of UNEP. It has unfailingly contributed to UNEP’s core fund, the Environment Fund since 1973 and consistently features in the top-10 list of contributors. Belgium is also one of the few Member States that make multi-year commitments to UNEP’s core funding.

“We have set ambitious goals through the 2030 Agenda. We need to solve complex interlinked issues covering the whole world: and Belgium is committed to achieve these. UNEP plays a crucial role—in bringing scientific evidence; in convening people; in leading the way for us… this is about our future generations, and UNEP is a core partner in this,” said Alexander De Croo, the Belgian Minister for Development Cooperation.

On the global level, Belgium supports UNEP’s work to accelerate the transition to resource-efficient and sustainable economies.