Climate Justice in STEM Workshop

We successfully concluded the second Net0MM-CREATE technical workshop on the topic of climate justice in STEM. The workshop was organized in a roundtable panel format. Dr. Amanda Giang moderated the session and was joined by UBC faculty researchers – Dr. Alex Tavasoli, Dr. Milind Kandlikar, our Net0MM collaborator – Linda Nowlan (UBC Sustainability Hub), and a student climate expert – Manvi Bhalla. We had the privilege of hosting Manvi through the Climate Teaching Connector Program, where she shared her insights and experiences related to climate justice in STEM.

Throughout the session, questions and topics were raised – the definition of climate justice and its importance of implementation within the scientists and engineers community. We believe and hope that the discussion and exchange of ideas during this workshop will benefit our cohort in their research journey.

Unveiling the Circular Economy: A Path to Sustainability and Prosperity

By Shawn Chen, Sydney Mikulin and Padmapriya Srinivasan

Have you ever pondered over the profound implications of the term “circular economy”? Join us on a captivating journey as we unravel the essence of this transformative concept, guided by the insights of Dr. Chris Bataille. The circular economy, far more than just a buzzword, embodies an economic system strategically designed to minimize waste and maximize resource utilization. It is a paradigm where products, materials, and resources are managed in a manner that prioritizes sustainability, striving to prolong their usage as much as possible.

Our exploration begins with the realization that achieving circularity doesn’t necessarily mean every stage of a product’s lifecycle strictly adheres to these principles. For instance, while the production of steel might align with circular economy principles, the raw material extraction phase, such as mining, poses unique challenges. As we delve into various definitions, from the European Union’s emphasis on maintaining value in the economy to the U.S. focus on restorative industrial processes and Quebec’s holistic approach to optimizing resource use, a common thread emerges. Circular economy is not a one-size-fits-all concept; it adapts to regional nuances while fostering sustainability, reducing environmental footprints, and contributing to community well-being. The four shared principles across these definitions — longevity, reuse, recycling, and energy efficiency — echo a profound mantra: “Use less, use longer, make clean, use again.” These principles align with global efforts to eliminate waste, circulate products and materials, and regenerate nature.

At the heart of circularity lies meticulous resource management throughout their lifecycles, promoting a closed-loop system. Amid diverse interpretations, the core principles remain steadfast: sustainability promotion, waste minimization, and the cultivation of a resilient economic ecosystem.

But our journey doesn’t conclude there. We delve into a common theme in circularity studies — the profound impact of reducing demand through extended use measures. Dr. Bataille advocates that fundamentally cutting the need for materials in the first place can lead to significant emissions reduction. Join us as we navigate the nuances of the circular economy. Together, let’s unravel its potential as a strategy to address environmental challenges and pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future. An excellent example is the current recycling practice of aluminum.

Aluminum: A Shining Example of Circular Economy in Practice

Circular economy finds a shining example in the utilization of aluminum. Thanks to its enduring lifespan, a remarkable 75% of all aluminum ever produced is actively in use, boasting a global recycling efficiency rate of 76%, as reported by the International Aluminum Institute (IAI). Notably, countries like Germany and Finland surpass even 95% in recycling rates, positioning aluminum as the most sustainable material globally.

This sustainability stems from the environmentally taxing and energy-intensive process of extracting aluminum metal from its natural ore. Shockingly, for every ton of aluminum extracted, a staggering 17 tons of CO2 gas, a potent greenhouse gas, are generated. This aluminum production contributes around 1% of global CO2 emissions annually.

Despite the initial energy-intensive extraction, recycling aluminum proves to be a significant energy saver. Creating aluminum products from recycled material demands a mere 5% of the energy required for raw ore, highlighting the efficiency of the recycling process. To put it in perspective, discarding a single aluminum can to a landfill is equivalent to burning half the can’s volume of gasoline, resulting in wasted energy that could fully recharge 20 smartphones or power a TV for several hours, according to IAI. This emphasizes the imperative nature of adopting aluminum recycling as a sustainable solution.

An exemplary illustration of aluminum recycling’s impact is seen in Nespresso’s innovative approach. Nespresso, a pioneer in sustainability, recycles their single-serve aluminum coffee pods, diverting them from landfills. According to the report, 80% of their aluminum pods are made from recycled aluminum. This not only reduces waste but also contributes to the circular economy.

Another economic advantage of recycling aluminum lies in its cost-effectiveness compared to extracting virgin aluminum. With a 95% energy savings, recycling conserves natural resources needed for electricity generation in aluminum extraction, as well as the human resources involved in mining and transporting the ore. The Aluminum Association estimates that recycling all aluminum cans in the U.S. alone could save over $800 million annually.

Furthermore, aluminum cans hold greater value than their glass or plastic counterparts, making municipal recycling programs financially viable and effectively subsidizing the recycling of less valuable materials in the bin.

The numerous benefits of recycling aluminum have led to a substantial decrease in the use of newly extracted aluminum in the beverage can market, dropping from 75% to 25% since the 1980s. Each percentage decrease corresponds to a reduction of 1.02 Kg CO2 equivalent per 1000 cans, lessening the carbon impact of aluminum beverage can production overall.

Remarkably, the aluminum recycling process takes only around 60 days, encompassing the time from disposal in residential drop-offs to being filled and transported to local grocery stores. This efficiency, combined with environmental benefits, positions aluminum recycling as one of the most effective and environmentally friendly recycling processes. With its remarkable recovery rates, energy conservation, and economic advantages, aluminum recycling serves as a testament to the potential of a closed-loop system that prioritizes sustainability and efficiency. Despite the concept of circular economy sounds sustainable, there is actually more underwater factors to consider.

Net Positive with Respect to Sustainable Development Goals

The presence of a circular economy is not always net positive with respect to sustainable development goals. Circularity approaches are particularly vulnerable to rebound effects, where implementing circular approaches inadvertently increases product demand or energy use, and causes unintended emissions increases.

There is a strong consensus that early intervention measures, such as extending the lifetime of products and increasing efforts to refurbish or repair products, can have greater emissions reduction and environmental benefits than downstream approaches such as recycling. However, there are some important caveats to consider. For example, with product longevity measures, products that use energy will inevitably face a tradeoff as extending product lifetimes means foregoing improvements in energy efficiency in newer products. There are some areas where extending the use of less efficient devices may not be the best choice for reducing emissions. Similarly, the energy involved in transporting goods to and from repair depots cannot be ignored when considering the benefit of repair and refurbishment services.

Further, downstream recovery-oriented measures may only lead to marginal improvements in emissions if recycling processes are energy-intensive. This is compounded if these measures are adopted without sufficient renewable energy infrastructure. Long-term circularity requires a shift to clean energy sources to drive circular flows. There is also unsatisfactory data on issues such as maintaining material quantity and quality through multiple reuse cycles. For example, post-consumer recycled metals such as aluminum have high levels of elemental contamination. Over time, the accumulation of impurities in these metals can reduce their utility and value.

Finally, introducing measures to increase secondary supply may reduce the cost of recycled materials, but if this results in increased product demand, these measures can backfire, causing higher emissions than before in extreme cases.

To effectively implement circularity, attention needs to be paid to the interplay between initiatives and possible rebound effects. This awareness can help to mitigate issues effectively, such as retrofitting older buildings to make them more energy-efficient or improving local access to repair services. Policy instruments will be important not only to instigate improvements in efficiency but also in moderating demand and minimizing rebound effects.

Conclusion: Navigating the Complexity for a Sustainable Future

While examples of circular economy practices showcase the potential for sustainability, it’s essential to recognize the complexity of implementation. Energy consumption, social impacts, material selection, and rebound effects are critical considerations. A comprehensive approach, including thoughtful policy instruments, can help navigate the challenges and ensure that the circular economy aligns with and enhances sustainable development goals.

Reflections on Circular Economy within Canada

By Emily Shilton, Ethan Sun, Sheena Yan

Dr. Chris Bataille gave a workshop on circular economies in Canada a month ago, where he introduced the idea and explained some current practices and challenges. The “How circularity can contribute to emissions reductions in Canada” white paper [1] he co-wrote also provided more insights into the circular economy as a tool for achieving net zero emissions targets.

An Overview of Circular Economy in Canada

In Canada, the Canadian Council of Academies (CCA) has defined circular economy as “a systemic approach to production and consumption for living within planetary boundaries that conserves material resources, reduces energy and water use, and generates less waste and pollution” (CCA 2021). The shift from the current “extract-use-toss” economy requires changes from both the engineering and consumer side.

The idea of a circular economy compliments other aspects of the Canadian plan to achieve net-zero emissions like investing in clean energy sources and carbon capture mechanisms. Circularity addresses carbon emissions by reducing consumer demands for new products and “circulates” the existing ones for maximal utilisation. From a material perspective, it includes but is not limited to – material innovation, material substitution, process optimization, life cycle extension, and recycling. Each aspect is facing many technological as well as societal challenges. For example, introducing new materials that have smaller carbon footprints but do not compromise on structural integrity to meet regulatory requirements, or for process optimization a more in-depth understanding of the materials is required which often takes years to advance, or establishing consumer trust and preferences for refurbished and recycled goods.

The CCA believes that a circular economy could greatly help Canada meet sustainability goals. Many Canadian initiatives have been developed in the past few years, such as the Canadian Circular Cities and Regions Initiative launched by the National Zero Waste Council in 2021, and the Clean B.C. plan by the Government of British Columbia. Even with these steps towards circularity, there remain challenges ahead. The first challenge comes from the fact that Canada is a resource rich country. It would potentially be difficult to emphasise material circulation or resource recovery if it could have a negative economic impact on our resource extraction industries. Another challenge seems to be that the required labour to operate a circular economy is expensive and lacking. For example, it is often found to be cheaper and easier to replace a broken home appliance because repairing is costly both financially and timewise.

Besides the aforementioned technical and human-related aspects, two other factors are important to consider while adopting circular economy as identified by Cundiff et al. [1] – to track circularity progress and to look for backfires. The CCA commented that Canada lacks material flow tracking which makes it difficult to calculate current circularity rates. In order to effectively utilise circularity as a tool towards decarbonization goals, being able to track the progress will be required. In terms of potential rebound, it happens when some progress has been made with circular approaches, that the rewarding mentality further drives up the demand and causes unintended emission increases.

Embracing the Circular Economy: Impact on Manufacturers and Consumers

While the concept of a circular economy may sound promising on paper, its success hinges on the active participation and support of both manufacturers and consumers. Manufacturers play a crucial role in the circular economy by reevaluating their production processes, from the initial manufacturing stages to the selection of packaging materials. Yet, it is the consumers who wield the power to drive manufacturers towards sustainable practices. The circular economy holds the promise of substantial benefits for both parties involved.

One significant advantage for consumers is the potential for cost savings. Extending the lifespan of products through repair and repurposing can lead to financial benefits, as consumers can avoid the need to frequently purchase new items. In turn, manufacturers benefit from reduced reliance on new materials and lower waste disposal costs, contributing to overall cost savings and improved profitability.

Moreover, the circular economy fosters the creation of sustainable products, aligning with environmentally friendly and socially responsible principles. Consumers increasingly prioritize ethical and sustainable choices, and businesses that adopt circular economy practices stand to gain a competitive edge. According to Greg Petro from Forbes [2], consumers across all generations are increasingly willing to invest more in sustainable products. This trend is particularly pronounced for Gen X consumers, with their preference for shopping sustainable brands rising by nearly 25%, and their willingness to pay more for sustainable products experiencing a substantial 42% increase. This shift towards sustainability not only enhances brand reputation but also cultivates customer loyalty, as more individuals seek products that align with their values.

However, the adoption of circular economy principles faces some challenges on the consumer front. For the circular economy to thrive, there must be a demand for circular products and services [3]. If consumers are not inclined to choose sustainable options, businesses may struggle to see a return on their investment. Additionally, the circular design of products may limit choices available to consumers, as not all products can be easily adapted for circularity.

Furthermore, the upfront costs associated with circularity can be a deterrent for both consumers and manufacturers. Products designed for circularity may come with a higher initial price tag due to the use of superior and more sustainable materials. This could make them less accessible to budget-conscious consumers. Similarly, manufacturers keen on embracing circular economy principles may face significant upfront investments in new equipment, processes, and training.

In conclusion, the success of the circular economy depends on a collaborative effort between manufacturers and consumers [4]. While the benefits are substantial, overcoming challenges such as consumer preferences and upfront costs is essential for the widespread adoption of circular practices.

Looking Forward: Research Advancing Circular Economy in Canada

Through learning more about the complex and interdisciplinary barriers that exist to creating a circular economy in Canada, we have realised that it’s going to require collaboration and innovation from across academic disciplines to achieve this goal. As part of this blog post, we wanted to shine a spotlight on research currently being conducted at UBC that relates to circularity. Specifically, we hope to highlight the diversity of fields whose works are contributing to a more circular Canadian economy in order to demonstrate how there are opportunities for all of us to contribute to this mission.

Within the Institute of Mining Engineering is the “Urban Mining Innovation Centre”, founded with the goal of recovering valuable materials from our urban waste streams. Their goal is to change the narrative of extraction within mining to “create a new paradigm in material flow and waste management that enables a circular economy scenario” [5]. Their work so far has investigated plastic recycling and the recovery of critical metals and elements from mining tailings. Developing robust material recycling and recovery systems is a critical step in reducing our economy’s material inputs.

Over in the Department of Psychology, Dr. Jiaying Zhao is applying psychological principles to design behavioural solutions to address sustainability challenges [6]. Dr. Zhao has published papers such as “Measuring what works: quantifying greenhouse gas emission reductions of behavioural interventions to reduce driving, meat consumption, and household energy use” [7] and “Convenience improves composting and recycling rates in high-density residential buildings” [8], which demonstrate that well designed interventions can change people’s behaviours around activities like recycling and personal vehicle use. A successful circular economy will require everyone’s participation, and the pro-environmental interventions that Dr. Zhao research can be used to increase participation.

Looking at circularity from a public policy perspective, Dr. Milind Kandlikar is a researcher at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. As part of his research, he investigates to what extent global policies have been effective at creating more circular economies [9]. For example, his paper “Is European end-of-life vehicle legislation living up to expectations?” [10] evaluates how effective the EU’s policy end-of-life vehicle directive has actually been at improving material recovery and recycling. As Canada continues to develop more strategies to cement circularity as part of our economy, we should use learnings from around the world to ensure we develop thoughtful and effective policies.

Conclusion

Through Dr. Chris Bataille’s paper and presentation as well as our discussions afterwards, we have had a lot of time over the last month to reflect on the idea of a circular economy. Canada has pledged to become a net-zero emissions country by 2050 [11], but how and where those emissions reductions are going to come from is still being decided and creating a circular economy has a role to play in that. While the phrase “Circular Economy” may mean different things to different people, we feel it’s useful as a paradigm in changing the way people relate to their own resource use. If Canadians are buying less and recycling more and Canadian companies are extracting less and recovering more, then the emissions reductions will follow.

[Complete bibliographies can be provided upon request.]

The Net0MM team welcomed Dr. Chris Bataille to speak about pathways to net-zero decarbonization of industry!

The Net0MM team was fortunate to have Dr. Chris Bataille as a speaker on Nov 24th, 2023 for its first technical workshop of the year! Dr. Bataille kindly shared his perspectives on broad and technical pathways to achieve net-zero decarbonization in the industry, especially towards decarbonizing the steel, cement, and concrete industry. The workshop was organized in a hybrid format, to accommodate both national and international Net0MM collaborators.

Speaker profile

Dr. Chris Bataille has been involved in energy and climate policy analysis for more than 20 years as a writer, researcher, project manager and executive. His career has been largely focused on the transition to a globally sustainable energy system, specifically in designing technology and policy pathways to net-zero GHG emissions. He is a researcher at the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) and an adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University. Chris was a lead author for the Industry Chapter of the 6th cycle of the IPCC Assessment Report 2019-2022.