Circular Economy Office

ongoing

Traditional linear model 80-90% of the discarded office furniture (OF) in the EU is incinerated or landfilled, leading to unnecessary CO₂ emissions and material waste. Promising initiatives/learnings from previous EU projects in NSR for circular OF are not implemented on a large scale. A link needs to be established between sustainable OF management and changing demands in the work environment, especially with developments due to COVID- 19. CEO combines all these aspects to secure long-lasting change and acceptance. Link economic recovery green transition The CEO project aims to establish this link to accelerate the OF sectors advancement towards an innovative, resource efficient and circular economy in the NSR. By moving to scale, introducing modularity and adaptability in product design product life is extended and waste reduced. CEO encourages public and private stakeholders along the value chain to foster the circular economy mindset and build sustainable practices, products and solutions. 7 pilots will be developed to move existing ideas to scale, test innovative approaches, facilitate sustainable transformation and uptake of the sector including a legal framework while ensuring flexibility, climate protection and establishing territorial connections. Circularity movement in the NSR The pioneer role of the NSR stimulated by CEOs comprehensive and innovative approach goes beyond environmental and economic benefits to the region. The CEO partner cities will play a necessary role in transforming to a circular sector. Different experience levels of partners are a chance to address a variety of local starting points and transnational exchange will lift all partners more quickly to a higher level. The sector requires a spatial relation that stays regional but goes beyond urban/national boundaries to close OF loops. CEOs strive for replicability will lead to spill-overs to other urban, peri-urban and rural areas advancing the whole NSR and strengthening its resilience. Overall Objective: Accelerate the OF sectors transition through transnational cooperation towards a circular, innovative, cost and resource efficient NSR economy. By moving to scale, improving legal frameworks, introducing modularity and adaptability in product design, product life is extended and waste reduced.

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