4theRegion was pleased to support EFT Consult with their launch of the Circular Economy Club in Swansea on 14th November 2018, bringing together a range of professionals and businesses interested in sustainability, the bio-based economy, the built environment, valorisation of waste, and the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

Around 25 professionals gathered in the new Construction Wales Innovation Centre at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David Waterfront Campus in SA1. It was an opportunity to watch inspiring short films curated by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and discuss the progress this region is making towards growing a more circular economy.

The Circular Economy is an alternative to the current linear model of take, make, waste – recognising that we must be more prudent with our use of resources – reuse, recycle, regenerate, and care for the well-being of people and the planet.

The Circular Economy Club (CEC) is the non-profit international network of over 2,600 circular economy professionals and organisations in over 60 countries. The CEC is headquartered in London, coordinated by volunteers, open and free for anyone to join. Swansea-based building services consultants, EFT Consult, is the official organiser of the Circular Economy Club in Swansea, reflecting their determination to help the regional economy become more circular. Through their work with companies and organisations in the built environment across Wales and beyond, EFT deploy circular economy principles to help building owners and managers renovate and manage their facilities in line with the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

Dave Kieft, managing director of EFT Consult, said, “Circular Economy practices are not only beneficial to people and the environment, but offer cost-savings and efficiencies for all businesses and organisations in our region, as well as aligning them with the law in terms of the Well-being of Future Generations Act. It is an economic, social and environmental ‘no-brainer’ that we move our economy towards a circular model, which is why we have formed the Swansea Circular Economy Club and intend to play our part in encouraging everyone to take the principles on board.”

Adrian Matthews, Circular Economy consultant at EFT, said, “The beauty of the Circular Economy model is that it serves the well-being of everyone in a sustainable way. Businesses can grow and be environmentally responsible, in a way that also helps to regenerate businesses and the economy – through circular economy and well-being principles, through local sourcing, and through the use sustainable materials, products and services.”

Dawn Lyle, founder of 4theRegion, who facilitated the event, said, “We see the move towards a circular economy as a fundamental part of how our regional economy develops over the next few years. There are great rewards at stake for businesses and regions prepared to lead the way in embracing circular economy principles. That’s the message, and that’s why we’re so keen to make sure everyone knows what the Circular Economy means and is engaged in the challenge.”

This event was part of the Global Disruptive Innovation Festival organised by the Circular Economy Club. The South West Wales Circular Economy Club is one of 30 organisations around the world who are holding screenings this month as part of a festival of films relating to Circular Economy innovations across the globe.

To be part of future CEC meetings and conversations, register your interest via 4theRegion, the Centre for Regional Engagement, at www.4theregion.org.uk/circular-economy-club/