Glasgow has become the first city in the UK to sign the Circular Cities Declaration after receiving support from the council’s City Administration Committee in April.

The declaration, which was developed by ICLEI Europe in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, recognises the city of Glasgow as one of the leading European cities working in the circular economy.

By signing the declaration, Glasgow will become a member of a unified network of over 50 cities across Europe, working together to raise awareness of the environmental, economic and social benefits of the circular economy.

The network also includes leading strategic partners in the United Nations Environment Programme, European Investment Bank (EIB), Circle Economy and Metabolic.

City Convenor for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction for Glasgow City Council, Anna Richardson, welcomed the move at the official signing.

Councillor Richardson said: “I’m delighted to sign the Circular Cities Declaration, which commits to Glasgow’s transition from a linear to a circular economy.”

“Over the last month, Glasgow City Council, have taken major steps as we look towards net-zero carbon by 2030. The Glasgow Climate Plan was unanimously approved at Committee, and we launched the new business charter and website alongside our Sustainable Glasgow partners.”

She added, “This signing further cements our commitment to supporting Glasgow’s businesses helping them to adopt sustainable business practices, by encouraging them to reuse and repair goods previously destined for landfill.”

“A circular economy supports a more inclusive and resilient Glasgow. By encouraging self-sufficiency, we will be able to stimulate local business growth for a more inclusive society.”

“This is yet another key moment in the city’s journey to tackling the climate emergency.”

Alison McRae, senior director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “Glasgow Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting and enabling actions to tackle climate change and has been doing this through our Circular Glasgow initiative for five years now.”

“Through a partnership approach with Zero Waste Scotland, Glasgow City Council and Circle Economy in the Netherlands, our business community has been embracing circular economy business models to become future proof by delivering closed-loop value chains and driving innovative solutions; ultimately, reducing their climate impact.”

“We know that moving to renewables will address around 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but it is through a circular economy approach that we will deliver long term sustainable solutions across all sectors. It is ultimately good business.”

“Glasgow’s work to date has already been used as a case study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, so becoming the UK’s first city to sign this Cities Declaration is a testament to the progress being made by both our businesses and our partners through the wider city ambitions of its Circular Economy Route Map.”

“This is fantastic for Glasgow and a milestone moment as the host city for COP26 later this year.”

Read the committee report here http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/councillorsandcommittees/Agenda.asp?meetingid=17537

More information on ICLEI Circular Cities can be found here https://circularcitiesdeclaration.eu/