6 . Glasgow Business August 2016


Sustainability Circular Glasgow


» Action plan for environmental solutions to regenerate economic system I


s your business thinking about the circular economy? If you are involved in Glasgow’s food and drink industry, it might be a good time to find out more. Te circular


economy is a radical solution that advocates a fundamental change in our economic system, reducing the environmental burden on the planet. It is about creating innovative products and services designed from the start to be recycled and regenerated into something new. Te Chamber is anxious to help firms take


the next steps aſter the successful launch of the City Circle Scan of Glasgow report, which has identified four pilot projects on the journey to creating a more sustainable city. Te scan identified key areas for ‘circularity’ in the city and is seting up four pilot projects: heat recovery from bakeries, aquaponics, high-value cascading and using bread waste in the brewing process. In conjunction with the report, the


Chamber arranged an Influencers’ Dinner and a Mini Summit for key Glasgow firms who are actively considering opportunities. Te summit ended with a call to action for interested companies to request a copy of the report (available to download from the Chamber’s website); to take part in a pilot


project; or to find out more about potential support through Zero Waste Scotland’s Circular Economy Investment Fund and other stakeholders. “It was our intention to take out to the


business community in Glasgow the proposition for the circular economy. We’ve been very heartened by the response, but we are urging more Glasgow businesses to become involved,” said Alison McRae, Senior Director, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce. “Te report has brought into sharp focus how the Chamber can support local businesses, and become the champion for the circular economy in Glasgow to ensure it becomes an important part of the overall economic ambition for the city.” Te scan is a collaboration with Circle


Economy, and supported by Zero Waste Scotland and Glasgow City Council. One of the participants was veteran


Glasgow restaurateur Maurice Taylor, who had travelled to Burma and witnessed tomatoes and other produce grown in floating gardens on a lake the size of Loch Ness. “Tere were tonnes of tomatoes floating


in the lake. Burma is a third-world country and this was aquaponics that’s been going on for


centuries. Oſten you can see things that are fairly obvious and staring you in the face,” he said. “Te general idea about the circular economy is first class. Like everything in life, the devil will be in the detail.” Dr Mike Groves, of Topolytics, an


environmental business and one of the summit participants, said: “Tis is a very significant step forward and the Chamber and its partners have shown how far-sighted they are. However, for the circular economy to work, you require good data. It’s about geting down to the granular level. I see this as an important first step. Without understanding how things are made and what they do with the waste products, then it becomes difficult to chart.’’ Andy Ridley, Chief Executive Officer of


Circle Economy said: “Glasgow’s desire to transform results from the City Circle Scan into tangible and practical pilot projects illustrates their frontrunner status and serves as an example for cities around the world.” Alison McRae encourages any member


interested in finding out more to contact Cheryl McCulloch, Projects Manager, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Email: cheryl.mcculloch@glasgowchamber ofcommerce.com


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