Circularity for Utrecht: A matter of space and time

Research Line: Urban Rural Circularity / Seed Call: i4CS April 2024

Utrecht’s transition towards a circular society has made significant progress, particularly in resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the adoption of sustainable technologies. However, a crucial gap remains in understanding the spatial dynamics necessary to support this transition—specifically, how urban space can be adapted, repurposed, and utilized over time to facilitate circular construction activities.

This project aims to provide Utrecht Province with insights into the spatiotemporal aspects of transitioning to a circular society, with a specific focus on the construction sector. It will deliver a conceptual framework outlining the spatial parameters required for shifting from a linear to a circular model, along with a roadmap for implementing this transition.

Currently, there is limited clarity on how space in Utrecht can be dynamically allocated to accommodate the evolving needs of circular construction. The province’s spatial framework has yet to fully integrate adaptive strategies that support the flexible and efficient use of land in alignment with circular principles. An adaptive spatial framework is essential to bridge this gap, offering guidance on both current spatial requirements and the long-term evolution of space use in a circular economy. By ensuring that circular construction activities have the necessary spatial infrastructure, Utrecht can unlock the full potential of its circular ambitions.

Objectives and Route to Impact

The transition to a circular society in Utrecht has primarily focused on resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable technologies. However, the spatial dynamics required to facilitate circular construction remain underexplored. This project seeks to address this gap by developing a framework that guides the adaptive use of space in support of circular construction activities.

Objectives:

1. Develop a Conceptual Spatial Framework – Define the spatial parameters necessary for transitioning from a linear to a circular construction model, providing clarity on the evolving demand for space.
2. Create a Roadmap for Circular Space Use – Offer a step-by-step approach to implementing adaptive spatial strategies, ensuring that urban land use aligns with circular principles over time.
3. Support Policy and Planning – Equip policymakers, urban planners, and construction stakeholders with insights to integrate circular spatial strategies into existing frameworks.

Route to Impact:

• Strategic Planning for Circular Infrastructure – By identifying how urban spaces can be repurposed for circular construction, the project will help Utrecht optimize land use and reduce spatial inefficiencies.
• Enhanced Flexibility in Land Use – Providing municipalities with strategies to dynamically allocate space for evolving circular activities, ensuring long-term adaptability.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Implementation – Engaging policymakers, construction professionals, and local communities to ensure practical, real-world applications of circular spatial planning.

By embedding circularity into urban planning, this project will enable Utrecht to fully realize the potential of its circular ambitions, creating a more resilient and sustainable built environment.

Contribution to cross-EWUU collaboration

This project brings together key expertise from the EWUU Alliance to develop a roadmap for Utrecht’s adaptive spatial strategy in its transition to a circular society. By addressing the evolving spatial demands of the construction sector, the project integrates insights from multiple disciplines to create a conceptual framework that defines the fundamental spatial parameters of circularity.

Each Alliance partner contributes 0.1 FTE, with an additional 0.4 FTE junior researcher co-supervised by all partners to support research activities. The collaboration leverages complementary expertise:

• WU-DES provides expertise in spatial modeling and systems thinking, ensuring that Utrecht’s resource allocation aligns with its long-term circular goals. Their approach integrates environmental, social, technical, and geographical factors to create a holistic transition strategy.
• TU/e contributes expertise in information systems and collaborates with WU-DES to conceptualize the roadmap. Their focus ensures that the framework remains both effective and adaptable, supporting the efficient use of space while integrating circularity targets.
• UU brings expertise in urban governance, identifying policy gaps, developing actionable recommendations, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to support real-world implementation.

By harmonizing spatial planning with governance and information systems, this interdisciplinary effort provides a robust decision-making framework. The outcome is a strategic roadmap that aligns Utrecht’s spatial infrastructure with its circular ambitions, ensuring a coordinated and adaptable transition over time.

Team

• Maryam Ghodsvali – WUR Environmental Sciences – Principle Investigator
• Yanliu Lin – UU Human Geography and Spatial Planning
• Hongmei Lu – UU Human Geography and Spatial Planning
• Shahryar Ershad Sarabi – TU/e Built Environment