Fri 25th Feb 2022, 12:00 PM
A discussion about the findings of our latest research report — 'Measuring the Circular Economy: An Australian Perspective'.
Event Description
New research from the ACE Hub and Edge Environment finds consistent data is needed across all levels of government to support the circular transition. The report, titled Measuring the Circular Economy: An Australian Perspective, establishes a baseline understanding of circular economy measurement in government. It examines existing data gaps and outlines strategies for improving circular economy data sets across government.
This event brings together the report's authors, an expert contributor to the report and a representative from government to present findings from the research. Planet Ark's Dr Nicole Garofano is joined by the following speakers for the one hour discussion session:
Jess Braun, report author and researcher and Senior Circular Economy Consultant at Edge Environment.
Dana King, report author and researcher and Sustainability Consultant at Edge Environment.
Dr Heinz Schandl, an expert contributor to the report, Senior Science Leader at CSIRO and Chair of the ACE Hub's Metrics Working Group.
Kate Dundas, Director of Strategic Foresight and Research at Sustainability Victoria.
The session is designed for policymakers and public servants working at the local, state or federal government level. It will also offer valuable insights for the business community and anyone interested in circular economy measurement and research.
The session covers:
The role of measurement in a circular economy.
How circularity is currently measured in Australia.
Research participant's visions for a future measurement framework.
Strategies to progress circular economy measurement in Australia.
The research was conducted by sustainability and circular economy consultancy Edge Environment in collaboration with the ACE Hub. It is the first in a series of projects the ACE Hub is undertaking with its Technical Supporters — a selection of organisations partnering with the Hub to fast-track Australia's circular transition.
The findings were generated through interviews with technical experts in the fields of circularity and metrics, and surveys with government representatives from the local, state and federal level. Among both sample groups there was an agreement that a circular economy measurement framework is needed to guide decision-making at all levels of government.
You can read the report in full here: Measuring the Circular Economy: An Australian Perspective.
Jess Braun, Senior Circular Economy Consultant at Edge Environment
Jess is a Senior Circular Economy Consultant at Edge, bringing extensive experience in circular economy metrics, strategy, research and implementation. She is currently delivering a material flow analysis to inform the design of a commercial furniture product stewardship scheme and has recently worked on developing the GBCA's Circular Economy Discussion Paper, along with a Circular Economy Roadmap for the Hunter region in NSW. Jess' prior roles saw her developing a state-wide end-to-end material flow analysis for the organics in Queensland and conducting financial and market analysis to assess the feasibility of various circular economy opportunities. Throughout her career, Jess has utilised analytical techniques to generate the evidence base for decision makers to take informed actions towards their circularity transformation.
Dana King, Sustainability Consultant at Edge Environment
Dana is a Sustainability Consultant at Edge with a diverse background in project management, circular economy, environmental risk, property and construction. Dana leverages strong communication and leadership skills to manage diverse stakeholders and consultants through complex projects, applying her unique perspective to unlock new solutions to achieving sustainable outcomes. Previously, she has worked with retail, commercial and industrial businesses to explore waste management solutions and environmental risk management and developed engagement and educational material in both fields. She is currently exploring reusable food packaging solutions for Victorian SMEs in preparation for the single-use plastics bans to be introduced into the state in 2023.
Dr Heinz Schandl, Senior Science Leader at CSIRO
With a background in Sociology and Social and Economic Sciences, Dr Heinz Schandl investigates the co-evolution of social and ecological systems and their transition to sustainability. Areas of research expertise include social systems analysis and institutional analysis, co-evolution of social and ecological systems, measuring and modelling of sustainability, integrated analysis and assessment of sustainability, sustainable production and consumption, resource use governance and sustainability transitions.
Kate Dundas, Director of Strategic Foresight and Research at Sustainability Victoria
Kate is a strategist, designer and tinkerer working in data, futures and the circular economy. She is currently involved in waste data reform, government futures and mapping and measuring the circular economy. Outside of work, she enjoys weightlifting, dog patting, child wrangling and the beach.
Register at the link above to secure your ticket and be part of the conversation.
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This program has been made possible thanks to grant funding from the Australian Government and our valued sponsors BINGO Industries, KeepCup and Planet Ark Power.