The Circular Economy in Barcelona
Together with our partner, Swapfiets, we have created an overview of the circular economy in Barcelona, and offered a breakdown of the ongoing Circular Initiatives in the city. Offering an opportunity for innovation and integration between businesses, natural ecosystems, our daily lives and waste management, it’s great to see that Barcelona is switching towards a more circular economy.
This article is sponsored by Swapfiets.
Circular economy in Barcelona
Re-defining Progress - The Circular Economy
The Circular Economy is a model of production and consumption which involves reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials/products for as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended. The Circular Economy Model offers a new chance of innovation and integration between businesses, natural ecosystems, our daily lives and waste management.
By using this model, when a product reaches the end of its life, its materials are kept within the economy wherever possible. These materials can then be productively used again and again, thereby creating further value.
Looking beyond the current take-make-waste industrial model, a circular economy focuses on positive society-wide benefits. It explores how, through a change in perspective, we can re-design the way our economy works by designing products that can be ‘made to be made again’.
Adopting a circular economy represents a systemic shift that builds long-term resilience, generates business and economic opportunities, and provides tonnes of environmental and societal benefits.
The Benefits
Moving towards a more Circular Economy could deliver benefits such as reducing pressure on the environment, encouraging innovation, boosting economic growth and creating jobs.
Consumers will also be provided with more durable and innovative products that will definitely save them money in the long term.
The circular economy in Barcelona
‘The green and circular economy in Barcelona City Council Policies’ study was presented in a meeting at Barcelona Activa as part of a strategy to promote the green economy through municipal policies.
The study analyses the results of measures implemented by Barcelona City Council between 2016 and 2019 in the areas of energy, water, waste, urban greenery, mobility, air quality, housing, local economic development, consumerism, commerce and tourism.
The study concludes that there was a combined overall investment of 603 million euros on average for each year of office, around 51% of which was used on mobility and air quality, 19% on urban greenery and 15% on housing. Public policies on the green and Circular Economy by the City Council have generated over 1.380 permanent jobs a year on average and 5.200 temporary jobs.
The evaluation made during the study makes it possible to identify which strategies implemented during this term of office were of the most interest in terms of adding vitality to the economy and creating new jobs. Some of which include:
- Shared (electric) vehicles to foster intermodality.
- The renewal of energy use in buildings.
- The municipal energy distributor and backing for renewable production.
- Urban greenery: the opportunity offered by green rooftops.
- Waste reduction: zero waste strategy.
- The circular economy in other strategic sectors (digital companies and ITC, energy efficiency, social and solidarity economy, responsible tourism and commerce).
Circular initiatives in Barcelona
There are many ongoing circular initiatives in Barcelona across various different sectors, such as:
- Food Industry & Agriculture
- Chemical, Energy & Water Industries
- Health, Wellbeing and Life Science
- Sustainable Mobility
- Industry 4.0 & Industrial Systems
- Design
- Packaging
- Build Environment
- Education
Below you will find 6 practical initiatives, that you can easily apply to your daily life.
Swapfiets
Swapfiets is the world’s first ‘bicycle as a service’ company. Their concept is quite simple – For a monthly subscription fee, Swapfiets members receive a fully functional bicycle or e-mobility solution for their own use.
SWAPFIETS 
- mobility rental , micro mobility, bike rental, circularity
Go Zero Waste
With Go Zero Waste app find Zero Waste products and services near you and learn tricks and tips for a waste-free life. Founded in Barcelona.
La Fàbrica del Sol
La Fàbrica del Sol provides environmental education, promoted by the Area of Ecology, Urbanism and Mobility of the City council of Barcelona.
The rehabilitation of the space has integrated environmental measures and solutions, such as the use of rainwater, an interior vertical garden, a geothermal heat pump, a pergola and a wall with photovoltaic panels, in addition to natural ventilation.
Humana
If vintage fashion is your thing, you’ll be glad to discover Humana, a charity shop where a large selection of good quality second hand clothes are sold at affordable prices (for both men and women). Venture to their store on Ronda Universitat, or one of the several other branches scattered around Barcelona to get your hands on a bargain
Too Good To Go
Download the ‘Too Good To Go’ app and help fight food waste in Barcelona! Simply download and choose a goody bag of surplus food from restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, bakeries, canteens and wholesalers. The best thing about this app is that you won’t know exactly what’s in your order until you pick it up. Receive great food at great prices, and do your bit for the planet.
Bûmerang
A startup company with the first returnable packaging system for catering. Bûmerang was created from the concept that our grandparents were so used to: the concept of reusing.
Where to find more information
About Swapfiets
SWAPFIETS
- mobility rental , micro mobility, bike rental, circularity
Swapfiets is the world’s first ‘bicycle as a service’ company. For a monthly price, receive your own Swapfiets bike with its iconic blue tyre! No need to share it with anyone. And our promise is that your bike will always be perfect, thanks to our free and unlimited maintenance. Just tap on the app, and book an appointment in our store or wherever you wish. If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you!
In case of theft all you’ll have to do is let us know, pay a fine depending on which bike you had and on whether you locked it, and in no time you’ll receive your new bike. So what are you waiting for? Use the voucher code reserved for you, hop on your Swapfiets bike, and move around Barcelona in the most healthy, fun and free way possible!
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