Unit -III

Steps For Transition Towards A Circular Economy

Topics Covered
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDOHExtc7WY
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd_isKtGaf8
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCRKvDyyHmI
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhMooyLGWkc
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TXfilKoRmE
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvBS6qagQdE
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoiU8sprXpQ
Topics Covered
• Large scale transition to non-polluting sources of energy
• Durable products that require less energy and material
Introduction to Non-Polluting Energy Sources

• Non-polluting energy sources, also known as clean energy or

renewable energy, refer to sources that do not emit greenhouse gases
(GHGs) or pollutants during their generation and consumption. These
include solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass, and hydrogen
energy.
Why is the Transition Necessary?

• Climate Change Mitigation: Fossil fuels account for 75% of global

GHG emissions (IPCC, 2021).
• Air Pollution Reduction: Reduces 4.2 million deaths annually due to
air pollution (WHO, 2020).
• Energy Security: Diversifies energy sources, reducing dependence on
fossil fuel imports.
• Sustainable Development: Supports SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean
Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Economic Growth: Creates new industries and jobs (e.g., renewable
energy sector employs 12.7 million people globally, IRENA 2022).
Current Global Energy Scenario

• Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas): ~80% of global energy supply.

• Renewables (solar, wind, hydro, etc.): ~29% of global electricity
generation (IEA, 2022).
• Goal: Achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050 (IEA, IPCC).
Key Strategies for Large-Scale Transition
A. Expanding Renewable Energy Infrastructure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjQ_ZMKUxuE
• Solar Energy:
• Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems.
• Example: India’s Bhadla Solar Park (2.25 GW, largest in the world).

• Wind Energy:
• Onshore and offshore wind farms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLHlswSuP7I
• Example: Gansu Wind Farm, China (10 GW capacity).

• Hydropower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR8dxBxuU74&t=40s
• Large and small hydro projects.
• Example: Three Gorges Dam, China (22.5 GW, world's largest hydro plant).

• Geothermal Energy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0AzaJ6OzB0&t=2s

• Using Earth's heat for electricity and direct heating.
• Example: Iceland produces 90% of its heating from geothermal.

• Biomass & Bioenergy:

• Sustainable biofuels from agricultural waste and algae.
• Example: Sweden’s bioenergy transition (uses biomass for 37% of its energy).

• Hydrogen Energy:
• Green hydrogen produced via electrolysis using renewable energy.
• Example: Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy (2020).
Key Strategies for Large-Scale Transition

B. Strengthening Energy Storage & Grid Modernization

• Battery Storage: Large-scale lithium-ion and solid-state batteries.
• Hydrogen Storage: Hydrogen fuel cells for grid stabilization.
• Pumped Hydro Storage: Water-based energy storage.
• Smart Grids: AI-powered, decentralized grids for efficiency.
Case Study: Australia’s Hornsdale Power Reserve
• World’s largest lithium battery (150 MW) reduces grid failures and
stabilizes energy supply.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZyb5pT8_Xk&t=3s
Key Strategies for Large-Scale Transition

C. Electrification of Key Sectors

• Transportation: Transitioning to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hydrogen
Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCVs).
• Example: Norway (EVs account for 80% of new car sales, 2022).
• Industry: Using renewable energy for steel, cement, and chemical
production.
• Example: Sweden’s HYBRIT project (fossil-free steel using hydrogen).
• Buildings: Promoting net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) with solar
and energy-efficient designs.
• Example: Singapore’s Green Building Masterplan (2020).

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YorhyGyHZc
Key Strategies for Large-Scale Transition
D. Policy & Regulatory Frameworks

• Coal & Oil Reduction: Gradually reduce coal plants and subsidies for fossil fuels.
• Renewable Energy Mandates: Example: EU targets 42.5% renewables by 2030.
• Carbon Pricing & Taxation: Implement carbon taxes and cap-and-trade policies to discourage polluting
energy sources.
• Carbon Pricing & Taxation: Countries with carbon pricing: EU, Canada, China, Japan.
• Job Transition Programs: Support re-skilling programs for workers from fossil fuel industries to renewable
energy sectors.
• Incentives & Subsidies: Example: U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (2022) invests $369 billion in clean energy.
• Renewable Energy Targets: Enforce strong renewable energy mandates at national and international levels.
• Investment Incentives: Provide tax credits, subsidies, and feed-in tariffs for clean energy projects.
• Stronger Environmental Regulations: Implement strict emission controls and penalties for polluting
industries.
Key Strategies for Large-Scale Transition
E. Financial Mobilization & Investment in R&D
• Green Bonds & Climate Funds: Encourage public and private investments in renewable energy projects.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Develop joint ventures for large-scale clean energy deployment.
• Innovative Technologies: Support R&D in next-gen renewables, battery storage, and energy efficiency.
F. International Cooperation & Knowledge Sharing
• Global Clean Energy Agreements: Strengthen participation in initiatives like the Paris Agreement & COP conferences.
• Technology Transfers: Facilitate the sharing of advanced renewable technologies with developing nations.
• Cross-Border Green Energy Trade: Develop regional clean energy grids and interconnections.
G. Behavioral Change & Public Awareness
• Energy Conservation Campaigns: Educate the public on energy efficiency, sustainable choices, and responsible
consumption.
• Sustainable Business Practices: Encourage industries to adopt green supply chains and carbon-neutral operations.
• Educational Programs: Integrate renewable energy studies in academic curricula.
H. Monitoring Progress & Scaling Up
• Energy Transition Indicators: Track progress using key performance indicators (KPIs) like renewable energy share and CO₂
reduction.
• Learning from Best Practices: Study successful renewable energy transitions (e.g., Denmark, Germany, China, India).
Key Strategies for Large-Scale Transition
Case Studies of Successful Energy Transitions
1. Denmark’s Renewable Energy Leadership
• 50% of electricity from wind power.
• Goal: 100% fossil-free energy by 2050.

2. Costa Rica’s Renewable Energy Model

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuCHb4BtVpk&t=11s
• 99% electricity from renewables (hydro, wind, solar, geothermal).
• Uses state policies and investment in clean energy.

3. China’s Green Energy Revolution

• Leads in solar and wind energy installations.
• World’s largest producer of EVs and lithium batteries.
Key Strategies for Large-Scale Transition
Challenges:
• Intermittency of Renewables: Need for storage and grid stability.
• High Initial Investment Costs: Though long-term costs are lower.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Need for better grid networks.
• Resistance from Fossil Fuel Industries: Transition policies needed.
• Resource Constraints: Battery materials (lithium, cobalt) have supply risks.
Solutions:
• Invest in energy storage & smart grids.
• Encourage green finance (bonds, investments).
• Strengthen international cooperation (Paris Agreement, COP conferences).
• Adopt circular economy principles in energy infrastructure.
• Support workforce transition (re-skilling workers in fossil fuel industries).
Key Strategies for Large-Scale Transition
Challenges:
• Intermittency of Renewables: Need for storage and grid stability.
• High Initial Investment Costs: Though long-term costs are lower.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Need for better grid networks.
• Resistance from Fossil Fuel Industries: Transition policies needed.
• Resource Constraints: Battery materials (lithium, cobalt) have supply risks.
Solutions:
• Invest in energy storage & smart grids.
• Encourage green finance (bonds, investments).
• Strengthen international cooperation (Paris Agreement, COP conferences).
• Adopt circular economy principles in energy infrastructure.
• Support workforce transition (re-skilling workers in fossil fuel industries).
Durable products that require less energy and material
Principles of Durable & Resource-Efficient Product
Design
Material Efficiency → Use fewer raw materials while maintaining strength and durability.
Energy Efficiency → Minimize energy consumption in production and usage.
Repairability & Modularity → Ensure products can be easily fixed, upgraded, or
refurbished.
Recyclability & Biodegradability → Choose materials that can be recycled or safely
decompose.
Minimalist & Multi-functional Design → Reduce complexity and enhance adaptability.
Use of Renewable Materials → Prefer bio-based, recycled, or sustainably sourced
materials.
Examples of Durable, Low-Energy, & Low-Material
Products
Consumer Electronics
• Fairphone (Modular Smartphone): Designed for repairability with replaceable parts.
• Framework Laptop: A fully upgradable and repairable laptop to reduce e-waste.
• E-Ink Displays (Kindle, Remarkable): Use significantly less energy compared to LED/LCD
screens.
Sustainable Building Materials
• Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT): A strong alternative to concrete and steel, with a lower
carbon footprint.
• Recycled Steel & Aluminum: Requires much less energy compared to virgin metal
extraction.
• Hempcrete & Mycelium Bricks: Bio-based, insulating, and biodegradable construction
materials. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp7pSlwIlLA&t=32s
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcmK2T6BDMY&t=358s
Examples of Durable, Low-Energy, & Low-Material
Products
Consumer Electronics
• Fairphone (Modular Smartphone): Designed for repairability with replaceable parts.
• Framework Laptop: A fully upgradable and repairable laptop to reduce e-waste.
• E-Ink Displays (Kindle, Remarkable): Use significantly less energy compared to LED/LCD
screens.
Sustainable Building Materials
• Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT): A strong alternative to concrete and steel, with a lower
carbon footprint.
• Recycled Steel & Aluminum: Requires much less energy compared to virgin metal
extraction.
• Hempcrete & Mycelium Bricks: Bio-based, insulating, and biodegradable construction
materials.
Examples of Durable, Low-Energy, & Low-Material
Products
Eco-Friendly Packaging & Containers
• Reusable Glass & Stainless Steel Bottles: More durable than single-use plastic bottles.
• Biodegradable Packaging (Made from Mushroom or Seaweed): Uses natural materials with minimal
energy input.
• Compressed Paper & Bamboo-Based Containers: Lightweight yet sturdy and compostable.
Textiles & Clothing
• Organic Cotton & Hemp Fabric: Requires less water and no synthetic pesticides.
• Recycled PET Fabric: Made from discarded plastic bottles, reducing landfill waste.
• Modular & Repairable Footwear (e.g., Adidas Futurecraft Loop): Fully recyclable and designed for
disassembly.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
• LED Lighting: Uses up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
• Passive Cooling & Heating Systems: Architectural designs that reduce energy consumption.
• Hand-Crank or Solar-Powered Gadgets: Radios, flashlights, and chargers that require no grid energy.
Key Strategies for Implementation
Eco-Design Standards: Encourage industries to follow environmental guidelines.
Circular Business Models: Shift towards leasing, refurbishing, and buy-back programs.
Legislation on Planned Obsolescence: Prevent companies from deliberately shortening
product lifespans.
Incentives for Sustainable Manufacturing: Provide tax breaks and funding for eco-friendly
product development.
Consumer Awareness & Behavioral Change: Promote the benefits of durability,
repairability, and low-energy products.
Incentivization of recycling , reuse and repair
Transition towards a circular economy, it is crucial to create incentives that promote recycling, reuse,
and repair at the consumer, industry, and government levels. These incentives can be financial,
regulatory, or behavioral, ensuring that resources remain in use for as long as possible.
Financial Incentives
Deposit-Refund Systems (DRS):
•Consumers pay a small deposit on bottles, electronics, or packaging, refunded upon return.
•Example: Germany’s Pfand system (up to €0.25 per bottle).

Tax Benefits for Sustainable Choices:

•Reduced VAT/GST on refurbished goods, repair services, and recycled products.
•Tax deductions for businesses using secondary raw materials.

Subsidies & Grants:

•Financial support for recycling facilities, repair workshops, and remanufacturing.
•Grants for startups promoting upcycling or waste-to-energy projects.

Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT):
•Households and businesses pay based on the amount of non-recyclable waste generated, encouraging segregation.
•Example: South Korea’s food waste recycling program.

Recycling & Repair Rewards:

•Cashback programs or discounts for returning old electronics, clothes, or furniture.
•Example: Apple’s Trade-In program, H&M’s clothing recycling rewards.
Regulatory & Policy Incentives
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):
Manufacturers must take back, recycle, or safely dispose of their products.
Example: India’s EPR framework for plastic waste management.

Ban on Planned Obsolescence:

Penalize companies for designing products with a deliberately short lifespan.
Example: France’s anti-obsolescence law fines tech companies for restricting repairs.

Mandatory Recycled Content Laws:

Require products and packaging to contain a minimum percentage of recycled materials.
Example: EU’s directive mandating recycled plastic in bottles.

Right-to-Repair Laws:
Ensure consumers and independent repair shops can access spare parts, manuals, and tools.
Example: The US and EU Right to Repair laws for electronics and appliances.

Green Public Procurement (GPP):

Government agencies prioritize recycled, refurbished, and sustainably sourced products.
Example: The Netherlands' commitment to 100% circular government procurement by 2050.
Consumer & Business Engagement

Digital Recycling & Repair Platforms:

Apps that connect users to repair services, recycling drop-offs, or second-hand markets.
Example: Olio (waste-sharing), Freecycle, iFixit (DIY repair guides).

Community Repair & Sharing Networks:

Repair cafés and tool libraries encourage fixing instead of discarding.
Example: The Restart Project (UK) teaches people to repair electronics.

Eco-Labeling & Certification:

Clear recyclability labels, repairability scores, and circular product certifications.
Example: France’s Repairability Index rates electronics from 1 to 10.
Corporate & Industrial Incentives

Recycling Credits & Carbon Trading:

Companies earn credits for using recycled materials or reducing waste, which can be traded.
Example: EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).

Industrial Symbiosis Programs:

One industry’s waste becomes another’s raw material (e.g., fly ash in cement production).
Example: Kalundborg Industrial Symbiosis (Denmark).

Leasing & Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) Models:

Businesses retain ownership of products, ensuring maintenance, reuse, and recycling.
Example: Philips’ Lighting-as-a-Service (LaaS), where clients pay for light, not bulbs.
 Replacement of hazardous material with safer
alternative
Replacing hazardous materials with safer, eco-friendly alternatives is essential for protecting human health, reducing
environmental pollution, and ensuring sustainability. This process involves identifying toxic substances, researching
safer substitutes, and implementing regulations and incentives to drive the transition.
Key Strategies for Replacing Hazardous Materials
Green Chemistry Principles:
• Design non-toxic, biodegradable, and energy-efficient materials.
• Use renewable feedstocks instead of petrochemicals.
Material Substitution:
• Replace toxic metals, solvents, and plastics with safer alternatives.
• Prioritize biodegradable, recyclable, and non-toxic materials.
Regulatory Compliance & Bans:
• Phase out hazardous substances via laws like REACH (EU), TSCA (USA), and RoHS.
• Implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for toxic materials.
Innovation & Research:
• Invest in nanotechnology, biomaterials, and green solvents.
• Develop bio-based alternatives for industrial chemicals.
Examples of Hazardous Material Replacements
Industrial Chemicals & Solvents
• Benzene, Toluene, Xylene (BTX) → Water-based solvents, plant-based terpenes
• Chlorinated Solvents (Trichloroethylene, Perchloroethylene) → Bio-based or CO₂-based solvents
• Phthalates (Plasticizers in PVC) → Bio-based plasticizers from vegetable oils
Heavy Metals
• Lead (in Paints, Batteries, Electronics) → Calcium-zinc stabilizers, Lithium-ion batteries
• Mercury (Thermometers, Fluorescent Lamps) → Digital thermometers, LED lighting
• Cadmium (Batteries, Pigments) → Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or Lithium batteries
Plastics & Packaging
• Single-use Plastics (PET, PVC, Polystyrene) → ✅ Biodegradable polymers (PLA, PHA), Mushroom-based
packaging
• Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam → ✅ Recycled paper-based or seaweed-based alternatives
• BPA in Plastics & Cans → ✅ BPA-free resins (BPS, BPF), Glass, Stainless Steel
Examples of Hazardous Material Replacements
Pesticides & Fertilizers
• Organophosphate & Carbamate Pesticides → ✅ Neem oil, Bio-pesticides (Bacillus thuringiensis,
Pyrethrins)
• Synthetic Fertilizers (High NPK, Ammonium Nitrate) → ✅ Compost, Biochar, Microbial fertilizers
• Glyphosate-based Herbicides → ✅ Acetic acid-based herbicides, Mechanical weeding

Fire Retardants & Textiles

• Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) → ✅ Non-toxic phosphorus-based or bio-based flame retardants
• PFAS (Waterproofing in Textiles & Cookware) → ✅ Silicone-based or wax-based coatings
• Formaldehyde in Clothing & Furniture → ✅ Natural dyes, Water-based adhesives
Policies & Initiatives Encouraging Safer Alternatives
Regulatory Bans & Restrictions:
• REACH (EU): Restricts toxic substances in industries.
• RoHS (EU): Limits heavy metals in electronics.
• TSCA (USA): Controls industrial chemical safety.
Incentives for Green Alternatives:
• Tax breaks & subsidies for companies adopting safe materials.
• Funding for research & innovation in green chemistry.
Eco-Certifications & Standards:
• Cradle to Cradle Certification for sustainable products.
• Ecolabels (EU Ecolabel, USDA BioPreferred) for non-toxic products.
• GreenScreen® for Safer Chemicals helps industries choose alternatives.