Abstract
A novel framework is presented that aims to guide practitioners and decision makers toward a better understanding of the role of nature-based solutions (NBS) in the enhancement of resources management in cities, and the mainstreaming of NBS in the urban fabric. Existing frameworks describing the use of NBS to address urban challenges do not specifically consider circularity challenges. Thus, the new framework provides the following: (1) a comprehensive set of Urban Circularity Challenges (UCCs); (2) a set of more than fifty NBS units and NBS interventions thoroughly assessed in terms of their potential to address UCCs; and (3) an analysis of input and output resource streams, which are both required for and produced during operation of NBS. The new framework aims to facilitate the coupling of individual NBS units and NBS interventions with NBS that enable circular economy solutions.
Highlights
Despite significant efforts to become more sustainable in managing their resources, cities still represent a big burden to the environment
The existing urban challenges frameworks developed by EKLIPSE and Nature4Cities related to resource efficiency [3,4,9] were the starting point for identifying the Urban Circularity Challenges (UCCs) used in this study [14]
The unique list of thirty-nine nature-based solutions (NBS) units, twelve NBS interventions, and ten Supporting units was developed for addressing the Urban Circularity Challenges (UCCs)
Summary
Despite significant efforts to become more sustainable in managing their resources, cities still represent a big burden to the environment. As the urban population grows, so does the demand for new resources (water, food, energy, materials), coupled with high levels of pollution and ecosystems degradation. Many cities have adopted strategies for sustainable development and a sensible use of resources, e.g., Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Rotterdam [1,2], but the reality is that the majority of cities still follows the typical linear urban metabolism, causing a huge environmental footprint. In the spotlight because of their high potential to address several urban challenges related to resources management in cities such as climate adaptation and mitigation, sustainable consumption and production, air quality, and water management [3,4,5]. . As such, within this definition we achieve resource recovery using organisms (e.g., microbes, algae, plants, insects, and worms) as the principal agents. Physical and chemical processes can be included for recovery of resources, as they may be needed for supporting and enhancing the performance of NBS”
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