CREATING LIVABLE CITIES THROUGH SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENTS IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Abstract

Elena Simina Lakatos 
 E-mail: simina.lakatos@ircem.ro
 Doctor, Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment "Ernest Lupan" 
 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0096-4494
 
 Sorin Dan Clinci 
 E-mail: dan.clinci@ircem.ro
 Architect, Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment "Ernest Lupan" 
 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5310-6376
 
 Viktor Koval 
 E-mail: victor-koval@ukr.net
 Professor, Southern Scientific Center of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and Ministry of Education a nd Science of Ukraine, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine 
 Kyiv, Ukraine
 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2562-4373
 
 Gheorghe Daniel Lakatos 
 E-mail: daniel.lakatos@ircem.ro
 Doctor, Institute for Research in Circular E conomy and Environment "Ernest Lupan" 
 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3280-9061
 
 Abstract: Urban landscapes are undergoing a transformative phase as they navigate the transition to resilient, circular cities. Cities, inherently complex systems, necessitate sustainable and resilient strategies to address multifaceted challenges. A prominent solution emerges in the form of the Circular Economy (CE), which emphasizes prolonging the life cycle of products through sharing, recycling, reusing, and repairing. Historically rooted in industrial ecology, CE's diverse implementations span across countries, from Germany's innovative waste management initiatives to China's developmental paradigms. The potential of CE is profound: it promises GDP growth, significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, and a decrease in raw material consumption. As the global population increasingly gravitates towards urban hubs, cities become the epicenters of sustainable change, with places like Amsterdam and Barcelona leading the charge. These "circular cities" epitomize sustainability, resilience, innovation, and growth, offering holistic benefits from minimal raw material consumption to cross-disciplinary innovation. However, the path to achieving circular urban systems isn't devoid of challenges. Striking a delicate balance between rigorous environmental mandates and urban comfort remains a primary concern. For the seamless integration of CE, a collective approach is crucial, involving policymakers, researchers, and the general public. This paper delves into the intricacies of the CE, its implications, challenges, and the potential roadmap towards resilient urban futures.