| Author (Person) | Frérot, Antoine |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Robert Schuman Foundation |
| Series Title | Policy Papers: European Issues |
| Series Details | No.331, November 2014 |
| Publication Date | 03/11/2014 |
| Content Type | Journal | Series | Blog |
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The return to growth, the preservation of our environment and reducing our dependency on raw materials and energy suppose a profound transformation of our production and consumption processes which will not be possible without resorting to the paradigm of circular economy. The areas of optimal transformation of energy, waste recycling and treatment of water are the triptych upon which our economy and the environmental balance of our territories as well as of our planet as a whole are based. Veolia has developed technologies and expertise that reduce the consumption of resources - energy, materials, water - and limit or even eliminate damaging releases to the environment. Firstly, the transition to a low carbon economy is a prerequisite for the European Union to gain energy independence, a key objective in this period of geopolitical uncertainties in the European eastern border. Then, the industrial renaissance of Europe will only be achieved if it uses and recycles the limited resources available in an optimum efficiency; we must place the recovery of waste at the centre of the new business models. In presenting the package of proposals on 'circular economy' on 2 of July 2014, the European Commission has underlined how a more efficient use of resources can lead to new opportunities for growth and jobs. Finally, the EU policy in the field of water policy must be based on supported-facts rather than on ideologies in order to ensure the necessary investments for the sustainability and performance of infrastructures; which are the ultimate guarantees for the human right to water and sanitation. Based on our field experience and our ability to innovate and disseminate innovation with local communities and industry, we have prepared twelve proposals for an efficient implementation of the circular economy concept into the new driving force of economic growth in Europe. |
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| Source Link | http://www.robert-schuman.eu/en/doc/questions-d-europe/qe-331-en.pdf |
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| Subject Categories | Economic and Financial Affairs, Energy, Environment |
| Countries / Regions | Europe |
