The Urban Circularity Assessment Framework (UCAF): a Framework for Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning from CE Transitions in Cities

Abstract

While several studies have been undertaken to understand the circular economy (CE) in cities, there needs to be a comprehensive framework acknowledging why certain decisions related to the CE have been taken. This paper proposes a framework building on literature reviews on circular cities and engagements with cities. Our research objectives are to improve how the CE is understood at the city level; and support the planning, monitoring, evaluation, and learning on the CE at the city level. Our framework locates urban CE strategies and visions, biophysical and socio-economic urban stocks and flows, and institutional arrangements within the triple bottom line concept and conceptualises how they interact. Our case studies with two cities provide insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the cities’ CE approaches. It can help identify priority interventions.