16 million euros for sustainable projects: NRW goes to the circular economy!

16 million euros for sustainable projects: NRW goes to the circular economy!

The Ministry of the Environment North Rhine-Westphalia has started an important Initiative to promote the circular economy in the region. A total of seven innovative projects were selected that aim to extend the lifespan of products and reduce waste. The funding is around 16 million euros, provided by the state government and the European Union.

Environment Minister Oliver Krischer described this funding as crucial for the creation of a more environmentally conscious and sustainable society. "If products and materials are used in ever new cycles, this increases local added value, protects our natural livelihoods and creates future -oriented jobs," says Krischer.

Details of the funded projects

• du. Circular in Duisburg: This project in the Ruhrort district wants to show the citizens how to live more sustainably in everyday life. Companies receive support to integrate environmentally friendly working methods.
• Bogi in Bottrop: Here the residents learn sustainable shopping and learn how to renovate buildings in an environmentally friendly manner. A new center called "Bottrop Central" is to be built in the city center.
• komzi: A project that is working on using building materials during demolition and renovation work. A digital tool is developed to effectively record the materials and use it for new construction projects.
• circulatory activity in Aachen: A center that offers workshops and exhibitions on the circular economy, with a special focus on reuse of bulky waste and building materials.
• Smart Circular Wuppertal: A digital platform that should show how resources in the city are used efficiently. Pilot projects focus on the topics of repair and packaging -free shopping.
• centers of parts in Essen: In these places, citizens can use, repair and borrow things together. In addition, courses are offered in which the repair of everyday objects can be learned.
• Circular City Contest NRW: A digital game that is developed to sharpen the awareness of the circular economy and to involve various groups, including companies and households.

North Rhine-Westphalia aims to take on a pioneering role in the circular economy within Europe. The "Circular Economy - Circularcities.nrw" support competition is part of this endeavor and receives a total of around 34 million euros from the state and the EU. This funding is part of a wider program in which around 1.9 billion euros from EU funds are to be provided for sustainable and innovative projects.

Environment Minister Krischer underlines the need to promote resource -saving consumption and sustainable production. "It is crucial to bring resource -saving consumption and sustainable production into the breadth of society. The submitted projects show how this can be achieved in the interaction of municipalities, companies and civil society," he explains.

The selection of the projects aims to cover various aspects of the circular economy, from recycling materials to promoting consciousness through digital games. These initiatives should help to raise awareness of both citizens and companies to the environmentally conscious use of resources and reduce waste.

For more information on this topic and the corresponding initiatives in North Rhine-Westphalia, detailed reports and analyzes here .