Over 75% of natural resources are consumed in cities, which produce over 70% of global waste. With approximately half of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with material use, there is a need to transform linear value chains and preserve material value to achieve Net Zero at the city scale. Circular economy strategies are becoming increasingly more popular in mitigating waste production and helping to maintain materials and resources in use, effectively reducing the need to extract virgin materials in production processes. Closing material loops at a product or industry level alone does not ensure environmental sustainability. A systems-wide approach that goes beyond waste management strategies is required, supported by a key performance indicator framework within a digital circular monitor for effectively monitoring and driving circular outcomes. Towards that end, this Stage 1 project aims to measure the materials footprint linked to final consumption in Greater Perth, Western Australia (WA), quantifying resource inflows and waste outflows and related energy use and GHG emissions. Building on the materials footprint, localised stock and flow accounts of actual material and energy use will be prepared, providing a high-level overview and understanding of the socioeconomic metabolism of Greater Perth, and the wider WA economy.
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