Circularity is a theme which has grown in popularity internationally over the past decade. Here at UCL we have a wealth of expertise in all things circular, which cuts across faculties, research and teaching. This site brings together the work being done in this domain at our institution.
The diversity of research across UCL within this theme is incredible. Thus, to simplify it we have subdivided the theme into three key areas:
- Circular, regenerative cities and regions – focussed on the design, planning and governance of ecologically regenerative, adaptive cities in which resources are reused, recycled and recovered.
- Circular built environments – focussed on circular construction, adaptive infrastructure, circular water and energy systems.
- Circular economy – focussed on the creation of circular economic systems and circular business models.
Please search the links below to find out more about the research being conducted and courses being taught at UCL which relate to these three sub-themes. We have also compiled a database which indicates UCL researchers working on the three circular sub-themes.
Opportunities to get involved
Database
We have created a database which identifies those working on circularity related themes at UCL either in their teaching or research. The database is currently in an embryonic stage. If you are a research working in this area and are not listed or if you run a relevant course or projects which are not listed please contact us.
The Circulars Seminar Series
The Circulars will begin in 2023. Circularity experts from our existing international network will be invited to speak at these online seminars. These will cover all three topics listed. If you would like to present your work or have suggestions about who to include please contact us. You are also warmly invited to join us as part of the audience.
News
Urban and Regional Sustainability Transitions: Unlocking the Potentials for Change
Open Plenary session at the RSA 2022 Winter Conference.
Bloxhub: Implementing regenerative development with Joanna Williams
Going circular: Unlocking the potential of regions and cities to drive the circular economy transition – RSA Expo
REGENYSYS
REGENYSYS is a 5-year, interdisciplinary project, funded by the ESRC, which will explore the potential to implement a regenerative, regional living system in the Thames Estuary to enable a circular bioeconomy of wellbeing.
Circular Cities Hub
The Circular Cities Hub brings together international academics, practitioners and policy-makers working in fields relevant to the design, implementation, governance and management of circular cities. It provides the interface between academics and key urban stakeholders, enabling cutting-edge research to impact directly on the delivery of circular cities. The Hub works in association with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
UCL Circular Economy Lab (CircEL)
The Circular Economy Lab is an exciting cross-faculty, cross-discipline initiative, aiming to use UCL's expertise to improve the design of buildings and products, their re-use and recycling, and the return of their constituent materials back to the economy.
Hosting department: Institute for Sustainable Resources & Bartlett School Environment, Energy & Resources
UKRI Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Centre for Mineral-Based Construction Materials
The Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Centre for Mineral-based Construction Materials seeks to provide national and global leadership in research to support the transition to a sustainable Circular Economy in the built environment.
Hosting department: Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering