In a world where environmental concerns are paramount, the pursuit of green growth has become a global imperative. 

However, as we navigate this journey towards sustainability, it's crucial to align our efforts with the principles of the circular economy. By adopting these principles, we can redesign our approach to economic growth and achieve lasting environmental benefits. In this recent article “Is Green growth failing?” Thomas Helm articulates how growth for the sake of growth with a ‘green’ flavor is not the point and that we must reconsider the overarching premise of growth itself. 

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At circulist, we believe there are 5 core principles which should shape and guide cities' new operating model.  Here's how we can reshape our perspective and make green growth truly effective:

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Design Products for Disassembly with Sustainable, Circular Materials To kickstart the transformation towards green growth, we must shift our focus towards products that are designed for disassembly. This means creating items that can be easily taken apart and their components reused or recycled. Using sustainable, circular materials is at the heart of this principle. By opting for materials that have a minimal environmental footprint and can be reintegrated into the production cycle, we can reduce waste and minimize the depletion of finite resources.

For instance, companies can explore the use of biodegradable plastics, recycled metals, and organic materials in their products. This not only reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing but also sets a precedent for a more sustainable future. 

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Shift from Product to Materials-Centric Operating Model To truly embrace circular principles, businesses need to pivot from a product-centric approach to one that places materials at the core of their venture. This shift entails a fundamental change in mindset, where companies prioritize the sourcing, utilization, and recovery of materials over the creation of new products.
Companies should invest in research and development to find innovative ways to extend the lifespan of materials, creating a closed-loop system. This approach minimizes waste and ensures that resources remain in circulation for as long as possible.

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Deliver Products-as-a-Service Green growth should also involve a radical rethinking of our consumption habits. To address the growing e-waste problem, businesses can adopt a "products-as-a-service" model. This means that instead of selling products to customers, they offer services that fulfill the same needs.
By retaining ownership of products and taking responsibility for their maintenance and end-of-life disposal, companies can reduce the burden on customers, governments, and citizens. This model encourages companies to design durable, long-lasting products since they bear the cost of repairs and recycling.

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Shrink the Manufacturing and Service via Micro-Assembly Service Centers A critical aspect of green growth is optimizing the manufacturing process itself. To achieve this, businesses can adopt a micro-assembly service center operating model. Rather than relying on massive, centralized manufacturing facilities, companies can establish smaller, localized production hubs in cities around the world.

This decentralized approach reduces the environmental impact of transportation, minimizes the need for large-scale infrastructure, and promotes local job creation. It also aligns with the principles of just-in-time production, reducing excess inventory and waste.

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Sustainable, Circular Finance with Transparency Finally, green growth must be underpinned by sustainable, circular finance mechanisms. This involves creating financial systems that support the circular economy's goals, such as lending that encourages circular business models and investments in sustainable technologies.

To build trust in these finance systems, a layer of transparency around materials usage across a network of products is essential. Companies should track and report on the environmental and social impact of their materials and processes, allowing investors and consumers to make informed choices.

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In conclusion, green growth can only succeed when it is guided by the principles of the circular economy. By designing products for disassembly, shifting to a materials-centric model, delivering products-as-a-service, embracing micro-assembly service centers, and implementing sustainable, circular finance with transparency, we can pave the way for a truly sustainable and environmentally responsible future. These principles not only benefit the planet but also create economic opportunities and foster innovation in the pursuit of a greener world.