Analysing and Identifying the Circular Economy’s contribution to a just Transition

[1 octobre 2024 – 30 septembre 2028] 

The ARC AICE-T (for Analysing and Identifying the Circular Economy’s contribution to a just Transition: A Transdisciplinary Environmental Justice Approach in the Brussels Capital Region) was submitted by Julie Hermans (SSH/LouRIM) with Brendan Coolsaet (SSH/IACCHOS), Tom Dedeurwaerdere (SSH/JURI), Matthieu de Nanteuil (SSH/IACCHOS) and Julie Hermesse (SSH/IACCHOS). It explores the contribution of the circular economy to a “just” transition, both socially and environmentally.

The project aims to investigate the intersection of circular economy initiatives and environmental justice in Europe. Focusing on the engagement of actors in these initiatives, the project seeks to identify existing practices addressing environmental justice concerns and explore ways to enhance capacities for improved outcomes. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, including participatory mapping, ethical dilemma learning, and collective narrative synthesis, the project aims to provide insights into the role of practices, capacity building, and policy support in addressing environmental justice within circular economy initiatives.

Under this framework, Julie’s contribution will focus on experimenting with narrative approaches to support the learning of actors within circular economy initiatives. She will also be supervising Elena Pease thesis in the framework of this project.