Shaping a Low-Carbon Future: Highlights from the CircEUlar Project Meeting in Berlin

Day 1: Pathways and Scenario Planning 

The meeting opened on Monday, 22 September with a welcome lunch and introductions led by Felix Creutzig (PIK) and Volker Krey (IIASA). The initial sessions explored the integration of pathways and sensitivity analyses, with lively discussions among all modeling teams. An introduction to the Scenario Explorer infrastructure, which provides a roadmap for collaborative data reporting and outreach, was also done (more to follow on this soon). 

Breakout groups then examined key research areas, from model comparison of material stocks and flows to the Circular ReBoundary online tool, as well as thematic sessions on Buildings, Mobility, and Digitalization. These discussions laid the groundwork for harmonizing data, improving model integration and defining future research priorities. 

Day 2: Technical Insights and Stakeholder Engagement 

The morning of Tuesday, 23 September saw several parallel working sessions covering the technical focal underpinnings of the CircEUlar modelling work, including rolling stock integration, exploration of emissions and energy intensity, and strategies for narrowing resource use in buildings. Later, the project partners also discussed further model integration and how to translate case study results into scenario modelling.  

The afternoon was dedicated to two Stakeholder Events. One entitled “Towards Net-Zero through a Circular Economy. Pathways to circularity for the built environment: how do we get there?”, bringing external planning policy experts into the conversation. Participants were introduced to the emerging findings on circular consumption practices, with a particular focus on the German case study, and engaged in participatory backcasting across key circular housing and mobility visions for the future. The other Expert Workshop was on “Towards Net-Zero through a Circular Economy: Artificial Intelligence for low-carbon Urban Planning (AI4UP)”. An intimate gathering of mainly German and Swiss actors who discussed challenges and opportunities for data usage, geospatial analysis and AI applications in urban planning. Informal networking with drinks and nibbles rounded off the day. 

Day 3: Integrating Insights and Shaping Policy 

The final day focused on integrating survey results and stakeholder input into the modelling work. Discussions also addressed our plans for policy dialogue and recommendations, setting the stage for upcoming deliverables and the next phase of collaboration. The meeting concluded with report-backs from all groups and a wrap-up session, confirming a shared roadmap for future work. By structuring the agenda around breakout groups and collaborative working sessions, we were able to delve deeper into integrating different work streams and activities in smaller working groups ensuring richer, more cohesive and consolidated future deliverables.  

Alongside the formal project meeting, partners also enjoyed opportunities to network informally, including a group dinner and a cultural outing to the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra at the Berliner Philharmoniker. 

Adapted from a news item shared on the CircEUlar website.