The Ellen MacArthur Foundation was established in 2010 with the aim of accelerating the transition to the circular economy. Since its creation the charity has emerged as a global thought leader, establishing circular economy on the agenda of decision makers across business, government and academia.
Today’s linear ‘take, make, dispose’ economic model relies on large quantities of cheap, easily accessible materials and energy, and is a model that is reaching its physical limits. A circular economy is an attractive and viable alternative that businesses have already started exploring today.
The concept of a circular economy
A circular economy is restorative and regenerative by design, and aims to keep products, components, and materials at their highest utility and value at all times. The concept distinguishes between technical and biological cycles.
As envisioned by the originators, a circular economy is a continuous positive development cycle that preserves and enhances natural capital, optimises resource yields, and minimises system risks by managing finite stocks and renewable flows. It works effectively at every scale.
Re-thinking Progress: The Circular Economy
There’s a world of opportunity to re-think and re-design the way we make stuff. ‘Re-Thinking Progress’ explores how through a change in perspective we can re-design the way our economy works – designing products that can be ‘made to be made again’ and powering the system with renewable energy. It questions whether with creativity and innovation we can build a restorative economy.
This information comes from the website of The Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
In 2008, Masdar City broke ground and embarked on a daring journey to develop the world’s most sustainable eco-city.
Through smart investments, Masdar City is successfully pioneering a “greenprint” for how cities can accommodate rapid urbanisation and dramatically reduce energy, water and waste.
The city, which combines ancient Arabic architectural techniques with modern technology and captures prevailing winds is naturally cooler and more comfortable during the high summer temperatures.
But the sun is also a blessing. Harnessing the sun’s rays, Masdar uses clean energy generated on site from rooftop solar technology and one of the largest photovoltaic installations in the Middle East.
At the city’s core is an innovation engine. The city is growing its neighbourhoods around the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, a research university dedicated to cutting-edge solutions in the fields of energy and sustainability. The institute is Masdar City’s nucleus, which extends a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the city. Companies can foster close ties with the university and partner to spark economic growth and accelerate breakthrough technologies to market.
With a few thousand people living and working in Masdar City, it is on its way to realising its vision. But this is only the beginning. Masdar City continues to add new businesses, schools, restaurants, apartments and much more, creating the diversity of any major, modern city. When complete, 40,000 people will live in Masdar City, with an additional 50,000 commuting every day to work and study.
This information comes from the website of Masdar.
Mindvalley HQ is situated in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Founded in 2003 by Vishen Lakhiani, Mindvalley is a learning experience company that publishes ideas and teachings by the best authors in personal growth, health and fitness, spirituality, productivity, mindfulness and more – serving three million students, subscribers and followers worldwide.
Mindvalley list of priorities:
1. The planet
2. Customers
3. Employees
4. Profits
They are focusing on happiness, growth, abundance and cultivating their mutual mission for positive impact.
As a business that also focuses on employee growth and happiness, they inspire their team to be creative, productive, innovative, and most importantly – feel really valued as employees.
According to them they stand for ideas, companies, and products that push humanity forward and unleash the extraordinary in everyone, with the adamant belief that they can and will impact the world.
They are ambitiously determined to push humanity forward by empowering its audience to live healthier and happier lives, to unleash their fullest potential – to be extraordinary.
They want to change education globally and provide innovative, holistic education for all levels – from infant learning and high school models to all stages of adulthood.
This information comes from the website of Mindvalley.
