EMT Development Fund joins united circles project
The Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Development Fund (ΠΤΑ ΑΜΘ) has partnered in the United Circles project, supported by the European Union's Horizon Europe program. This large-scale initiative aims to foster collaboration between industries and cities through solutions involving biomaterials, construction and demolition waste (C&DW), circular water cycles, wastewater treatment plants, and circularity hubs.
Project Overview
Partners: 46 organizations from 16 countries, including UN entities.
Budget: Over €25 million.
Launch: Officially started at the San Agustín Cultural Center, Valladolid, Spain, on November 13-14, 2024.
Objectives
Waste Reduction: Showcase potential for zero urban waste.
Resource Reuse: Recycle 90% of solid waste from Salamanca’s wastewater treatment plant and cut freshwater use by 50%.
Renewable Energy: Promote circular, renewable energy for healthier urban environments.
Green Deal Goals: Strengthen European and international cooperation to achieve EU’s Green Deal targets.
Structure and Implementation
The project includes the establishment of circularity hubs focusing on sustainable resource use and innovative financial and digital tools. Initial pilots will occur in Europe, with subsequent examples in Hungary, South Africa, Greece, and the UK.
Greece’s Role
In collaboration with Istanbul Technical University (ΕΜΠ), the DMT Development Fund will establish a center to enhance sustainable practices in biomaterials, C&DW, and water recycling. The goal is to integrate industrial and urban management for sustainable resource utilization.
United Circles represents a significant step in advancing Europe’s vision for a circular and sustainable future, aligning industry, academia, and local communities toward zero-waste urban environments.
