Transition to circular economy of urban areas and communities with special attention to lifestyles

Cities are important hubs of consumption and public services. But also, for exchange of goods and ideas among people, institutions and businesses. As current literature suggests regarding the enforcement of SDG12, Sustainable Consumption and Production in cities is supported by the promotion of circular economy (CE). There is a growing number of circular businesses, but this does not guarantee the spread of circular lifestyles in the whole society. In addition, the effects of awareness raising activities and any actions aiming to change the behavioural patterns of consumers can be limited if people cannot find sufficient offers for sustainable consumption. Therefore, in our research we aim to answer the following questions: 1. What kind of circular offers and initiatives are available which enable consumers to implement circular lifestyles in cities? 2. What kind of methodologies and forms can support engaging consumers to circular lifestyles in urban areas? In this study, we aim to enrich the knowledge base connected to encouraging CE citizenship in urban areas by providing an overview of circular offer types based on the analysis carried out in three examined cities (Bologna, Italy; Budapest, Hungary and Würzburg, Germany). Circular offers and initiatives have been examined by desk research to foster urban portfolios. 101 good examples have been collected and analysed with self-developed typology for circular lifestyle enablers. Results indicate that in the examined cities special attention is devoted on forming behavioural patterns of inhabitants. In this context, the Living Lab approach as a specific form for community engagement and awareness raising has high importance for the facilitation of circular lifestyles. Moreover, care should be taken to ensure that the important activities for a circular lifestyle and sustainable consumption, the Big Points, are considered and included within the different initiatives and offers.