Shaping the future with the performance economy | The origins of the circular economy
Aug 13, 2024
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Walter Stahel, the author of The Performance Economy and a leading expert on circular economy principles, joins to discuss pivotal topics. He emphasizes the impact of selling performance over products, which could transform industries and enhance job creation. The conversation touches on sustainable taxation, national security linked to resource efficiency, and the importance of policy reforms. Stahel introduces the 'lake economy' concept, highlighting local reuse versus global recycling and the potential for a labor-intensive circular economy to create new jobs.
Transitioning to a performance-based economy can transform industries by retaining product ownership and reducing resource extraction.
Implementing sustainable taxation that favors labor over non-renewable resources can enhance job creation and support the circular economy.
Deep dives
Resource Price Paradigm Shift
A significant shift in how resources are valued is expected in the 21st century, moving from a long trend of decreasing prices to a scenario where resource costs will consistently rise. This shift emphasizes the importance of managing existing resources to ensure security for businesses and nations alike. The concept of selling goods as services is essential in this context, allowing companies to retain ownership of their products while reducing the need for constant extraction of new materials. This approach not only helps maintain resource security but also positions businesses favorably for sustainable economic growth.
Sustainable Taxation as Economic Strategy
Implementing sustainable taxation that prioritizes non-renewable resources over labor can lead to significant economic benefits. By reducing taxes on labor, countries can stimulate job creation in sectors that require more human input, ultimately fostering a more labor-intensive circular economy. Examples such as Sweden lowering VAT on repairs demonstrate how financial incentives can promote sustainable practices and encourage repair over waste. This shift not only enhances local employment opportunities but also supports environmental goals by minimizing resource extraction.
The Importance of Smaller Loops in the Circular Economy
The circular economy thrives on maintaining small loops of resource use, prioritizing repair and reuse over recycling and manufacturing. Smaller loops, completed locally, lead to greater profitability and resource efficiency, minimizing transport costs and energy usage. By focusing on the inner loops of the circular economy, businesses are encouraged to keep materials in circulation for as long as possible, which in turn preserves value and minimizes waste. This approach not only aids in resource management but also aligns with emerging technologies, such as predictive maintenance, that enhance the longevity and performance of products.
At the heart of the circular economy is the need to retain the value of goods and materials, so that we can slow down the use of the Earth’s resources. Selling performance instead of products could be a way to achieve this. In this season’s finale, we’ll discuss this and other insights from Walter Stahel, author of The Performance Economy.
Join us as we discuss how retaining the value of goods and materials can transform industries, boost job creation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We’ll explore the idea of sustainable taxation, and learn why selling performance, not products, could be the future.
If you like this episode, please leave us a review, or leave us a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy.
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