Circular Economy Models Drive Triple-Bottom-Line Sustainability
Circular economy business models (CEBMs) are integral to achieving environmental, social, and economic sustainability, often referred to as the triple bottom line.
Business Strategy and the Environment · 2023
Key Findings
- 01Circular economy business models are widely recognized as a core component of sustainability.
- 02Existing research has explored the CEBM's impact on the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability, though linkages are not always clearly defined for each pillar.
- 03Social capital theory can provide a framework for understanding the integration of CEBMs and sustainability.
Application
Design takeaway
Integrate circular economy principles into the design process to ensure products and systems contribute positively to environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
How to apply
When developing new products or services, analyze how they can be designed for longevity, repair, reuse, and recycling, and how this contributes to environmental protection, social well-being, and economic resilience.
Project actions
- 01When designing a product, think about how it can be reused, repaired, or recycled.
- 02Consider the social impact of your design choices, such as fair labor practices in manufacturing.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a comprehensive overview of current research.
- +Identifies research gaps and future directions.
Limitations
It can be challenging to fully implement all aspects of a circular economy in a single design project due to resource or scope constraints.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the findings depends on the rigor of the systematic literature review process, including the search strategy, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and data extraction methods. Validity is enhanced by the synthesis of a broad range of studies.
Think critically
How can a design project effectively balance the often competing demands of environmental, social, and economic factors within a circular economy framework?
Design Principles
"Design for circularity to achieve a triple-bottom-line impact."
Understanding how CEBMs contribute to each pillar of sustainability is crucial for designing products and systems that are not only environmentally sound but also socially equitable and economically viable. This holistic approach informs strategic decision-making in design and business development.
What This Means for Your Design
Circular economy ideas help make things good for the planet, people, and money all at the same time.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify the importance of a circular economy approach in your design project's sustainability goals.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
(2023). Circular economy business models as pillars of sustainability: Where are we now, and where are we heading?. Business Strategy and the Environment. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.3480 Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/05c25228-b833-4030-8ca3-8f20bb1e0a76/circular-economy-models-drive-triple-bottom-line-sustainability
Paragraph starter
This study highlights that circular economy business models are fundamental to achieving sustainability across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Incorporating these principles into design practice ensures a holistic approach to product development, moving beyond single-issue solutions towards integrated systems that benefit all stakeholders.
Source
Business Strategy and the Environment
Circular economy business models as pillars of sustainability: Where are we now, and where are we heading?
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions about this research
- What does the research say about circular economy models drive triple-bottom-line sustainability?
- Integrate circular economy principles into the design process to ensure products and systems contribute positively to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Evidence: Business Strategy and the Environment (2023).
- Why does "Circular Economy Models Drive Triple-Bottom-Line Sustainability" matter for design?
- Understanding how CEBMs contribute to each pillar of sustainability is crucial for designing products and systems that are not only environmentally sound but also socially equitable and economically viable. This holistic approach informs strategic decision-making in design and business development.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Integrate circular economy principles into the design process to ensure products and systems contribute positively to environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
- What were the main findings?
- Circular economy business models are widely recognized as a core component of sustainability.. Existing research has explored the CEBM's impact on the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability, though linkages are not always clearly defined for each pillar.. Social capital theory can provide a framework for understanding the integration of CEBMs and sustainability.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic Literature Review (SLR).
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Business Strategy and the Environment.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When developing new products or services, analyze how they can be designed for longevity, repair, reuse, and recycling, and how this contributes to environmental protection, social well-being, and economic resilience.
- What are the limitations?
- The literature on the specific linkages between CEBMs and each individual pillar of sustainability is still developing, indicating potential gaps in current research.
- Is there evidence that circular economy affects design outcomes?
- The study found that circular economy business models are considered essential for sustainability, impacting environmental, social, and economic aspects. While research has touched upon these areas, a clearer understanding of how CEBMs specifically support each pillar is still developing. Understanding how CEBMs contri Source: Business Strategy and the Environment (2023).
- Where does this sustainability research apply?
- Business strategy and environmental management It sits within sustainability research on designdex.org.
Related research topics
circular economy design research · evidence on circular economy · does circular economy improve design outcomes · sustainability studies for designers · circular economy and sustainability findings · sustainability research evidence