Short answer
When designing for circularity in urban environments, actively seek out and apply the limited available evidence-based indicators, and advocate for their further development and implementation.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- Sustainability (2023)
- Method
- Systematic Literature Review
- Sample
- Fewer than 25 papers met the inclusion criteria.
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Despite the growing importance of urban circularity for resource efficiency, there is a significant deficit in the availability of evidence-based, measurable, and actionable indicators to track progress in real-time. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Sustainability. Using Systematic literature review with Fewer than 25 papers met the inclusion criteria., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing for circularity in urban environments, actively seek out and apply the limited available evidence-based indicators, and advocate for their further development and implementation.
Evidence-Based Circularity Indicators for Cities Are Critically Lacking
Despite the growing importance of urban circularity for resource efficiency, there is a significant deficit in the availability of evidence-based, measurable, and actionable indicators to track progress in real-time.
Sustainability · 2023
Key Findings
- 01The current body of literature offers a very limited number of evidence-based, measurable, and actionable indicators for urban circularity.
- 02There is a weak practical commitment to evidence-based tracking of circularity within cities.
- 03Progress in circularity requires strengthening and testing existing relevant indicators and increasing evidence-based monitoring.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing for circularity in urban environments, actively seek out and apply the limited available evidence-based indicators, and advocate for their further development and implementation.
How to apply
When undertaking a design project focused on urban circularity, identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be used to measure resource loops, waste reduction, and material longevity. If existing indicators are insufficient, consider proposing and justifying new metrics based on established principles.
Project actions
- 01When researching existing solutions or designing new ones, look for metrics that quantify resource use, waste diversion, and product lifespan.
- 02If your design aims to improve circularity, consider how you will measure its success and what data you will collect.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive systematic review methodology (PRISMA protocol).
- +Focus on actionable and measurable indicators relevant to urban planning.
Limitations
The limited number of indicators means that some aspects of circularity might be overlooked. The focus on cities may not capture nuances relevant to other contexts.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the findings is supported by the systematic review methodology. Validity is enhanced by the focus on evidence-based and actionable indicators, though the limited number of findings might affect the generalizability of specific indicator effectiveness.
Think critically
Given the scarcity of measurable indicators, how can designers effectively advocate for and implement circular design strategies without robust quantitative evidence of their impact?
Design Principles
"Measure what matters: Prioritize the use and development of validated, actionable indicators to guide and assess circular design interventions."
Designers and urban planners need robust metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of circular strategies. The absence of such indicators hinders evidence-based decision-making, making it difficult to benchmark performance, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate the tangible benefits of circular initiatives.
What This Means for Your Design
It's really hard to tell if cities are actually being 'circular' (using resources wisely and reducing waste) because there aren't many good ways to measure it.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the challenges of measuring circularity in your design project or when justifying the metrics you choose to use.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights a critical gap in the practical implementation of circular economy principles within urban environments, noting a significant lack of evidence-based, measurable, and actionable indicators for tracking circularity. This deficiency hinders the ability of cities and designers to benchmark progress, make informed decisions, and demonstrate the tangible benefits of circular strategies, underscoring the need for further development and validation of such metrics.
Source
Sustainability
Measuring Circularity in Cities: A Review of the Scholarly and Grey Literature in Search of Evidence-Based, Measurable and Actionable Indicators
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about evidence-based circularity indicators for cities are critically lacking?
- When designing for circularity in urban environments, actively seek out and apply the limited available evidence-based indicators, and advocate for their further development and implementation. Evidence: Sustainability (2023).
- Why does "Evidence-Based Circularity Indicators for Cities Are Critically Lacking" matter for design?
- Designers and urban planners need robust metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of circular strategies. The absence of such indicators hinders evidence-based decision-making, making it difficult to benchmark performance, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate the tangible benefits of circular initiatives.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing for circularity in urban environments, actively seek out and apply the limited available evidence-based indicators, and advocate for their further development and implementation.
- What were the main findings?
- The current body of literature offers a very limited number of evidence-based, measurable, and actionable indicators for urban circularity.. There is a weak practical commitment to evidence-based tracking of circularity within cities.. Progress in circularity requires strengthening and testing existing relevant indicators and increasing evidence-based monitoring.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic Literature Review with Fewer than 25 papers met the inclusion criteria..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Sustainability.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When undertaking a design project focused on urban circularity, identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be used to measure resource loops, waste reduction, and material longevity. If existing indicators are insufficient, consider proposing and justifying new metrics based on established principles.
- What are the limitations?
- The review focused on indicators for cities, and the findings may not directly translate to other scales. The scarcity of indicators suggests potential biases in existing research towards theoretical frameworks over practical measurement.