By highlighting the economic benefits of a circular economy, Zero Waste Scotland gathered support from government, industry, and the public for their waste reduction efforts. Recently, the organization released a report quantifying the positive impact a circular economy approach could also have on Scotland’s carbon emissions. It shows how the parallel efforts of GHG emission reductions and adoption of a circular economy are mutually supportive. We are pleased to have Zero Waste Scotland’s Chief Executive, Iain Gulland sharing their strategies and successes, as one of #ZWC2015’s panellists for our afternoon session entitled: ‘Eurovision: How Three EU States Enable Circular Economies.’
Iain Gulland has been Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland since it was formed in 2010. He also headed up its predecessor programme, WRAP Scotland. Zero Waste Scotland leads on the delivery of the Scottish Government’s Zero Waste Plan and other low carbon policy priorities, and is at the forefront of efforts to create a resource efficient, circular economy.
Iain has more than 20 years’ experience in sustainable resource management, including initiating recycling systems in the public and third sectors and leading the Community Recycling Network Scotland from 2004-2008. He sits on the main board of the 2020 Climate Group and the Public Sector Climate Leaders Forum and is a member of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management.
In a recent blog post, Gulland, writing about the circular economy/carbon emission study, notes, “The report is one of the first we’re aware of that has examined the potential of circular economy strategies on reducing greenhouse gas emissions at a national level.”
He goes on to say, “But what this report suggests is that it’s not an either/or situation between economy and environment in terms of what is driving policy. We need to create the conditions for businesses in particular to lead on the circular economy, supported by favourable economic policy.”
That kind of positive outlook, which sees business as a partner in zero waste efforts rather than an obstacle, is indicative of the solutions-focused approach you can expect to hear more of at the 2015 Zero Waste Conference. Whether you are working in government, business, or the not-for-profit sector, #ZWC2015 is an opportunity to stay abreast of the latest trends and research into zero waste and the circular economy and an invaluable chance to network with like-minded professionals.
Mark your calendar to attend Metro Vancouver’s Zero Waste Conference on Thursday, October 29, 2015, for a full day of compelling discussion on zero waste and the circular economy. We’ll showcase leaders from a broad range of backgrounds, offering their perspectives, tackling vital issues, and making zero waste and circular economy principles a top-of-mind priority for industry, government, and the public.
Iain Gulland is just one example of the stellar list of speakers and panelists at #ZWC2015, including opening keynote speaker Bill McDonough. Renowned for his ground-breaking work on zero waste principles. McDonough, along with Dr. Michael Braungart, is a cofounder of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, and the co-author of Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things and The Upcycle: Beyond Sustainability – Designing for Abundance
Register for Metro Vancouver’s Zero Waste Conference
Thursday, October 29, 2015, Vancouver Convention Centre East