DECISO harvests the first fruits of its financing schemes for circular economy initiatives

Spring has arrived! While gardeners are just beginning to plant their seeds, DECISO’s pilots are already reaping their first fruits. Here is an overview of the first results of the project:

• Alentejo (PT)

The Alentejo region increased its knowledge of its circular economy regional ecosystem and indentified Funding Programmes to support the development of projects. Analysing over 366 projects related to circular economy, Alentejo identified the typology of entreprises applying to financing support, an overview of main instruments that support the projects in circular economy, and the dissemination in the territory. Based on this information, the region has designed an ecosystem for circular economy, focusing on some main sectors such as the agrifood ecosystem. This will make it possible to define better programmes and support the development of projects with conditions to apply to Financing Program (including mixed Public and Private resources), in particular, through Portugal 2030 and the Portuguese Environment Fund (Fundo Ambiental).

• Hamburg (DE)

DECISO already proved to be a catalyst for circular economy in Hamburg and beyond. Thanks to the project, the city of Hamburg has been working on creating a Contact Point for Advice within its Pop-Up Circular Hub exhibition. It will contribute to making this exhibition, turned towards collaboration and concrete action, even more impactful. By combining education, innovation, and stakeholder engagement, the Pop-Up Circular Hub exemplifies Hamburg’s commitment to a sustainable, circular future. More on Hamburg pilot's success.

• West Macedonia (GR)

In West Macedonia, DECISO is already set to exceed expectations. An initiative to replace the current fuel mix entirely with biomass from crop residues to feed the 30 MW thermal energy units of the district heating system has been approved. In addition, the Municipal District Heating Company of Amyntaio is investigating the possibility of establishing a combined heat and power systems facility in the Amyntaio region, after discussions during the DECISO annual conference. This could serve as a model for efficient, greener energy production in the region. More on the West Macedonia pilot's success.

• Northwest Germany (DE)

For the Northwest Germany pilot, DECISO has already proved to be pivotal to reinforcing regional collaboration, engaging key stakeholders, and securing essential funding. Results are already visible in terms of circular economy efforts in the Northwest Germany region, with the establishment of a more structured and strategic approach to positioning rainwater harvesting as a key element in sustainable water management. More on the Northwest Germany pilot’s success.