Monitoring Performance

To effectively track Friesland’s transition toward a circular economy, the Circular Economy Gap Report: Friesland contains a refined set of indicators categorised into three key themes: environmental, economic, and social. These themes were carefully selected for their accessibility and strong alignment with established frameworks, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 7 Pillars of the Circular Economy.

While sustainability and circularity are closely related, this monitor specifically focuses on circular economy principles—minimising resource extraction, extending product lifecycles, and designing out waste—while also fostering social and economic value by retaining resources within the system. Importantly, the circular economy is not solely about materials; it embodies an integrated approach that rethinks entire systems—connecting design, production, consumption, and reuse in ways that also promote equity, resilience, and well-being.

The selected indicators reflect this holistic perspective by measuring key aspects such as resource efficiency, material flows, circular business activity, and social impact. By structuring the monitor around these circularity-focused indicators, we ensure that Friesland’s progress is assessed in a way that directly supports its transition toward a fully circular economy.

Environmental¶

Environmental indicators are fundamental to measuring the transition towards a circular economy, as its core aim is to minimise material and water consumption, waste, and emissions whilst regenerating natural systems.

This section examines material extraction—both domestic and international—for use in Friesland, through Material Flow Analysis and footprinting. It also includes the waste treatment breakdown, detailing how waste is processed, reused, or diverted from landfills. The Circularity Metric tracks the extent to which materials are recycled as compared to the total material consumption. Additionally, the share of renewable energy consumption is included, alongside a dedicated section on water, emphasizing its critical role in the circular economy. Sustainable management and technological innovation in water use can significantly minimise environmental impact and enhance resource efficiency. These indicators collectively ensure that circular economy efforts yield tangible environmental benefits, complementing the economic and social dimensions.

Economic¶

Economic indicators are essential for evaluating the success of a circular economy, focusing on how efficiently resources are used, how innovation drives new circular business models, and how economic activity can align with circular practices rather than traditional growth. In addition to these indicators, this section also considers the role of circular procurement as a key mechanism for driving demand for sustainable products and services, influencing both public and private sector practices. While green growth is often proposed as a pathway to achieving a circular economy, it faces significant challenges, including the rebound effect and the difficulty in fully decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation. These limitations highlight the need for a deeper focus on circular strategies that reduce overall material consumption and prioritise regenerative systems.

This section explores the role of innovation and competitiveness in driving the transition to a circular economy. By examining factors such as a region’s ability to foster innovative solutions, support sustainable business practices, and create employment opportunities in circular economy-related fields, we gain a clearer understanding of how these elements contribute to economic resilience and the success of circular businesses. The focus on innovation reflects the importance of new ideas and technologies, while competitiveness highlights the region’s capacity to lead in this transformation. Additionally, Circular Jobs tracks employment that directly supports this transition across all sectors of the economy.

Social¶

Social indicators are crucial for assessing the human impact of a circular economy, ensuring that the transition not only benefits the environment and economy but also enhances overall well-being, health, and social cohesion.

This section includes an index of life satisfaction in the region; two indicators related to community—trust in local institutions and extent of volunteering work; and inclusivity in the workplace. Education and health are included as themes to show how they are both drivers and impacts of a circular economy transition. Together, these indicators highlight how circular strategies can contribute to a more equitable, resilient, and thriving society.