Humanity is pushing ecological limits because of its relentless pursuit of performance, its overconsumption and its linear ‘produce–consume–dispose’ model that trigger a four-faceted crisis: climate change, the collapse of biodiversity, global pollution and resource depletion.

If current consumption patterns continue, we will need the equivalent of three Earths by 2050. The urgency is unprecedented. A green and circular economy (GCE) is a systemic solution that could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 39 per cent.

Based on reduction, reuse and recycling and guided by the principles of sufficiency (reducing demand for resources) and resilience (the ability to cope with shocks and uncertainties), a GCE aims to meet human needs whilst respecting planetary boundaries. Going far beyond recycling, the circular economy is driving a profound transformation in production and consumption patterns: it reduces waste, optimises the use of resources, regenerates ecosystems and creates green jobs.

Priorities

Mainstream circularity in public policies: Enabel supports the adoption of regulatory, institutional and financial frameworks to embed the green and circular economy within public policy, urban planning and public service delivery. To this end, we are engaging with authorities, the private sector and civil society. This includes drawing up assessments and roadmaps and introducing standards for green building, green taxation and sustainable public procurement. The agency also promotes a culture of frugality, reuse and repair through campaigns, educational resources and collaborative platforms.

Developing skills and circular, inclusive economic models: Enabel supports SMEs and value chains active in eco-design, repair, reuse and recycling and combines this with the development of green skills. The agency supports sustainable entrepreneurship, access to finance and the inclusion of young people, women and vulnerable groups.

Conserving natural resources and restoring ecosystems: We promote regenerative agriculture, sustainable food systems and nature-based solutions. The aim is to restore soils, protect biodiversity and enhance the benefits that ecosystems provide to communities, for more resilient regions.

Promoting a circular approach to resource and waste management: Enabel develops systems for waste prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery, tailored to local capacities. We are involving producers, including the informal sector, more closely in the management of their waste.

Deploying resilient infrastructure and nature-based solutions: Enabel promotes the use of local and circular materials as well as low-impact and modular infrastructure. We also support circular water management and decentralised renewable energy (solar, wind, biogas, waste-to-energy) combined with autonomous mini-grids and energy storage.

Services

• Support for public policy: GCE assessments, roadmaps, regulatory reforms, sustainable public procurement, circular urban planning.
• Support for economic and skills development: support for ecosystems of economic stakeholders, access to finance, public‑private partnerships, vocational training and circular entrepreneurship.
• Natural resources and biodiversity: regenerative agriculture, sustainable food systems, nature-based solutions.
• Waste and resources: collection and sorting systems, waste recovery value chains (composting, recycling, biogas), formalisation of the informal sector, digital traceability tools.
• Green infrastructure: circular construction, sustainable water management, renewable energy, and resilient low-carbon infrastructure.