Conference Proceedings

Explore talks and panel discussions from the main conference day of Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023

Conference Sessions

Delving into the practical implementation of circular economy policies, this session explores the challenges faced by both governments and businesses. Discussions provide an in-depth understanding of how circular economy policies can be effectively implemented at both the national and international levels.

Speakers & Panellists include:

  • Ossian Smyth, Minister of state with special responsibility for the Circular Economy

  • Laura Burke, Director General, EPA

  • Aurel Ciobanu Dordea, DG Environment, European Commission

  • Hugh Coughlan, EMWRPO, ACR +

  • Sarah Miller, Rediscovery Centre

This session explores the critical role of citizen engagement in promoting the growth of the circular economy. Designed to provide attendees with innovative and best-practice solutions, thought-provoking and informative discussions enable viewers to build sustainable, resilient, and circular communities.

Speakers & Panellists include:

  • Freek van Eijk, CEO Holland Circular Hotspot

  • Joshua Newton, Cities Activation Manager, Ellen MacArthur Foundation

  • Iain Guilland, CEO of Zero Waste Scotland, President of ACR+

  • Prof. Anna Davies, Professor of Geography, Environment and Society at Trinity College Dublin

This panel session explores acceleration opportunities of circular innovation and collaboration across all sectors of the economy. Key experts discuss systemic approaches to delivering circular solutions and business models and the factors that drive sustainability and efficiency within a circular economy.

Speakers & Panellists include:

  • Prof. Andre Martinuzzi, Director of the Institute for Managing Sustainability, Associate professor at Vienna University of Economics and Business

  • Anna Brussa, EIT CKIC’s Industrial Value Chain Lead

  • Geraldine Brennan, CIRCULÉIRE

  • Joël Mestres Lobez, Financial Engineering Manager, CINEA

Deep Dives

Developing our food system to one based on circular economy and bioeconomy principles is one of the most powerful things we can do to address the climate crisis. Attendees explored how this transformation can provide healthy nutritious food, tackle food waste, achieve sustainability, build biodiversity and promote wellbeing.

Chaired by:

  • Patrick Barrett, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and

  • Dr. Sarah Miller, Rediscovery Centre

How might we make the circular economy really relevant to different audience groups? How might we change habits, attitudes and behaviour? This session brought together international circular economy campaigners, behaviour experts and communicators for an immersive and engaging session. Our goal was to explore kinds of campaigns that we might develop to change behaviour amongst Irish audience groups.

Chaired by:

  • Catherine Cleary, The Irish Times and

  • Steve O'Reilly, Rediscovery Centre

Circular social enterprises are helping to deliver Ireland’s sustainability objectives on the ground, acting as a driving force for social, economic, and environmental change. Through policy, innovation, and research, this workshop highlighted the success of Ireland’s social enterprise sector.

Chaired by:

  • Cillian Lohan: Vice-president at The European Economic and Social Committee

  • Mary MacSweeney, Dublin City Council

How can circular economic solutions help address Dublin’s pressing need for housing development? Strategies such as meanwhile use, smart zoning, materials and flexible architectural design and renovation were explored and best practice examples shared at this deep dive workshop.

Chaired by:

  • Ali Grehan, Dublin City Architect and

  • Philippa King, Southern Waste Region

This deep dive explored how Ireland is supporting the move toward sustainability through creating opportunities for citizens to embrace a more circular closet. Delving into research and initiatives impacting circular design, reducing consumption, driving reuse and repair and collecting and valorising post-consumer textiles.

Chaired by:

  • Shane Colgan, European Environment Agency

  • Claire Downey, Rediscovery Centre