Circular Economy Environmental Week
Sinj and Split 12-18 November 2019
JU RERA SD, together with its partner Cistoca Cetinske Krajine, is organizing a Circular Economy Week as part of the project. This project activity consists of four interconnected events aimed at presenting the concept of a circular economy and encouraging stakeholders from the economy to move to a circular economy. The first day of the Circular Economy Week was held in Sinj on November 12, 2019, in the hall of the Hotel Alkar, organized by the project partner Cistoca Cetinske Krajine. The event brought together a number of companies that represent potential recipients or donors of the fish by-product production process.
The event was opened by an introductory greeting from the organizer's representative, Ivana Zivaljic, Director of Cistoca Cetinske Krajine and the first lecture on "Efficient use of resources and the circular economy" was delivered by Smiljana Blazevic from the company Zeleni servis d.o.o. Then, representatives of the Cistoca Cetinske Krajine, Ivona Jerkan and Zdravka Romac presented the project and its main goals. The last lecture on “Sustainable production in the spirit of the circular economy” was delivered by Maja Jerman, Dora Stanec and Hrvoje Malbasa from Ekonerg d.o.o. After a brief discussion, participants visited CONEX TRADE d.o.o.
The second day of the Circular Economy Week was held at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy in Split on November 13, 2019, organized by JU RERA SD. The gathered participants were greeted on behalf of the organizer by the project manager Ivo Benzon, who introduced them to the project as well as to the basic concepts of applying circular economy. Welcome speech was followed by the lectures “The circular economy in the recycling of building materials” doc. dr. sc. Hrvoje Bartulovic, “Recovery of industrial waste in circular economy - examples of good practice” Asst. dr. sc. Ivo Andric and "The Impact of the Circular Economy on Waste Water Management on the Islands" by prof. dr. sc. Jure Margeta. At the end of the lecture, there was a joint discussion on current issues of the application of the concept of circular economy and a commemorative reception.
Doc. dr. sc. Ivo Andric from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy in Split stated that the observation of the circular economy with the example of industrial waste is a clear example that today we should increasingly think of waste as raw material for reuse, not waste that can no longer be used. He pointed out that the participation of scientists and researchers in such projects enables the results of the research, in addition to the professional public and scientific circles, to reach the general public, and thus contribute to raising awareness of the benefits of introducing the concept of circular economy.
The third day of the Circular Economy Week was held at the premises of the Croatian Chamber of Economy in Split, on November 18, 2019, also organized by JU RERA SD. The event was attended by representatives of interested companies, non-governmental organizations, public and local authorities and municipal waste management companies.
After the introductory speech by the representatives of JU RERA SD and HGK Split, an introductory lecture on the project and its goals was delivered by Doc. dr. sc. Ivo Andric from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy. Ivona Jerkan and Zdravka Romac from Cistoca Cetinske Krajine gave a lecture "Sustainable production in the spirit of the circular economy", while Assist. dr. sc. Hrvoje Bartulovic from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy presented the topic "Circular Economy in Recycling Building Materials", and prof. dr. sc. Jure Margeta "Impact of the circular economy on wastewater management on the islands". This was followed by a lecture by Toni Livak, also from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy in Split, on "Green Public Procurement - Practices and Examples". Ph.D. Merica Pletikosic, Head of Sustainable Business Sector CEMEX Croatia Ltd., delivered a lecture on "Establishment of a Construction Waste System in Split-Dalmatia County - Status", and addressed the participants by Prof.Dr.sc. Branka Andricic from the Faculty of Chemistry and Technology in Split with the theme "Disposal of biodegradable plastics". The lecture was followed by a discussion and a commemorative reception. Ivo Benzon from JU RERA SD emphasized that it is necessary to recognize the importance of introducing a circular economy model, since the circular economy is an important component of sustainable development. He further emphasized the satisfaction of JU RERA SD with the implementation of its project activities to date, and in particular those aimed at raising awareness of the benefits of the circular economy concept. He estimated the important fact of excellent cooperation with the scientific and professional institutions of the Split-Dalmatia County, and especially with the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy in Split.
He also announced the holding of the fourth day of the Circular Economy Week - the open door of the project, which should take place at the end of November 2019, at which all interested citizens will be able to find out all about the project.
