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Swiss Resources Forum  2018 – Meeting Report (in German)

Authors: Mathias Schluep, Cecilia Matasci, Fabian Ottiger (WRF)

Publication date: 2018

Abstract:

The quality and quantity of natural resources (air, water, land, biotic and abiotic resources) are
fundamental for the socio-economic well-being of our society. Consequently, natural resources
should be protected and used efficiently. Still, the ecological footprint of the Swiss population is
too high. If the whole world population were to maintain the same standard of living as the average
Swiss, it would take around three planets to cover the demand for resources. A more sustainable use
of resources does however not just mean sacrifices, but also opportunities. So far, these opportunities
have mainly been examined within separate interest groups without sufficient exchange and
systemic thinking. The Swiss Resources Forum (rf-ch) was set up in 2016 to counter this problem and
to provide a platform for the exchange of solutions between stakeholders.

The first Swiss Resources Forum tackled the challenges towards a more sustainable and efficient
use of energy and raw materials. The forum spoke in favour of a change in values towards more
cooperation between stakeholders and more attention and promotion towards a sustainable use of
raw materials. The second forum focused on the role of cities and industries for a sustainable use of
raw materials, looking more closely to the concepts of circular economy and resource efficiency for
construction materials, industrial and technology metals. During rf-ch 2018, six plenary presentations
on «Science, business and cities together for more resource efficiency» were given. Moreover
three interactive workshops took place dealing with the following topics: Circular economy in the
construction industry; post-fossil cities; and how companies can implement resource efficiency best
practices. In addition, participants were offered a guided tour in the Urban Mining & Recycling Unit
UMAR in the NEST building. During the visit one could experience practical examples of circular
economy and sustainable living. The day was rounded off by presentations from Swiss players
working in the field of sustainable use of raw materials.

Rf-ch 2018 was able to present various starting points to move towards a more sustainable use of
raw materials in the Swiss construction industry. The fact, that buildings are responsible for one-third
of the national consumption of resources and energy, shows that the construction industry has an
enormous potential for more resource efficiency. In addition, we need to rethink our consumption
patterns in order to move towards more sufficiency in the use of natural resources. In order to
achieving these goals, it is necessary to have the right legal basis and easily available information for
the various stakeholders. Finally, all stakeholders from science, politics and industry shall sit together,
critically question previous approaches and jointly find new solutions for a more resource-efficient
Switzerland that can achieve the goals of the Agenda 2030 (SDGs).

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