KlimKreisBW

Climate action potentials in the circular economy in Baden-Württemberg (KlimKreisBW)

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The amendment to the Baden-Württemberg Climate Action Act in October 2021 sets reduction targets for 2030 (-65 % compared to 1990) and 2040 (neutrality) in the energy, transport, buildings, industry and agriculture sectors. According to the reporting convention of the Kyoto Protocol, the contribution of the waste and circular economy is limited exclusively to non-energy emissions from the waste sector (CRF 5). As a result, the contribution of the waste management sector is primarily reflected in the diversion from landfill. The additional greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential triggered by the waste management sector resulting from material and energy recovery, is not visible. The entirety of the targeted and achievable contributions to climate action are to be demonstrated in this project using the life cycle assessment method of waste management.

The aim of the research project is to visualise and evaluate the contribution of waste management to climate action in the state of Baden-Württemberg. With the help of the life cycle assessment method of waste management, climate action potentials are determined for several material flows, categorised according to material and energy recovery and qualitatively assigned to the energy and industry sectors. The focus here is on municipal waste, mineral construction waste fractions and a range of specific waste fractions such as textiles, PV modules, tarred road rubble, etc. In addition, an attempt is made to show the return flows of secondary materials into the national economy for the state of Baden-Württemberg using top-down evaluation approaches. Economic indicators are analysed and discussed together with the results of the LCA.

The aim is to categorise the climate action potential of the circular economy in relation to the state's climate action targets. The approach to be developed in the project enables new findings and possibly a standardisable further development of the method. Based on the findings, waste management measures are developed that promote higher-quality waste utilisation and a greater contribution to climate action. To this end, relevant stakeholders will be involved in an expert dialogue.