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Description
Project plays an important role in addressing the challenges posed by the lack of understanding of the possibility of circular resource use. For example, in deficient areas where discarded shipping containers or abandoned buildings are replaced only with "New" ones, existing legislation does not yet include a circular approach to use resources.The approach in our project offers a concrete implementation of the new circular economy action plan and proves that in everyday life, a close link between economic growth and resource use can be broken. This could be achieved through the re-use consumption or products that can be recycled-re-used-repaired.
Project objective is to reduce the pressure on virgin material needs and GHG emissions by increasing re-use and implementation of waste/used materials in the new designs. The specific objectives are as follows:
- improve community involvement in enforcing the principles of circular resource use
- increase the understanding of the circular economy through re-use and ecodesign by setting up a circular economy studio
- reduce the consumption of virgin materials and GHG emissions.
As the circular economy could reduce GHG emissions by 39% (ref. energetika.net), there is significant potential for households and industry. Still, too little awareness and too little practice and knowledge exist to motivate them to decide on circular approaches.
Discarded shipping containers with new, exciting and compelling content to display reusability options using waste in the design.A holistic view of the circular economy will be used to set up the circular economy studio. Studio will thus be the first (mobile) object to show the possibility of 100% use of waste instead of the use of virgin materials. Entire circular complex of green containers on the exterior walls will simultaneously promote green areas and flowering plants for wild pollinators.
Summary of project results
The use of resources and energy continues to increase globally, and even technological advancements have not managed to reduce or eliminate the environmental strain caused by rising consumption. In Slovenia, per capita consumption of materials is in line with the EU average. However, in terms of resource and energy efficiency, Slovenia falls below the EU average. In Slovenia, we are aware of the urgent need to transition to a circular economy, but this transition is slower than desired due to unclear legislation and a negative public attitude towards waste. Once discarded material is labelled as waste, the possibilities for its useful application become minimal, even though its quality is comparable to virgin resources from nature and poses no greater threat to the environment. The scarcity of virgin resources on one hand, and the accumulation of various wastes on the other, presents a huge potential and sustainable solution to utilize secondary resources from the latter. The greatest cost in the entire consumer chain is borne by the environment, which is why societal mobilization is necessary to accelerate the transition to a circular economy through consensus, collaboration, and mutual trust. The success of the transition to a circular economy can only be achieved through radical and systemic changes in consumption and production patterns, low-carbon technologies, and a strong sustainability focus across society. Since the circular economy involves horizontal integration between different sectors, coordination among various ministries is crucial for a successful shift towards a low-carbon society. A systemic approach is needed, one that interconnects various (project) solutions and seeks the essential synergies between different sectors.
The StudioKroG project demonstrates the practical implementation of a circular economy, addressing global challenges such as the depletion of natural resources, waste, and environmental changes. Supported by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism, StudioKroG stands as a pioneering model of how innovation and a multidisciplinary approach can overcome existing challenges and achieve ambitious reuse goals. Through innovative reuse and redesign of waste into new products, StudioKroG not only reduces waste and promotes efficient circular resource use but also highlights the importance of understanding the limitations of our planet. By transforming waste materials into functional products and solutions, StudioKroG reduces the need for new resources, offering practical examples of waste reduction and fostering sustainable consumption.
The project’s goals, such as waste reduction, resource conservation, job creation, and public education, are not only local or national objectives but also global priorities. Through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and best practices, StudioKroG can serve as a model and inspiration for similar initiatives worldwide. Looking ahead to the future of material and product reuse, integrating the circular economy across all sectors of society is essential.
In the face of global challenges, StudioKroG proves that a creative approach to waste management and reuse can reduce environmental impact, promote social responsibility, and support the transition to more sustainable ways of living. This helps in achieving a greener, more sustainability-focused society that recognizes the planet’s limitations and its responsibility to future generations.
The aim of the StudioKroG project is to enhance the understanding of the circular economy by demonstrating the reuse and eco-design of waste, as well as industrial symbiosis, in the establishment of the demo-center StudioKroG (i.e., Studio of Circular Economy).
The StudioKroG project is not only an example of effective waste management but also a showcase of green innovative solutions based on reuse and the circular economy. Throughout the entire process, we implemented the following activities in terms of key innovative solutions:
Transformation of waste into usable products: Within the project, we achieved 100% reuse of existing materials and products. Waste materials, such as shipping containers and discarded construction materials, were transformed into functional spaces and equipment. This demonstrates how seemingly unusable materials can become valuable resources in a circular economy.
Industrial symbiosis and redesign: We established partnerships with industrial partners, enabling us to acquire surplus materials from other sectors. These materials were then incorporated into the redesign of both interior and exterior spaces. This approach not only reduces waste but also creates new business opportunities and enhances environmental efficiency.
Green design and natural elements: Green spaces, such as vertical walls and raised beds, were created from recycled materials, proving how sustainable architectural solutions can improve the environment and energy efficiency of a space. Green design is not just aesthetic but also functional, contributing to a better living environment.
Water collection and reuse: Using a discarded wooden barrel to collect rainwater, we demonstrated how natural resources that would otherwise go to waste can become part of a circular system for maintaining green areas and roofs. This innovative solution reduces potable water consumption and strengthens sustainable resource management.
Use of renewable energy sources: We utilized solar panels acquired through industrial symbiosis. This ensured the building''s energy self-sufficiency and reduced our carbon footprint, highlighting our commitment to using renewable energy and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.
Each of these solutions is proof of how innovative practices in circular economy and material reuse can bring significant environmental and economic benefits. The StudioKroG project sets new standards in sustainable development and shows how the conscious use of existing resources can reduce environmental impact and create added value for the future.
Based on the transfer of good practices from Norway, the demonstration of waste transformation into usable products, industrial symbiosis, the development of e-publications on eco-design and zero waste guidelines, organized training sessions, non-formal educations, workshops, competitions for young, and demonstrations of the studioKroG’ approach to the circular economy, we have brought knowledge closer to the target groups, reduced stigma, and increased understanding that the circular economy enables the circulation of materials, prevents waste generation, and reduces the consumption of virgin materials.
- Establishment of the StudioKroG Demo Center
In the studioKroG project, partners piloted how discarded shipping containers could be repurposed and equipped for various functional uses without employing virgin materials, embodying a mobile and modular design approach. Due to their mobility, these spaces could be easily relocated, added, or removed, demonstrating closed-loop resource utilization within local environments. To further support this, we established a mobile information point dedicated to the principles of circular economy and based on reuse concepts. Through this project, we provided local communities, architects, designers, construction companies, educational institutions, training providers, and local tourism operators with practical access to information on circular economy, reuse, and waste design practices. The studio, composed of six repurposed shipping containers, served as a novel and inspiring example of holistic circular economy principles applied to waste reuse and design. As a result, it became the first demonstration of 100% waste-based solutions replacing virgin materials. The entire circular complex, featuring greening containers on the exterior walls, promoted green spaces and flowering plants for wild pollinators, thereby contributing to biodiversity conservation. This investment fostered innovative collaboration among diverse stakeholders—public/private, social enterprises, public companies, and the general public—on both local and national levels. This collaboration enabled the development of circular business models that transform waste into designed products, without the need for virgin materials. By equipping these functional spaces, we motivated target groups to reconsider their lifestyles through a hands-on experience, showcasing practical applications of sustainable living principles.
- Community Activation for Implementing Circular Economy Principles
The project successfully established collaborative partnerships between public and private stakeholders, aimed at promoting circular practices. A key achievement was the signing of 47 long-term collaboration agreements with stakeholders, including waste management companies, municipalities, development agencies, SMEs, NGOs, educational institutions, governmental bodies, architects, and others. These partnerships were tailored to meet the specific needs of both sectors and serve as a model for broader audiences, enabling further sustainable projects even after the project’s conclusion. As part of the project, a comprehensive online catalogue of circular economy service providers was developed, listing craftsmen, designers, architects, and waste collectors who offer services for recycling, reuse, and sustainable design. This catalogue has become a valuable resource for companies and individuals seeking to adopt circular methods and reduce waste. It serves as a tool for facilitating the transition to circular practices within the marketplace. The project also developed guidelines for zero-waste value chains, incorporating innovative approaches such as the reuse of shipping containers in construction projects. These guidelines emphasize design principles that minimize waste and optimize material usage, positively influencing the architectural and design sectors and encouraging the sustainable use of resources.
The project results have had a lasting impact on public and private institutions by fostering a deeper understanding and practical application of circular economy principles. The partnerships enabled greater acceptance of circular practices in decision-making processes across both sectors. The e-catalog expanded access to services based on circular principles, empowering businesses and consumers to reduce their environmental footprint through sustainable choices. Additionally, the zero-waste design guidelines encouraged architects, designers, and planners to focus on more efficient material usage, which will contribute to long-term efforts in waste reduction and resource efficiency.
- Reuse and Waste Design to Reduce Resource Consumption
The project achieved several key results in promoting the reuse and transformation of waste with the goal of reducing natural resource consumption. One of the main initiatives was the establishment of "reuse corners" in schools, where students actively participated in refurbishing spaces using materials donated by parents. This innovative approach not only raised awareness among students and their families but also provided practical experiences in waste prevention and efficient resource use. These reuse corners have become exemplary cases of circular practices at a micro level, engaging younger generations in circular processes. Additionally, the project successfully demonstrated how waste materials can be repurposed into functional and aesthetically pleasing products to meet the housing needs of the elderly. In rural areas, where the aging population often seeks affordable and practical solutions, the refurbishment of a senior home using repurposed items highlighted new opportunities for social enterprises. This further promoted the circular economy as a responsible business opportunity that meets specific needs and offers affordable solutions.
The project outcomes directly contributed to promoting sustainable waste management practices, with schools, senior communities, and households as the primary beneficiaries. The "reuse corners" enabled students to gain a better understanding of circular economy principles and fostered environmentally conscious behaviour from a young age. For the elderly, the project demonstrated how repurposing waste can satisfactorily address their housing needs, while enhancing their sense of independence and reducing the financial burden of home adaptations.
- Pilot Approach to Transitioning to a Circular Economy for New Opportunities
The project achieved significant results with a pilot approach to transitioning to a circular economy, particularly by revitalizing discarded shipping containers and other waste materials. This initiative highlighted the global issue of abandoned shipping containers and demonstrated their potential as sustainable and cost-effective housing alternatives. The project facilitated collaboration between local businesses and communities, fostering industrial symbiosis to enable efficient circular use of materials. The pilot approach to outfitting both the exterior and interior of these containers using 100% reused materials showcased practical applications of circular design in real-world environments. The project included various workshops and guided demonstrations that engaged a wide range of stakeholders, including school youth, architects, local communities, and small businesses. Participants gained hands-on experience with circular economy practices, and educational video content was also created to further promote awareness and broader adoption of circular practices.
For local communities and businesses, the project demonstrated how waste materials, including shipping containers, can be repurposed into functional and aesthetically appealing structures such as homes and public spaces, offering new sustainable solutions. The workshops and demonstrations empowered architects, designers, and builders with green design skills, while also inspiring the general public, including students, to rethink waste through creative reuse. The project made a significant contribution to sustainable development by addressing resource scarcity and supporting innovative approaches to reducing environmental impact. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), social enterprises, and job seekers benefited from training on developing circular business models, opening new market opportunities and reducing reliance on primary resources. The educational materials and videos created as part of the project enabled broader awareness and societal engagement in adopting sustainable practices, thereby contributing to long-term social sustainability progress.
Summary of bilateral results
Throughout the project''s duration, the Norwegian partner was actively involved. Fonix has been a part of the project from the very beginning, assisting in the development of the StudioKroG demo approaches with the aim of integrating successful Norwegian practices into the circular economy in Slovenia. Having a donor partner significantly enriched the project, primarily by facilitating an exchange of best practices and innovative approaches. This collaboration brought a wealth of experience and expertise in circular economy. In collaboration with the Norwegian partner, the project demonstrated the possibilities of maintaining and repairing discarded products by implementing eco-design, transferring best practices from Norway, and engaging in practical activities to understand the journey from waste to a useful product for a better understanding of the circular economy. The activities were divided as follows: transfer of best practices from Norway, including technical and design concepts ("waste" design) for a circular economy (preparation of a joint study visit to Norway). Based on the acquired insights and knowledge, Fonix and all Slovenian partners actively participated in the pilot design of a circular waste pathway in Slovenia, which is reflected in the investment in the StudioKroG located in Slovenske Konjice and Rogaška Slatina. The design of waste in the transformation process for their useful value was demonstrated through a local & circular approach. Since products in the circular economy are carefully designed to enable the circulation of materials, maintain added value as long as possible, and reduce waste towards zero levels, we considered circularity and usability in the transformation of waste into products. By placing these products in containers, we achieved a reduction in stigma and increased awareness of the advantages of circular resource use among target groups. The joint concept of the Norwegian approach and the upgrade of the circular economy in Slovenia for the establishment of StudioKroG was based on the design concept of reuse. Not only in terms of the useful value of discarded products but also by bringing target groups closer to the transition to circular resource use and the utility of discarded materials for conserving virgin materials, the values in StudioKroG are defined as adaptability, the use of discarded products—such as shipping containers—for various purposes and needs.