Circular economy practices have been recognized as crucial to the green and digital transition. Switching from linear to circular consumption and production systems not only reduces unsustainable resource extraction practices but can further drive economic growth through improved operating efficiencies and innovative sustainable products and practices. These interventions are especially vital in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the wake of both the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to improve environmental sustainability performance. Targeted support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in transitioning to the green economy is especially important in order to ensure an inclusive green transition that supports and harnesses the unique opportunities of small local businesses. Working towards a circular economy and circular business practice in turn will help Bosnia and Herzegovina reach its stated commitments to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It is for this reason that the UNDP launched the project: Translating the SDG Framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina into sustainable and inclusive growth Programme (SDG2BIH), which aims to support Bosnia and Herzegovinian authorities in their efforts and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, via the targets defined in the SDG framework. Through this initiative and alongside partners Enova d.o.o. Sarajevo and TAUW, CENER 21 is proud to have implemented the project: Assessment of circularity of construction and packaging industries. The aim of this project was to accelerate the transition to the circular economy in the packaging and construction sector, through targeted assessment and support actions with SMEs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
To facilitate evidence-based action, this project began with assessing the current and potential levels of circularity and resource valorization in the BiH construction and packaging industries. Based on these findings, two roadmaps were prepared, one each for the packaging and construction sectors, on initiating the transition towards greener and more circular practices. Moreover, the knowledge and skill gaps of the project team, institutions, and SMEs were evaluated and utilized to conduct a training needs analysis. Based on this analysis, training curriculum targeting the key identified gaps was developed, resulting in 2 targeted training sessions for institutional partners (decision makers and business support organizations). This project therefore contributed significantly to improving the capacity for implementing circular and green business models in the packaging and construction industries.