UrbanWINS defined a data set, based on material flow indicators, capable of supporting and orienting decision-making processes for urban waste prevention and management. It improved knowledge of the factors that influence the metabolism of cities, together with the understanding of how those factors can be transformed into positive drivers of technological, non-technological and governance changes.
 

The data set also focused on how a more efficient use of resources and better management of waste can improve urban quality and citizens’ welfare as well as key points for urban stakeholders’ involvement, both in the planning and implementation of actions.
 

It brought together diverse actors such as cities, research institutes and universities, environmental non-governmental organisations, information technology and communications, technological innovation and waste management companies, and professional associations that represent EU regions, sectors and levels of governance. This complex partnership guarantees that advancement in EU research in the field of urban metabolism and waste management strategies is directly linked to stakeholder engagement and mutual learning and contributes to the achievement of resource efficiency and waste management objectives.
 

UrbanWINS analytical tools were built on the datasets and experiences of 24 EU cities from six European countries and the Strategic Plans were tested by eight EU cities. They encompass regulatory measures, educational initiatives and sector-specific actions.

UrbanWINS encouraged stakeholders to take part in the co-creation of the eco-innovative plans and move towards more sustainable consumption and production patterns.
 

By using the urban metabolism approach – which compares cities to living organisms – eight pilot cities in UrbanWINS studied the flow of materials and energy within them: Albano Laziale (IT), Bucharest (RO), Cremona (IT), Leiria (PT), Manresa (ES), Pomezia (IT), Sabadell (ES) and Turin (IT).
 

The results provided a better understanding of what is being consumed and discarded. The results were the basis for a discussion with a wide range of different stakeholders to set priorities, define objectives and indicators, and co-develop the Strategic Plans for Waste Prevention and Management.
 

UrbanWINS provided methodologies and tools for the design of strategies for waste prevention and management, including an approach to engage stakeholders to participate in waste prevention and management. 
 

UrbanWINS studied how cities consume resources and products, and how they eliminate produced waste, following an urban metabolism approach. The results were used to develop and test innovative policy tools aimed at improving waste prevention and management in the eight EU pilot cities.
 

The design and implementation of policy tools was realised with the active participation of stakeholders, including citizens, governments, organisations, suppliers, research institutes and educational centres from the cities. The participatory approach was a key component of UrbanWINS, as the vision of all relevant players for waste production and management at an urban level was taken into account to co-develop new strategies, co-test innovative solutions, integrate different types of knowledge and articulate different points of view, thus contributing to a more representative and holistic approach.

Programme:
 

• H2020-EU.3.5. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials

Topic:
 

• WASTE-6b-2015 - Eco-innovative strategies

Comune di Cremona

Contact the project.

• Fondazione Ecosistemi
• Universita Iuav di Venezia
• Asociatia Ecoteca
• Asociatia Romania Green Building Council
• Asociatia Ecotic
• Fundacio Eurecat
• ICLEI Europasekretariat GmbH
• Universidade de Coimbra
• Chalmers Tekniska Hogskola AB
• NOVA.id.FCT Associação para a Inovação de Desenvolvimento da FCT
• Global Innovation Solution SRL
• Marraiafura Comunicazione Srls
• Citta' Metropolitana di Roma Capitale
• Ceifacoop-Cooperativa de Estudos Investigacao e Formacao Ambiental CRL
• Municipiul Bucuresti
• Asociatia Environ
• Camera di Commercio Industria Artigianato Agricoltura di Cremona
• Ajuntament de Sabadell
• Istituto Nazionale di Statistica
• Ajuntament de Manresa
• Municipio de Leira
• Consorci del Bages per a la Gestió de Residus
• Seri Nachhaltigkeitsforschungs und Kommunikations GmbH
• Cree GmbH
• Comune di Torino
• Linea Gestioni SRL