BS 8001 - a new framework for implementing a circular economy in organisations

The draft of the first circular economy standard, BS 8001 Framework for implementing circular economy principles in organizations – Guide, is out for public comment this week. Strategy Advisor Nicky Chambers explains what you need to know.

One of the biggest challenges of the sustainability world, in fact one of biggest challenges of the world, is making sure that we all understand each other; building up a common lexicon and language so that what we mean can be more clearly communicated and more easily understood.

The ‘circular economy’, and what it means to us all, is no exception. If you have been confused by where 'resource efficiency' ends and 'circular economy' starts, if you have got into a tangle with your ‘closed loops’ and your ‘open loops’, or if you are flummoxed about how the circular economy could have anything to do with your organization, help is at hand. BS 8001 Framework for Implementing the Principles of the Circular Economy in Organizations is now available.

After a reasonably short gestation (for the standards world), and a lot of work by experts in the field (including Anthesis), BS 8001 has been published as a draft for public comment. The guidance is intended to be applicable to any organization, wherever you are and whatever you do. You can see and comment on it for yourself at the link below; to give you the highlights, it aims to address the following.

What does BS8001 aim to address?

• Can organizations determine resource management risks and opportunities and identify key materials of concern?
• How can organizations determine the relevance of the circular economy to them? What is their role? What are the implications for manufacturers, retailers, and service-based organizations, however small or large?
• What is the meaning behind the use of certain terms within the context of the circular economy, for example ‘closed loop’ and ‘open loop’?
• Which business models might be relevant for organizations to consider if transitioning to a more sustainable and circular mode of operation?
• What key factors will organizations need to consider (e.g. provenance and use of secondary materials, chemicals transparency, competition law, liability and insurance, etc.)?

6 Principles to the Circular Economy Framework

The new guide is set out as a framework of six principles:

• Systems Thinking
• Innovations
• Stewardship
• Collaboration
• Value Optimization
• Transparency

Each get their own explanatory clause. And perhaps one of the most controversial (and therefore useful) is the Definitions section, where a wide range of terms new and old are set out and pinned down.

The Guide will be a really useful introductory tool for those new to the topic and a really useful communications tool for those trying to get traction on circular economy implementation in their organizations.

If you would like to speak to Anthesis about implementing circular economy principles at your organization, contact Nicky.Chambers@anthesisgroup.com.

Download our Circular Economy PDF guide for embracing CE in your own business, or get in touch using our fill out form below.