Developing internationally accepted standards is already a challenge. Yet it's even more challenging when the search for guidelines is coupled with practical and conceptual changes in production processes, services, and even behaviors. Such acts pave the way for a circular economy to reduce the extraction of natural resources, extend the maintenance of materials in use, and regenerate natural systems.
For all these reasons, the integrated implementation of circularity practices demands standardization and concepts. In this context, in 2019, the Technical Council of the International Organization for Standardization - ISO approved France's proposal to create a Technical Committee on Circular Economy. With publication scheduled for March 2023, it has, in addition to Brazil, 61 other countries as members and 13 observer countries.
Four international working groups have led the actions responsible for producing various studies. Brazil leads WG1 together with France and participates in WG3. Some actions include:
WG1 (ISO/WD2 59004): Principles and application framework
This section includes framework specification, circular economy principles, and guidelines for activity implementation by all organizations, including supporting the Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs. In-depth knowledge of technical and biological cycles along the value chain, reverse logistics, product life extension, and resource management. It will also support public administrations in their responses to environmental challenges and promote society's participation through educational, communication, and social inclusion processes.
WG2 (ISO/WD2 59010): Guidelines on business models and value chains
Support organizations to manage their actions and collective activities to transform a linear business model and value chains into circular strategies. It will promote the redesign, from the outset, of activities aimed at improving the circular use of resources and the social, environmental, and economic benefits.
GT3 (ISO/WD2 59020): Roundness measuring structure
This section creates a generic circularity measurement framework and guides organizations, sectors, and stakeholders towards measuring sustainability impacts. The aim is to tackle the need to develop a global leveling strategy related to circularity performances. Focusing on the purposes and results of different indicators such as durability, material consumption, and reduction of waste generation - and indirect impacts - and contributions to climate change.
WG4 (ISO/DTR 59031 and ISO/DTR 59032): Specific Circular Economy topics
This Group deals with specific Circular Economy topics, on performance issues - ISO/TR 59031, Business model implementation review - ISO/TR 59032 and Efficient use and management of resources in the circular economy: Good practices for replicability - ISO /TR 59033.
Enel X and its tools to promote Circularity
Around the world, many companies are already moving towards implementing the aspirations proposed in ISO. Among them is Enel X's good practices strategy. Within its portfolio of solutions and energy efficiency, Enel X has been developing proposals and projects in cities to meet the global challenges of carbonization, responsible consumption, and Production.
The company sets Distributed Renewable Energy as a circular input solution for city customers. Throughout this, it promotes the electrification of public transportation, reducing air pollution and improving citizens' quality of life. Digitization in Energy Distribution Companies brings excellence to the quality of service and increases the networks' resilience and durability.
Enel X still creates innovative and sustainable tools for proprietary and customer solutions while driving business growth. These strategies identify opportunities to apply to one or more circular business models.