Last month, we had the pleasure of inaugurating our premises with five days filled with conferences and workshops on the circular economy. This week not only raised awareness of the challenges facing a more sustainable Swiss economy but also sparked ideas on how to achieve it in the minds of visitors through their participation in various discussions.
Here is a brief summary of the highlights of this week to emphasize the key moments through these few lines.
Demo Day
At the National Demo Day 2023, which took place in person for the first time, 33 startups from the Circular Economy Incubator program presented promising and innovative projects that accelerate Switzerland’s transition to a circular economy. The event, which marked the start of the official inauguration week of our new space, was a resounding success and a celebration of ingenuity and commitment to a sustainable future. Circular entrepreneurs shared their passion and inspiring vision, demonstrating the positive impact of their solutions on the environment and society. Innovative energy was palpable in the air, with lively discussions, enthusiastic applause, and inspired smiles. It was a true showcase of innovation, where participants exchanged ideas, forged connections, and built partnerships.
Demo Day was not only an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our incubates but also to highlight the power of collaboration and creativity in shaping a circular future. We are proud of all the entrepreneurs who participated in this event, and we look forward to seeing their projects continue to thrive and reach their full potential for a positive impact. This day represented a small step in our journey toward a more circular economy, and we are committed to continuing our mission to co-create a sustainable future for Switzerland and beyond. For those who missed Demo Day, a replay is available on the @circulareconomytransition YouTube channel via this link.
Opening speech
The opening speech marking the official inauguration of the Circular Hall 18-Beaulieu was one of the highlights of the week. The speech, given to the hall residents, Beaulieu’s director, representatives from the City of Lausanne, and the Canton of Vaud, shared the vision and reflections of public authorities on circularity, especially regarding new collaborations to accelerate Switzerland’s transition to a circular and inclusive economy. The following roundtable discussions provided an opportunity for key players from various sectors in the Romandy region to discuss topics related to the circular economy, intersectoral innovation, and inclusion. These precious exchanges helped advance the shared vision of circularity.
The first roundtable discussed ways to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Representatives from Icterus SA, Ricardo, EPER, and the Zoein Foundation shared their ideas and experiences on sustainable and inclusive solutions to encourage the transition to a circular economy.
New business models and partnerships for accelerating the transition were addressed in a second roundtable. Representatives from Environmental Action, DSS+, La Fabrique Circulaire, and the Sustainable Economy Support Fund discussed public-private partnerships and the need to collaborate to accelerate the transition.
The discussions at this event inspired and encouraged many people to engage in the transition to a more circular and inclusive economy.
SHIFT Vaud
SHIFT Vaud 2023, in collaboration with Impact Hub Lausanne, brought together actors from the Romandy food system to rethink our relationship with food, society, energy, and the economy. The central themes of the day were food, knowledge, resources, community, and pace. The discussions highlighted the need to rethink how we produce, transport, and consume food to address environmental, economic, and social challenges. SHIFT served as a space for exchange, experimentation, and collaboration, bringing together experts, scientists, students, entrepreneurs, investors, and representatives of public services.
This workshop facilitated quality dialogues, inspiring encounters, concrete exchanges, and the creation of a network of actors committed to transforming the food system. Participants also had the opportunity to enjoy a local, organic, and friendly meal, putting sustainable eating principles into practice and adding a tangible and demonstrative dimension to the vision of responsible eating. Beyond discussions, participants enjoyed moments of relaxation, learning, exchange, and conviviality, strengthening bonds and collaborative projects. This occasion marked an important step in collective reflection on more sustainable food in Switzerland.
Ricardo
The Circular Hall 18 – Beaulieu also hosted an innovative moment in collaboration with Ricardo and L’Éveil, a structure dedicated to social and professional reintegration. Together, with Impact Hub Lausanne, these three organizations launched the first Ricardo POP UP in Romandy, giving rise to a local branch of the “Plusvalue” project that combines ecological and social sustainability in an accessible way. Since January, participants in L’Éveil’s reintegration program have been working at the POP UP, offering a unique service to residents of Lausanne and the Canton of Vaud.
The concept is simple: owners of items they no longer need can drop them off at the POP UP, where beneficiaries of L’Éveil take care of them to be sold in the store and on the Ricardo website. This process of buying and reselling used items not only has a positive impact on the environment by promoting reuse but also supports social and professional reintegration.
The Circular Hall 18 – Beaulieu thus provides a conducive space for social and environmental innovation, bringing together actors committed to promoting a circular and inclusive economy. This initiative underscores the importance of creating synergies between different sectors of society to address the social and environmental challenges we face. Through fruitful collaborations like this one, we can envision a more sustainable future where reuse and social reintegration take center stage.
Earth Day
Earth Day 2023 was marked by unprecedented mobilization around the theme of energy. In collaboration with Impact Hub Lausanne and The Climate Reality Project, My Blue Planet brought together a diverse audience and issued a committed call to action to contemplate sustainable energy solutions. As part of this event, the final edition of the ACA (Academic Citizen Assembly) on the theme “How to organize Lausanne 2030 for energy self-sufficiency?” took place.
Click here to learn more about the process, results, and lessons from the event and discover the proposals democratically chosen by participants. To learn more about the Academic Citizen Assembly, visit the website.
Discussions focused on reducing our energy footprint, adopting renewable energy sources, and improving energy efficiency. Through innovative ideas and concrete measures, participants were inspired to collectively take action to understand how to preserve our environment and create a more responsible energy future. This memorable day served as a reminder of the importance of awareness and collective engagement in favor of a sustainable energy transition.
Net Zero
The conference “Net Zero and Climate Transition” brought together experts and participants from various sectors to discuss crucial issues related to achieving carbon neutrality in Switzerland. The national initiative Environmental Action played a key role in this conference by encouraging participants to identify effective climate solutions and implement them. The conference revolved around two essential parts: the first highlighted the “Net Zero” approach and sparked passionate debates on the measures needed to achieve this ambitious goal. In the second part, our residents focused on the role of energy in Switzerland’s climate transition, examining the advantages and disadvantages of solar and nuclear energy sources. This in-depth reflection stimulated constructive discussions on how Swiss businesses can contribute to a sustainable energy future and achieve global climate goals.
SDGs Game
The “2030 SDGs Game” was an interactive and immersive experience that captivated participants by immersing them in a simulated world of sustainable development. This card game, originating from Japan, brings the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to life by simulating a possible reality in 2030. Emphasizing the balance between society, the environment, and the economy, the game provides players with a unique opportunity to explore the power of their actions and understand how each individual can contribute to a more balanced world. By creating individual “eureka” moments, the game facilitated deep awareness among participants, prompting them to contemplate their own impact on the world and that of others. Sustainability expert Alice Richard led the workshop, guiding participants toward a better understanding of the challenges of sustainable development through educational, inspiring, and playful activities.
