Conference Agenda

This session will delve into rebound effects linked to resource efficiency measures and circular economy strategies. While advancements in resource efficiency and technology aim to deliver environmental benefits, they can sometimes trigger behaviours or economic changes that diminish or negate these gains. For example, resource-saving policies and corporate initiatives, despite their potential benefits, can result in rebound effects that lead to increased consumption. These effects can stem from market dynamics, business and consumer behaviour, or social practices. The first part of the session will concentrate on examining the mechanisms driving rebound effects. This requires analysis at multiple levels, including individual consumers, businesses, markets, and society, using diverse methodologies such as general and partial equilibrium models, field research, dynamic simulation models, and empirical studies. The second part will shift to identifying effective policies and public engagement strategies to mitigate these effects. Researchers will also share techniques for disseminating findings through online tools, stakeholder engagement, and public events.

Overall Objectives:

1) Mobilize interest from the audience for rebound effects induced by circular economy actions. In economics, the rebound effects of energy are well studied, but the rebound effects of the circular economy remain underexplored.

2) Discuss concrete political levers and actions to mitigate the rebound effects of circular practices, in particular by showcasing digital tools developed within EU-funded projects.

Related EU-funded projects: The session is organized as part of the outreach, co-design and communication activities of the CircEUlar project “Developing Circular Pathways for an EU Low-Carbon Transition”, funded by the EU Commission under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme. The session will also display research insights from the ERC projects REBOUNDLESS, REBOUNDLESS POLICIES and CircularX “Experimentation with circular business models”.