A circular economy aims to generate no waste by utilizing materials for as long as possible through reuse, recovery and repurposing.

The Challenge

When Highways England asked AECOM to develop a circular economy routemap and supply chain risk framework, our team needed to examine the details. That meant taking a close look at our client’s current processes and suppliers.

Solutions and Involvement

To mitigate ethical or environmental infractions in the supply chain, our team:

  • Created detailed supply chain maps for two key product categories
  • Outlined principles for responsible sourcing in supply chains
  • Created a set of questions for suppliers
  • Conducted risk assessments for complicated regions and material chains

We submitted these tools to Highways England to help them manage their supply chains and purchasing decisions.

Achievements and Outcomes

Our work to address the Highways England circular economy routemap focused on moving the existing business model to a closed materials loop, which ensures resources are used for as long as possible and reused at the end of a product life cycle. The recommendations also included repurposing and upcycling where feasible.

As a result of our work, Highways England now has a responsible sourcing management system and a new circular economy routemap that includes the actions required to create a robust framework.

Our Work and the SDGs

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been adopted by countries to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. AECOM supports the SDGs. You can read AECOM’s Sustainability Report 2016  to learn more about how our work on clients’ projects, like this one, is helping transform the world.