During the project, the partners combined research, knowledge exchange, education and practical testing of solutions in cities.
Mapping and analysis
The project started by analysing the conditions, needs and opportunities for developing circular lifestyles in cities. The partners looked at sustainable consumption patterns, existing circular initiatives and the conditions that can support or limit their development.
These findings were used to develop the Strategy Framework and Circular Lifestyle Monitor Tool, which can help cities assess their current situation and plan their next steps.
Strategy Framework →
https://circularlifestyle.eu/lib/of21z7/Strategy-Framework-circular-lifestyles-in-cities_NiCE_0524-m9igx840.pdf
Circular Lifestyle Monitor Tool →
https://circularlifestyle.eu/lib/of21z7/D111_Monitor_tool_FINAL_29042024-1-m9igxbqw.pdf
Inspiration and knowledge exchange
The project included study visits, online seminars, transnational workshops and other activities that allowed partners, experts and local stakeholders to share experiences and look for solutions that could be used in different Central European cities.
Explore the Online Seminars →
https://circularlifestyle.eu/online-seminars
The project also created a Virtual Exhibition with 30 examples of good practice, showing different ways in which cities can support circular lifestyles.
Explore the Virtual Exhibition →
https://circularlifestyle.eu/virtualexhibition
Testing solutions in cities
Pilot activities were a key part of the project. In eight cities, different approaches were tested in real-life conditions – from reusing empty city spaces and creating multifunctional reuse centres to linking sustainable e-commerce with city centres and promoting more sustainable water use.
The pilot experiences showed that circular city solutions need not only suitable spaces and infrastructure, but also cooperation between local authorities, organisations, businesses, experts and local communities.
Explore all 8 pilots →
https://circularlifestyle.eu/pilots
Košice: Re-use Centre
Košice was one of the pilot cities in the NiCE project. Creative Industry Košice, together with local partners, developed and tested a Re-use Centre model that connects reuse with social support.
The Re-use Centre was set up in a previously unused city space at Kováčska 18. The pilot tested whether a reuse centre could serve not only as a place where people give and receive things, but also as a tool for social support and a community space.
The model was based on collecting things according to the specific needs of people in difficult life situations. These needs were identified by partner non-profit organisations, which then distributed the donated items directly to people who needed them.
During around six months of operation, the centre organised more than 10 themed collection drives and worked with non-profit organisations, businesses, the city and the local community. The pilot also included 12 public workshops focused on sustainability, the circular economy, minimalism, upcycling and more responsible consumption.
The pilot showed that a reuse centre can have not only environmental, but also social and community value. Reusing things can help connect people, support solidarity and extend the life of products.
Read more about the Košice Re-use Centre →
https://circularlifestyle.eu/pilot-sk
Download the pilot blog →
https://circularlifestyle.eu/lib/of21z7/NiCE-Kosice-mmiuvuaf.pdf
From pilots to practical solutions
The partners evaluated the experience from the pilot cities and turned it into the NiCE Solution Box – a practical set of methods, guides and tools that can help other cities and organisations introduce circular solutions.
The Solution Box includes four thematic tools:
- Methodology Kit on Stakeholders’ Engagement in Circular Lifestyles
- Guide: How to Build, Run and Sustain a Multifunctional Resource Centre
- How to Link Sustainable E-commerce with City Centres
- Circular Water Kit
The tools are based on the experience of the eight pilot cities and are designed for practical use in revitalising city spaces, engaging local stakeholders and supporting circular lifestyles.
Explore the NiCE Solution Box →
https://circularlifestyle.eu/resources?anchorElement=wSection_89&scrollMargin=175
Education and capacity building
The project also created educational and inspirational materials for different target groups. These include workshop methods, educational games, materials for students, resources about circular lifestyles and practical upcycling guides.
Explore the educational materials →
https://circularlifestyle.eu/resources?anchorElement=element_1330&scrollMargin=175
