The Human Settlements and the Circular Economy (HSCE) report shows how circular economy interventions could be adopted to develop more sustainable human settlements. The study compared current development pathways with circular alternatives for South African human settlements. It found that circular economy interventions, including those linked to 15-minute neighbourhoods, composting, urban agriculture, greywater, rainwater systems, deconstruction and reuse could generate substantial environmental, social and economic benefits.

Given these benefits, how can appropriate circular economy interventions be integrated into future human settlements in South Africa?  Outlined below are some measures that could be taken:

• Circular Human Settlements Policy: This would set out how the circular economy could be integrated into human settlements. It would identify key circular economy interventions and outline how the government could work with industry and communities to implement these in new and existing human settlements.
• Circular Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and Spatial Frameworks (SDFs) Guidelines: This would guide how circularity could be integrated into urban planning and design. It would provide a resource that municipalities could draw on in developing Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs) to create more circular human settlements.
• Circular Economy Opportunities for the Building and Construction Industry: This could be an online resource that identifies circular economy services and products that could be pursued within the building and construction industry. It would focus on catalysing the creation of new circular products and services by new enterprises as well as existing industry players. 
• Circular Built Environment Education Strategy: To ensure there was awareness and capacity to develop more circular built environments and systems, an education strategy could be developed. This should address built environment professionals, government officials, manufacturers, contractors and artisans.
• Circular Neighbourhood Guide: Local circular initiatives, such as recycling schemes, could be supported through a guide with examples. This would outline circular projects that could be initiated by communities and provide guidance on how these could be implemented, including developing partnerships with municipalities and entrepreneurs. 

It is good to see that work is already happening that supports these measures.