A Systems Perspective for Navigating the Foundations of Sustainability and a Circular Economy

Global energy production, resource demands, heightened environmental and social concerns, and the growing waste crisis have spurred an increased focus on sustainable strategies and a circular economy. With a global and national focus on a climate plan that prioritizes clean energy, it is critical that future actions and policies incorporate life cycle dimensions across value chains and understand how energy transition planning can impact the larger sustainability agenda. Absent from discussions are life cycle management of materials and wastes and social equity and environmental justice of energy transitions. These issues greatly influence the true sustainability profile of companies, governments and investments.