Shaping a circular economy strategy for the Chablais region
The Chablais region is working to establish the foundations of a circular economy strategy tailored to its local context, aligned with the Inter-Municipal Master Plan and the Chablais Agglomeration Project. A regional energy planning study identified significant potential for energy autonomy, particularly through district heating systems and industrial ecology. The construction, chemical, metal, and agri-food sectors present the highest potential for circularity due to their job volume, company density, and material flow intensity. The initiative aims to identify key circular opportunities through co-creation with economic stakeholders and to provide actionable recommendations for implementing a circular economy in the region.
Challenge
As an intercantonal development agency, Chablais Région is naturally positioned to act as a facilitator and promoter of collaboration. The main challenge is to ensure the active involvement of key economic players, while addressing their needs and strategic priorities.
Solution & methodology
- Assessment of the current situation through a macroeconomic analysis and a survey of approximately 40 companies
- Scoping interviews and a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, needs, opportunities, and barriers to circular economy development
- Organisation of a participatory event with around 30 local public and private actors, using collective intelligence methods to explore and map initial project ideas
- Identification of 21 circular economy project ideas, centred around three key themes: circular construction, CO2 reuse, and agro-diversification
- Co-development of a strategic roadmap structured around four pillars: Information, mobilisation of economic actors, projects, leading by example as a region).
“This support has fostered the creation of synergies between the economic players of the Chablais agglomeration. We now have the levers and a clear roadmap to make our intercantonal association a facilitator of the circular economy, at the service of a territory that is both sustainable and innovative.”
- Norbert Zufferey, Director Chablais Region
Assignment
Development of a strategic document that includes a concrete action plan and practical recommendations to implement and govern the circular economy in the region.
Offering
- Analysis of region-specific challenges and sectoral needs
- Collaborative approach that fosters engagement and secures buy-in from public and private stakeholders
- Strategic guidance covering objectives, actions, responsibilities, and benefits, structured across four key areas
- Action plan with prioritised initiatives, a detailed breakdown of strategic pillars, and an indicator system to support implementation and monitoring
Impact
- Integration of the circular economy into regional and municipal planning frameworks
- Increased awareness among economic actors of circular economy opportunities
- A strengthened regional capacity to promote and support circular economy projects across the territory