The REBus project brings together a unique partnership of expertise and knowledge to enable the advancement of resource efficient business models. REBus is led by WRAP, working in partnership with Rijkswaterstaat (Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure & Environment), Aldersgate Group, the Knowledge Transfer Network Ltd (KTN) and the University of Northampton. REBus has secured €3.1m funding from the European Commission’s LIFE+ fund, UK governments and project partners.
WRAP
WRAP is a not for profit organisation and registered charity whose vision is a world where resources are used sustainably. WRAP works with governments, businesses and communities to deliver practical solutions to improve resource efficiency.
Role in REBus
In its role as the senior lead for REBus, WRAP has used its resource efficiency and circular economy expertise to guide the REBus project and its associated UK pilots through the resource efficient business models (REBMs) process. The UK focus is on large businesses, SME’s and organisations in the electricals and textiles sectors.
Objective for REBus
WRAP’s drive for practical resource efficient action in the marketplace is perfectly aligned to the goals of the REBus project. The industry-tested evidence generated through REBus will enable WRAP to inspire more businesses and organisations to take a ‘leap of faith’ and start implementing their own REBMs. After REBus has finished, WRAP will continue to use this evidence in its ongoing role as champions of REBMs development across Europe.
Rijkswaterstaat (RWS)
RWS is a government agency that implements national and international policies for sustainability and innovation. The agency is the contact point on environmental issues for business, knowledge institutions and government bodies for information and advice, financing, networking and regulatory matters.
Role in REBus
RWS is leading the delivery of the Dutch REBus pilot projects. Working together with other governments and progressive companies, RWS is exploring REBMs that make circular procurement possible within five industries: IT, office furniture, construction, textiles and catering. By running pilot projects, REBus is learning more about what is needed for circular procurement. REBus also applies the knowledge gained in new pilot projects and stimulates participants to share their knowledge.
Objective for REBus
REBus in the Netherlands aims to inspire purchasers and suppliers to think about retaining the value of raw materials in the whole supply chain from the very first request for a product or service. Its work involves developing a Learning Community with Green Deal Circulair Procurement. REBus will help to create an evidence base which can be used in this Learning Community to demonstrate how circular procurement can truly make a difference. The pilot case studies will be used to support policy changes.
Aldersgate Group
The Aldersgate Group is an alliance of leaders from business, politics and society that drives action for a sustainable economy. Its mission is to trigger the change in policy required to address environmental challenges effectively and secure the maximum economic benefit.
Role in REBus
In working with the project’s dissemination team, the Aldersgate Group is linking REBus findings back into the policy agenda. Through workshops and public events with its membership and key stakeholders, the Group reviews how Government and business can show real leadership in transforming the economy of the UK into one that is fit for our resource-constrained future.
Objective for REBus
The Aldersgate Group will use findings from REBus in its ongoing engagement with Government to demonstrate how resource efficiency can contribute to the long-term competitiveness and resilience of the UK economy.
Knowledge Transfer Network Ltd (KTN)
In 2014, the UK’s 15 Knowledge Transfer Networks merged to become a single company. One of the communities of this unified organisation is Resource Efficient and Environmental Services. KTN have recently been involved in work on Future Cities and Materials Security, both of which have a significant component of Resource Efficient Business Models in them.
Role in REBus
Communication and dissemination of new ideas, via a variety of media, are part of the everyday activity of KTN, so it is ideally positioned to drive the flow of knowledge from the REBus project into business and to ensure its community provides both input to and learns from this programme. KTN was also involved in the recruitment of some of the SME pilot projects.
Objective for REBus
KTN is sharing the evidence produced through REBus with its business community to encourage more businesses to become more engaged with REBMs and the circular economy. KTN will feed the outcomes of this project into its ongoing work in resource efficiency and use it to inform future calls for funding.
The University of Northampton (TUoN)
Recognised as an international leader in the field of resources and wastes management education and research, it has published over 100 academic papers and presentations on resource efficiency. Its reputation extends to waste minimisation, and resource efficiency business support for SME’s and micro businesses.
Role in REBus
The University of Northampton is using its resource efficiency expertise to help scope and test the metrics involved in implementing REBMs. Working alongside WRAP, the University will be analysing the data from the REBus pilot projects to explore the impacts that REBMs can have on the European marketplace.
Objective for REBus
TUon will use the evidence generated through REBus to drive the resource efficiency agenda forward with businesses demonstrating how REBMs can make a difference. The University will take the level of business interaction for metrics to the next level as data gathering has changed.
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