UK to Host World’s First UN-Backed International Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Resource Management
The UK will establish the world’s first United Nations-backed International Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Resource Management in the Circular Economy, Resources Minister Robbie Moore announced today (Tuesday 27 February).
Recognising world-class British academic expertise and cutting-edge scientific research, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) will support the establishment of the centre in the UK.
A circular economy is one in which resources are kept in use for as long as possible, rather than being taken from the earth, used once and disposed of in landfill. The centre will develop sustainable approaches to the circular economy and resource efficiency to enable carbon reduction and support the transition to a greener future.
Opening formally in April 2024, the centre will comprise five leading institutions: University College London (UCL), University of Exeter, Brunel University London, Swansea University and the British Geological Survey.
Coordinated by a Government-funded UNECE research manager based in Geneva, this coalition will explore circularity in areas such as metals, construction, and critical minerals, developing data tools, technological innovations, finance models, and policy frameworks. Together, the five institutions have contributed £1.85 million to fund the centre’s technical activities.
Resources Minister Robbie Moore said:
“This is real recognition of the UK’s global leadership in sustainable resource management and testament to Britain’s world-leading academic expertise.
We are delighted to host this centre, enabling our cutting-edge UK academics to develop the tools and research that will help countries across the world seize the opportunities of the circular economy, leading the way in the transition to a greener future.”
UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean added:
“Making the use of our resources more sustainable and moving towards a circular economy is fundamental to sustainable development and climate action.
Partnerships mobilising international expertise play an important role in UN cooperation to develop and share best practices. I welcome the establishment of this new Centre of Excellence, with its focus on circularity of metals, construction and critical raw materials.”
The Centre will build on the success of several partner institutions involved in the National Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Research (NICER) programme, a four-year £30 million investment under the UK Government’s Strategic Priorities Fund.
In July 2023, the UK Government launched Maximising Resources, Minimising Waste — a long-term programme aimed at promoting reuse, repair, remanufacture, and recycling to help grow the economy and boost employment.
Today’s announcement strengthens the UK’s world-leading efforts to protect the environment, enhance resource efficiency, and drive sustainable economic growth.
