A Circular Economy Strategy for Scotland

6. Circular Economy Monitoring and Indicator Framework

The circular economy monitoring and indicator framework (CEMIF) attaches indicators to each of the strategy’s outcomes, to provide a high-level overview of Scotland’s progress towards a more circular economy. This is the first national-level indicator framework specifically developed for the circular economy in Scotland and so will continue to be developed and improved as new or better data sources become available. The proposed circular economy indicator framework is presented in figure 3.

The framework is the starting point for development of future national circular economy targets, which will be developed by 2027. Not every indicator will be suitable for targets, given data limitations and the extent to which Scottish Government policy can influence certain outcomes. As part of the process for developing these we will consider a range of different potential targets, both statutory and non-statutory, that will include recycling, waste reduction, reuse and consumption. A separate development and consultation process will be conducted for circular economy targets.

The image is an infographic titled ' Indicator Framework Linked to Circular Economy for Scotland’

It consists of coloured circles with icons and text, illustrating the Strategy’s draft outcomes and draft Monitor and Indicator Framework indicators associated with each outcome. The indicators will be used to monitor the progress of the agreed outcomes. Where an indicator concludes with Dev bracketed, this means this indicator requires development

The focus of the infographic shows the Strategy’s eight desired outcomes under four themes of ‘Economy’, ‘Environment’, ‘International’ and ‘Social’ and associated indicators

Economy Outcomes

First Outcome

• The economic value derived from material use is maximised and environmental impact minimised.

Linked Indicators to this outcome

• GVA of circular economy sectors
• Resource Productivity and Material Intensity
• Labour productivity of CE jobs

Second Outcome

• The Scottish economy is more resilient to disruptions in global supply of materials, including critical raw materials.

Linked Indicators to this outcome

• Resource resilience ratio
• Material intensity of trade flows (trade value indicator)
• Resource resilience ratio of critical raw materials

Third Outcome

• Business and entrepreneurs have opportunities to develop circular economy innovations.

Linked Indicators to this outcome

• Number of CE patents (technology, product design) (Dev)
• Number of circular startups (Dev)

Environment Outcomes

First outcome

• Non-renewable resource extraction is minimised and renewable resource use is sustainable and just.

Linked Indicators to this outcome

• Raw Material Consumption (RMC)
• Raw Material Inputs (RMI)
• Circular Material Use Rate (CMUr)
• Recycling rate (Sub-indicators)
• Natural resources index

Second outcome

• The negative environmental impact of our production, consumption and disposal is minimised and sustainable.

Linked Indicators to this outcome

• Total waste (Sub-indicators)
• Emissions from waste
• Carbon Intensity of Materials
• Global biodiversity impact

International Outcome

• The negative human and environment impacts experienced internationally from production, consumption and disposal are reduced.

Linked Indicators to this outcome

• Overseas emissions ratio
• Proportion of Scottish waste managed within Scotland

Social Outcomes

First outcome

• People and communities engage in and benefit from circular activities in a fair and inclusive way.

Linked Indicators to this outcome

• Jobs in CE sectors: total
• Population with access to circularity options (e.g. re-use/repair services) (Dev)

Second outcome

• Circular behaviours and supportive systems are the norm across business and society.

Linked Indicators to this outcome

• Household spending on product repair, maintenance and re-use services
• Societal behaviours for a Circular Economy (Dev)
• Business behaviours for a circular economy (Dev)