The Importance of Referencing ISO 59000 Standards in the OECD Document

by Oliviero Casale

The recent OECD document, "An International Review of National and Subnational Circular Economy Monitoring Frameworks," represents a significant step towards the standardization and improvement of circular economy monitoring practices globally. Among the various aspects addressed, the reference to the ISO 59000 series standards stands out, deserving thorough attention for its potential positive impact.

Why the Document Was Written

The document was drafted with the objective of providing an overview of international best practices for measuring progress and impacts towards a circular economy. This is particularly relevant in a context where the transition to a circular economy is seen as a key component in addressing global environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion.

One of the main purposes of the document is to highlight gaps and opportunities in existing monitoring frameworks, proposing ways to improve these systems, particularly in Italy. The ability to accurately measure progress is essential for developing effective policies, improving transparency, and facilitating coordination among various stakeholders.

The Importance of ISO 59000 Standards

The ISO 59000 standards were developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to provide a harmonized framework and key principles for implementing a circular economy. Specifically, the ISO 59004, ISO 59010, and ISO 59020 standards offer a conceptual framework, guidelines for circular business models and value chains, and a framework for measuring and assessing circularity, respectively.

Why References to ISO 59000 Standards Are Crucial

1. Standardization and Comparability: Adopting ISO 59000 standards facilitates the comparability of data and practices across different regions and countries. This is fundamental for measuring progress towards a circular economy consistently and reliably.
2. Governance Improvement: The standards provide clear guidelines that can help governments develop and implement effective circular economy policies. This can strengthen governance and improve coordination among various agencies involved in data collection and analysis.
3. Supporting the Circular Transition: ISO standards promote the adoption of circular practices at the business level, encouraging companies to integrate circularity into their daily operations. This is essential for a sustainable transition towards a circular economy.
4. Enhancing Transparency: The use of internationally recognized standards can improve transparency and trust among stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, and institutions. Greater transparency facilitates monitoring progress and identifying areas needing improvement.

Definitions of Circular Economy

One of the key aspects of the document is the analysis of different definitions of the circular economy. The lack of a universally accepted definition represents a challenge for measuring and evaluating progress. Here are some of the definitions proposed in the document:

1. General Definition: The circular economy is generally understood as an economy where waste generation and pollution are minimized, resources are maintained for as long as possible, and materials are reintegrated into production cycles at the end of their use(ISO-FDIS-59004).
2. European Commission: According to the European Commission, a circular economy is an economy where the value of products, materials, and resources is maintained in the economy for as long as possible, minimizing waste generation.
3. Ellen MacArthur Foundation: The Ellen MacArthur Foundation describes the circular economy as an alternative to the traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose), being regenerative and restorative by design.
4. OECD Expert Group: The OECD Expert Group on a new generation of information for a resource-efficient and circular economy defines the circular economy as an economy where the value of materials is maximized and maintained for as long as possible, material input and consumption are minimized, and waste generation is prevented by reducing negative environmental impacts throughout the material lifecycle.
5. ISO 59004: The ISO 59004 standard defines the circular economy as an economic system that uses a systemic approach to maintain a circular flow of resources, recovering, retaining, or adding value, while contributing to sustainable development(ISO-FDIS-59004).

Conclusions

The reference to ISO 59000 standards in the OECD document highlights the importance of a standardized and harmonized approach to addressing the challenges of the circular economy. These standards provide a solid foundation for measuring progress, improving governance, and supporting the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy. The widespread adoption of ISO 59000 standards could act as a catalyst for positive change, facilitating international collaboration and promoting sustainable practices on a global scale.

Ultimately, the recognition and inclusion of ISO 59000 standards in the context of circular economy monitoring represent a significant step towards adopting global standards that can guide countries and regions towards a more sustainable and resilient future.