The CURE+ project supports Riga in improving household construction waste management and promoting the implementation of circular economy principles. The sustainable solutions developed within the project aim to reduce waste, encourage material reuse, and strengthen the local economy.
The Significance of the Project for Riga
Construction waste is one of the largest waste streams in Europe, with much of it still not effectively reused or recycled. Current challenges include:
✔ Lack of accurate data on construction waste composition and reuse potential;
✔ No unified tracking system to compare recycling and recovery rates across countries;
✔ New materials are often preferred due to lower cost and quality guarantees;
✔ Businesses and consumers lack incentives and awareness to choose more sustainable options.
Target of the Project
To improve household construction waste management and strengthen the knowledge and capacity of municipal staff in implementing circular economy solutions.
Benefits for Residents
✔ Reduced construction waste and improved urban environment quality;
✔ Resource efficiency through increased reuse and recycling of materials;
✔ A more sustainable construction sector with a lower environmental footprint;
✔ Greater public awareness of circular economy through information platforms and educational activities.
Project Activities
✔ Data analysis – mapping construction waste flows and evaluating their reuse potential;
✔ Training – educating municipal staff on circular construction solutions;
✔ Urban Resource Centre – establishing and testing a facility to promote material reuse;
✔ Policy recommendations – developing guidelines to support circular practices in construction;
✔ Communication platform – engaging and informing the public about circular solutions.
Project Results
✔ Improved construction waste management, with better sorting, reuse, and recycling practices;
✔ Urban Resource Centre established and tested, enabling material donation and reuse;
✔ Increased knowledge among municipal staff for implementing circular economy policies;
✔ Public information platform created to foster understanding and participation;
✔ Reduced use of resources, enhancing sustainability and supporting local economic development.
Funding, Duration, and Partners
Funding source: European Climate Initiative (EUKI-2022)
Total project budget: EUR 877 624
Total budget for Riga:
EU funding for Riga Municipality: EUR 183 359
Co-financing by Riga Municipality: EUR 9 655
Implementation Period: 01.12.2022 – 31.03.2025
Project Partners: Tartu Municipality (Estonia), Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands), Riga City Municipality (Latvia), Elisava – Barcelona School of Engineering and Design (Spain), Kavala Municipality (Greece)
Contact Information
Ieva Kalniņa
CURE+ Project Manager
Riga Energy Agency
Phone: +371 29125972
Email: kalnina.ieva@riga.lv
Project Links
More information: CURE+ – European Climate Initiative
Project workshops: Seminars
Best practices: Experiences
Circular economy insights: Circular Economy – Riga Energy Agency
Related Projects
Expansion of the Municipal Air Quality Monitoring Network and Low-Emission Zones Efficiency Assessment
Read more
AURORA – Urban Planning Solutions for Climate Resilience and Quality of Life Improvement in the EU Boreal Region
Read more
EnergyGuard: Developing Large-Scale AI Testing and Experimentation Facilities for Energy Infrastructure Solutions
Read more
ENABLE DHC: Developing Strategies and Investment Plans for Efficient District Heating and Cooling Based on Multiple Energy Sources and Digitalization
Read more
CommitClimate – A Climate Neutrality Planning Tool for Municipalities in the Baltic Sea Region
Read more
