The Netherlands is not only among the three largest investors in the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is a country with a long-term commitment to promoting sustainable development. The work of “Circulair Friesland Association” in the Dutch region of North Friesland is case study for the successful fusion between ecology, commerce and community – and the evolution of closed-loop. By 2025, North Friesland aspires to create one of Europe’s first and largest “circular economies” that will be characterized by the fusion of businesses, governmental, education, research and civil society organizations around commonly defined goals. North Friesland’s circular economy will be particularly characterized by:

• A transparent and resilient economic structure with no dominant corporate entity;
• A culture of cooperation and mutual support among commercial, research, education and governmental institutes;
• Development and application of knowledge towards world-class technology (especially in the water, circular plastics and agro-food sectors).and operationalized climate convening to promote a shared vision of sustainability.

The presence of globally-oriented high-tech businesses, educated and skilled workforces, research institutions and commitments to sustainable development between North Friesland and Northern Virginia suggest the potential to engage in mutually beneficial learning of lessons about the circular economy.

Please join the Leaders in Energy, Northern Virginia Regional Commission, George Mason University’s Business for a Better World Center,  and the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce for a webinar about North Friesland ’s experiences with the circular economy and ways that it might inform equivalent efforts in Northern Virginia.

The webinar will be June 16, from 12:00pm EDT to 1:30pm EDT.

Agenda

12:00pm (EDT)
Welcome/Introduction

12:10 pm (EDT)
The case of the Friesland

12:40pm (EDT)
Observations from Northern Virginia

1:10 pm (EDT)
Question and Answer (with the audience/participants)

1:30pm (EDT)
Close

Leaders in Energy (LE) is working to implement a circular economy in the Washington Metro area, including Northern Virginia.  While this webinar is free, your donation (suggested $5 -10) will help  to further our work, including the development of a circular economy roadmap for the region. Donations can be made here.  LE is a non-profit organization.  Learn more about our Circular Economy program here.