Economía circular desde la competencia de áridos y pétreos en los GAD municipales en Ecuador

Abstract

About 55% of the world's population lives in urban areas and it is estimated to increase to 68% by 2050. The construction sector represents one of the largest consumers of electricity and water, and contributes greatly with negative footprint of carbon and remains lagging in terms of climate action. Against the planetary boundaries, circular economy strategies suggest new opportunities between the municipalities (GAD) in Ecuador and the productive sectors that in turn, contribute to the stability and resilience of the global environmental systems. As the global population increases, the need for resources increases alike. The global economy is estimated to be only 9% circular. The construction and maintenance of infrastructure consumes about half of the materials that enter the global economy annually, representing 40.84% of the total resources used.

We consider the municipal statutory functions to "regulate, authorize and control the exploitation of arid and stone materials" of GADs aiming to identify potentials for circular economies related to the construction and building industry. Based on income-related indicators, maintenance and waste disposal in the global economy for the construction sector, a series of existing frameworks for the evaluation of circularity and common strategies are evaluated. As the level of government responsible for regulating the exploitation of arid and petrous, we assess on the GADs legal frameworks and potentials to promote circular economy. Our research considers aspects of prevention and remediation of environmental damages resulting from the exploitation of arid and petrous materials. Finally, we identify and discuss potential synergies along the ongoing national initiatives aimed at promoting the circular economy.