Strategic Projects 2019-2024
RECNET has extensive experience in evaluating carbon and water footprints. Over the past seven years, RECNET has participated in projects assessing the sustainability and circular economy practices of public water operators in Catalonia (Spain) and Medellín (Colombia), as well as landfills in Galicia (Greenadapt Project), among other infrastructures. These projects have involved comprehensive analyses of water usage, carbon emissions, and the implementation of circular economy principles to enhance resource efficiency and environmental performance. RECNET employs a variety of tools, including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Social Life Cycle Assessment (sLCA), and Life Cycle Costing Analysis (LCCA), to conduct thorough environmental, social, economic, and technological evaluations.
RECNET's work has contributed to the development of innovative strategies and best practices, promoting sustainable water management and reducing the environmental impact of public water services in the region. International reports covering the Latin American and Caribbean region have also been developed, providing valuable insights into key issues such as sustainable development, climate resilience, and regional cooperation. These reports aim to inform policymakers and stakeholders by presenting comprehensive data and best practices, ultimately supporting the implementation of effective strategies for circular economy, climate change adaptation and mitigation and carbon footprint reduction.
Publications
Over the past decade, RECNET has developed numerous publications to share experiences in urban transformation and transition. Our main focus has been on sustainable human development, particularly in the areas of sustainable water resource management, innovative technologies to meet social, environmental, and economic needs, and the design and implementation of participatory projects aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Our efforts have concentrated on enhancing knowledge generation and transfer related to the circular economy, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and ecosystem services, all while considering their relationship with intangible heritage. This holistic approach to global change is centered on four key areas: water, energy, land, and biodiversity. Through these initiatives, RECNET aims to drive forward-thinking solutions and foster resilience in urban environments.
In 2017, 2019 and 2021, COTEC published the first, second, third report, on the Situation of the Circular Economy in Spain, coordinated by RECNET, ASYPS and the UNESCO Chair on Sustainability of the UPC. With the fourth report published in 2023, made by the same authors, COTEC wants to keep its contribution to the analysis of the acceleration for circular economy transition in Spain.
The RESILIENT CITIES book series from SPRINGER aims to analyze the challenges faced by cities and provide a comprehensive body of knowledge, featuring a systematic collection of cutting-edge global best practices crucial for managing the urban transition toward resilience. The series stands out for its international scope, multidisciplinary focus, and cross-sectoral approach, making it a unique and indispensable resource for practitioners, policymakers, and scientists involved in urban planning and governance. By presenting the latest, most up-to-date information on research, practices, and policy development, the RESILIENT CITIES series defines clear pathways for replication and up-scaling. This ensures that cities worldwide can adopt and adapt proven strategies to enhance their resilience in the face of evolving urban challenges.
The guide "Enhancing Nationally Determined Contributions through Urban Climate Action" from UNHABITAT, aims to provide practical and succinct opportunities for incorporating urban climate action and human settlement issues into the current future NDC revision and enhancement process, drawing on existing knowledge and networks. It is primarily targeted at national governments, specifically NDC coordinators and their teams, but also provides insight for sub-national stakeholders aiming to engage with the NDC process more effectively.
The One Planet network has been formed to implement the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP), which supports the global shift to SCP and the achievement of SDG12. SBC has published regional reports on the state of play for circular built environment in different continents. These highlights from Latin America and the Caribbean coordinated by RECNET AND UNESCO Chair on Sustainability at UPC provide a deep dive on the circular built environment in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama and Peru presenting policies, key stakeholders and good practice case studies covering different life cycle stages and impact categories. Most important sustainable development goals and indicators for circularity from the UN2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development were identified through a survey.
During 2024 will be published the new book book "GOOD PRACTICES ON ANCESTRAL HYDROTECHNOLOGIES as a response to climate, health, and food emergencies. Case studies in Latin America", coordinated by the UNESCO Chair on Sustainability at UPC and RECNET, and edited by UNESCO-PHI Montevideo with the support of CODIA that presents nine cases of Ancestral Hydrotechnologies characteristic of Latin America and the Caribbean, but with very different functionalities.
RECNET was present in the twenty-second session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) and the twelfth session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 12)
