Lead of the Circular Jobs Initiative - Circle Economy
Introducing Esther Goodwin Brown
Esther Goodwin Brown combines knowledge of social science and social policy with well-being and economy, looking at our working lives and just transition, and under the Coalition how implementing circular strategies in the built environment impact on people locally.
In this interview, we'll learn about what Esther sees as the challenges at hand related to implementing circular economy strategies in a just way in the built environment, her thoughts on how the gap can be bridged to support a just transition for working in the industry as well as what she believes the CBC will target and overcome.
QN: Why is it important for you to be part of the coalition – both personally and for Circle Economy?
A: I think in general it is a really important time for this initiative, particularly in Europe, because there are changes underway for the industry as it moves to become more sustainable, at the same time as significant skills shortage in the construction industry against a backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis and housing crises. Tackling how the industry operates better now, as well as how it will run in the future is very timely. When we think about the coverage around the resistance and backlash against some climate policies related to Industries like agriculture, we can see that it is vital to look at every sector where we are expecting to make big shifts. We need to understand the concerns, issues and dynamics that are at play so that no one is overlooked.
QN: What specific actions would you like to see in the next 2 years?
A: It is really exciting to see the intention to work with trade unions and other social partners under the next phase of the Circular Buildings Coalition. We need trade unions working with the construction industry to help ensure workers and employers are engaged in the just transition movement. It has started with the energy transition and now it is moving more broadly to the sustainable development transition, of which construction is a part. So it's an opportunity to make sure that these stakeholders are engaged to find solutions together to listen to the workers themselves and understand what they need to integrate circular economy strategies into their daily work.
QN: Who and what will/can drive the transition - what are the levers we can now benefit from?
A: An important lever is collaboration between trade unions and employers' organisations. These partnerships are crucial for engaging all relevant stakeholders in the just transition movement and ensuring that workers are actively involved in shaping the future of the industry.
Working with these stakeholders could also help to uncover how circular economy interventions could be introduced and designed in ways that address gender imbalances in a traditionally male-dominated sector or promotes new business models that create opportunities for other target populations that could be encouraged to take up new job opportunities in the construction sector.
In addition, funding partners with a commitment to sustainability can provide the necessary support to scale up circular construction strategies. By building evidence of how circular economy strategies can help to bring about positive outcomes for people, such as job opportunities, policymakers and industry associations can better harness the opportunities and mitigate the risks associated with the transition, ultimately fostering a more resilient and equitable construction sector.
"We need to understand the concerns, issues and dynamics that are at play so that no one is overlooked."
