Les dimensions environnementales et circulaires sont aujourd’hui au coeur des stratégies européennes et wallonnes. Le lien entre le numérique et l’environnement s’impose de plus en plus dans l’utilisation des technologies numériques comme facilitateur du développement durable ou en soutien pour un numérique plus responsable, écologique et circulaire.
Circular Economy at the Heart of the European Green DealThe Green Deal, or the European Green Pact, emphasizes the central role of digital technologies, especially advanced technologies, in strengthening sustainable development goals by 2030.It supports a cleaner and more circular economy, particularly through the industrial sector. With an open innovation focus, the Green Deal encourages more collaboration between industrialists and the research community to foster greener and more circular technological innovations.Circular Wallonia: Walloon Strategy for Circular Economy DeploymentThe Circular Wallonia strategy was approved on February 4, 2021, by the Walloon Government after a year-long assessment of the needs and challenges on the ground. It brought together various stakeholders in working groups to define the key areas for action.The strategy aims to transition the Walloon economy to a carbon-neutral, resilient, and inclusive economy. It defines innovation as a catalyst to mobilize all actors to transform both supply and demand. The Circular Wallonia strategy aligns with the Green Deal. It aims for greater collaboration internationally and for Belgian representation within the European Union. The strategy is structured around seven priority value chains.The strategy encompasses a green IT vision (developing more environmentally friendly digital technologies, more responsible use of ICT) and IT 4 Green (digital technology as an accelerator of ecological and circular transition). Digital technology plays a key role in demonstration, innovation, and mobilizing actors. In the working groups, which involved various strategic stakeholders in Wallonia, digital technologies and solutions emerged as an essential factor in achieving the set goals more quickly in each priority value chain.Digital Wallonia at the Heart of Circular Wallonia's Pilot ActionsMapping Stakeholders through the Digital Monitoring ToolBuilding on existing tools (such as Digital Wallonia and the Craft Platform), the Digital Monitoring Tool is a territorial tool offering a digital map of stakeholders, partnerships, and digital technologies used in collaborative projects within at least one of Circular Wallonia's priority value chains.This mapping is done collaboratively, involving various stakeholders to capitalize, share, and develop know-how, best practices, and the required skills to successfully implement a circular economy strategy.Better Identifying Digital Technologies that Provide Real Solutions to the Circular EconomyIn this context, the digitalwallonia.be platform will provide tools like the dynamic mapping of digital uses in Wallonia (e-commerce sector, smart cities, etc.), with a particular focus on the sustainability of digital technologies.Integrating Circular Dimension into the Next "Smart Region" Call of the Digital Wallonia StrategySeveral digital projects have already been developed by local authorities in Wallonia, including mobile apps, smart lighting, participatory platforms, air quality sensors, etc. The theme "circular economy" will be identified for an upcoming call for projects. This will monitor and track the development of sectors and stimulate the creation of digital territorial projects promoting circular economy deployment.Integrating Environmental Dimension into "Industry of the Future" ProjectsUnder the Made Different Digital Wallonia program, which offers an in-depth "industry of the future" diagnostic focusing on the transformation of production processes (including eco-production), a project call for "Industry of the Future" will be launched with a focus on "eco-factory and digital." This call will aim to integrate and use disruptive technologies and/or achieve "quick wins" within manufacturing companies in the circular economy domain.Supporting the Digital Transformation of Social Economies in Strategic Value Chains for WalloniaIn collaboration with AdN, Unipso, and ConcertES, a project call on the digital transition of social economies in Wallonia will be launched to support project holders in implementing a digital transformation plan, particularly within the Circular Wallonia value chains.Green Deal Circular ProcurementThe Green Deal Circular Procurement (GDCA) is a voluntary agreement between public and private organizations and the government. It encourages the development of sustainable and circular projects around strategic themes for Wallonia. Signatories of the Walloon Green Deal voluntarily commit to integrating the circular dimension into actions carried out within their organizations or in collaboration with other actors.Launched in November 2019, it now includes more than 150 organizations committed to this approach. Here are some examples of actions to be undertaken:
- Opting for reusable products
- Renovating a building with reused materials
- Favoring recycled or refurbished goods
- Sharing and pooling resources
- Renting instead of buying goods
- Extending the lifespan of a product
Digital Technology: A Central Focus of the GDAC CharterAll signatories of the Walloon Green Deal receive support through workshops on specific themes according to their needs. Based on Wallonia's circular economy strategy needs, support is provided in the following areas:
- Construction
- Textiles
- Furniture and office supplies
- Digital technology and IT equipment
The aim is to assist signatories throughout the process of implementing a circular strategy, from choosing the strategy to managing circular commitments.The GDAC Joins Forces with Circular Flanders for a Common Circular Procurement StrategyThe GDAC collaborates with Circular Flanders to implement a joint circular procurement strategy consisting of five different axes. Here are examples of best practices to support digital circularity:
- Choosing eco-labeled digital suppliers and solutions (products or services). Labels include:Global labels: Afnor certification, NF environment, Blue Angel, Epeat, TCO, and Eco-Label.Energy consumption reduction labels: Energy Star, 80 Plus.Printing labels: APUR, FSC, PEFC.Other environmental programs related to IT: Climate savers smart computing, EcoLogo, GreenGuard, PC Green Label, CECP, EVE.
Implementing Two Circular Economy Best PracticesAny public or private organization wishing to join a circular economy approach can join the GDAC at any time as a buyer or facilitator:
- Buyers commit to implementing at least two pilot circular procurement projects over three years.
- Facilitators commit to carrying out two new actions supporting buyers in their circular procurement efforts.
Charter for Responsible ProcurementTo promote more responsible public procurement in economic, social, ethical, and environmental terms in Wallonia, public organizations are encouraged to adopt the Charter for Responsible Public Procurement (APR). This charter aims to continuously improve public orders, including those related to digital technologies. It encourages the inclusion of mandatory ethical, social, and environmental clauses in public contracts.This charter has been signed by more than 100 local authorities and 80 UAPs in Wallonia (2021). To support this approach, Wallonia has set up a helpdesk, developed tools and model clauses for public contracts, and rewards responsible public buyers with the Walloon Award for the Most Responsible Public Procurement.
Belgian Network for Sustainable ICT ProcurementThe Federal Institute for Sustainable Development and CATAPA are setting up a new learning network on sustainable and socially responsible ICT procurement policies. This network aims to:
- Strengthen inter-regional exchange of best practices, experiences, and knowledge.
- Highlight real pitfalls and opportunities in sustainable ICT procurement.
- Support the use, leasing, and purchase of sustainable IT equipment (mainly smartphones and laptops).
- Strengthen policies for sustainable use of ICT and digital equipment.
This Belgian network is for public buyers and experts working in organizations subject to public procurement law. A series of workshops will be held in 2021 to collect the expectations and positioning of Belgian organizations regarding the human and environmental impact of digital product production.
International Alliance for Circular and Ethical ICT SectorUnder the initiative of the Netherlands, the "Circular and Fair ICT Pact" is an international alliance involving various governments (European, federal, and regional) and public and private organizations around the environmental issue of using digital equipment. The alliance facilitates dialogue between the market, buyers, policymakers, and civil society. Signatories can exchange best practices and the content of public tenders.This international dynamic enables the sharing of best practices from abroad to replicate in Wallonia. The Walloon Region and several public organizations have already expressed their intention to join the alliance.
Responsible Digital CharterThe Responsible Digital Charter represents a series of commitments signed by diverse stakeholders (businesses, associations, SMEs, public organizations). Signed by parties in France, Belgium, and Switzerland, it includes more than 100 signatories committed to a responsible digital approach.Signatories commit to continuous improvement in the following areas:
- Optimizing digital tools to minimize their impacts and consumption
- Developing accessible, inclusive, and sustainable service offerings
- Supporting ethical and responsible digital practices
- Making digital technology measurable, transparent, and understandable
- Encouraging new behaviors and values
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About the author.
Djida Bounazef
Agence du Numérique