As part of its mission to promote circular innovation, the CERITA Consortium recently participated in the national conference “WASTE IN THE ECONOMY – time for change and opportunities”. The event brought together key stakeholders from government, business, and civil society to discuss how circular economy principles and hydrogen innovation can shape Latvia’s sustainable future.
CERITA representatives joined the conference to present the project’s goals and raise awareness about the Circular Economy for Riga and Tartu Waste Management Facilities. The session provided an opportunity to share project updates, foster new collaborations, and reflect on the future of sustainable waste transformation.
One of the key contributions to the event came from Ernst & Young Latvia, who summarized the main takeaways from the discussions. Their insights underscored the importance of strong partnerships between public institutions and private enterprises. In particular, the involvement of the Latvian Ministries of Climate and Energy, and of Economics, was highlighted as crucial for supporting innovation and scaling up impact.
The conference also emphasized the importance of reducing administrative barriers and expanding Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to unlock funding for circular initiatives. The development of local energy communities and a regional hydrogen ecosystem was mentioned as a vital next step, with CERITA’s ongoing work serving as a key example of how to build such systems in practice.
Finally, the role of public engagement was identified as central to the success of circular transitions. Raising awareness, improving understanding, and ensuring that citizens are informed and included in these processes will remain a strategic priority for CERITA moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates as the CERITA project moves forward with pilot actions and shared knowledge.