Implementation of the pilot action “Co-creation for more circular cities at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics” related to the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE NiCE project of the Department of Environmental Economics and Sustainability of BME, Part 5: Activation of users for circular lifestyles – review of the BME pilot action

Within the framework of the NiCE project, the BME Department of Environmental Economics and Sustainability is working together with the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) to develop solutions that help consumers integrate circular economy principles into their everyday lives. The Tandem is working towards the idea of linking urban living with circular lifestyles with special attention to sustainable water consumption. The transnational tandem partners will also closely work together during the implementation phase: they will review the other party’s pilots, support each other with their knowledge and learn from one another.

Within this framework, the Department has announced various workshops, and students from the Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Engineering (Industrial) Management, and Management and Leadership programs have applied for the Sustainable Business Model Design course in the spring semester of 2024/2025, where they will collaborate with different organizations.

The peer review of the BME pilot action was conducted by Emanuela De Marco, a researcher from the Department of Sustainability (SSPT), Section Integrated and Nature-based Solutions for Urban Regeneration at the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Economic Development. The review took place at the BME Department of Environmental Economics and Sustainability in Budapest from March 10 to 12, 2025. During the visit, the reviewer met the core project team and university students, as well as visited pilot action partners (Ligeti Package-Free Shop and one of the FKF Educational and Reuse Centers).

On the first day, Emanuela De Marco (ENEA) met the core members of the NiCE BME Team, which was followed by a peer-to-peer consultation between Emanuela De Marco and Mariann Szabó on the implementation status of BME’s pilot action. The discussion focused on stakeholder involvement, needs analysis, results, challenges, and feedback from beneficiaries.

The second day focused on meeting the project partners collaborating with university students in the Sustainable Business Model Design course.

Emanuela De Marco and Mariann Szabó visited the Ligeti Package-Free Shop, where Erika Szabó, owner of the shop and a Local Stakeholder Board member, introduced the store’s history, business model, and its role in promoting sustainable consumption and lifestyles.

Discussions covered the importance of local production and networks and the differences between Italy and Hungary in this regard.

In the afternoon, Emanuela De Marco and Mariann Szabó visited the FKF Education and Reuse Center, where consumers can donate reusable goods, which are then sold at affordable prices. These centers also play a key role in awareness-raising and educational initiatives.

During the peer review visit, Emanuela De Marco and Mariann Szabó observed how students and project partners exchanged ideas and discussed the business model and challenges of Budapest’s waste management system.

On the third day, the peer review wrapped up with a final meeting, where Emanuela De Marco and Mariann Szabó reflected on the visit’s key takeaways and future activities.

Regarding the Tandem approach, they noted that both pilot actions focus on engaging diverse stakeholder groups to promote sustainable lifestyles through participatory methods, particularly the Living Lab approach.

The peer review provided valuable insights and strengthened the collaboration between BME and ENEA. The discussions and site visits highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement, knowledge exchange, and sustainable business models in driving positive environmental change.

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