Metrics, or systems of quantitative measurement, are a fundamental component of both identifying issues with the linear economy and tracking progress towards circularity. The first in a three-part series on metrics, this event will introduce you to the role of data in a circular economy.

The free 45-minute session will be presented by Dr Matthew Parnell, Head of Circular Economy and Life Cycle Thinking at specialist sustainability advisory company Edge Environment. Drawing on his experiences leading a team of circular economy consultants at Edge, Matthew will walk you through the process of gathering, manipulating and understanding data. He will also look at the limitations of data and provide advice for scenarios where data cannot yet be generated.

“In your circularity transition good, robust data is vital. However, it is even more important to know what you want to measure and why you want to measure it. What will you do with the data once you have it? If data doesn’t lead to action for change and transformation you are wasting your time,” he says.

The session is designed for government agencies and businesses of all sizes and stages of their circular economy journey, whether you’re a start-up without any data or a large corporation looking to optimise your sustainability strategy. Topics covered include:

The questions you should ask before collecting data — what to measure and why.
What to do when you don’t have data, or your sustainable product isn’t sustainable.
The importance of systems thinking and taking a holistic view of your supply chain.
How to apply the precautionary principle by taking early and proactive action even when you don’t have all the data.
How you can use data to take action.

The presentation will be followed by a live Q&A.

More on the speaker:

Dr Matthew Parnell has 40 years of professional sustainability experience across business, industry, government, community and academic sectors. "My approach to sustainability practice is based on the power of working through authentic personal relationships with colleagues, clients, partners, stakeholders and the community, informed by reflective practice," Matthew says. In his role as Head of Circular Economy and Life Cycle Thinking at Edge Environment, Matthew leads a team of consultants working in lifecycle assessment, resource recovery and waste management, strategy and auditing, product stewardship and circular economy policy, strategy, facilitation, activation and analytics. Matthew is also an Adjunct Research Fellow at the Centre for Urban Transitions at Swinburne University.

Edge Environment is a Technical Supporter of the ACE Hub, find out more about their work here. Register via the link below to secure your ticket and be part of the conversation.

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This program has been made possible thanks to grant funding from the Australian Government and our valued sponsors BINGO Industries, KeepCup and Planet Ark Power.