The Circular Economy

A truly circular economy mimics nature’s processes where nothing is truly wasted but rather the old serves as input for the new. Turning waste into beneficial product or process input represents a way to not only reduce disposal costs, but increase revenue streams and reduce overall energy and resource consumption across multiple systems.

The Webber Energy Group’s work on the circular economy analyzes the energetic, economic, and environmental tradeoffs associated with converting waste streams from environmental liabilities into valuable commodities. These waste streams include waste heat, wastewater, municipal solid waste, food waste, agricultural waste, carbon dioxide, flared gas, and other current “externalities.” 

While not a new concept, circularity is gaining traction and attention as raw and nascent materials and resources become more constrained. The Webber Energy Group is thrilled to grow this area of research in Texas and beyond. 

Ongoing and recent projects include:

• Biogas from Food and Yard Waste in US Cities as Part of a Decarbonized Future
• Roadmap for Facilitating Circularity in Texas’ Oil and Gas Sector
• Life Cycle Analysis of 3D Printing Home Goods Using Recycled Plastics