Professor Anna Davies announced as new Chair of The Rediscovery Centre, Ireland’s National Centre for the Circular Economy
Posted on: 18 October 2021
Professor Anna Davies, Professor of Geography, Environment & Society, and Director of the Environmental Research Group and member of the Trinity Centre for Future Cities, has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Board of Directors for The Rediscovery Centre, Ireland’s national centre for the circular economy, located in Ballymun, Dublin.
Professor Davies said:
“I am honoured to take up this important position within this inspiring organisation, which is the epitome of action for sustainability and the circular economy. The Rediscovery Centre is at the forefront of innovation and action against the twin climate and biodiversity crises with a commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
“This will be no easy task, as radical changes to the way we live are needed, but I am optimistic that policy is moving in the right direction and I’m excited to be able to support the Rediscovery Centre to achieve its goals.”
On the 11th March 2020, the European Union adopted its new circular economy action plan (CEAP). The plan recognises the need for accelerated transitions towards a regenerative growth model that gives back to the planet and keeps resource consumption within planetary boundaries.
The Government of Ireland’s subsequent approval in June 2021 of the national Circular Economy Bill focuses on implementing a circular economy, and commits the Government to a “more ambitious, transformative approach to production and consumption to achieve a systemically circular economy.” (Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications,).
Operationalising a circular economy is much more than waste management; it will require creative, people-centred thinking to ensure the aspirations of plans at national and international level move from rhetoric to reality. This is where The Rediscovery Centre leads by example, acting as a demonstration centre for developing and implementing innovative practices of sustainable production and consumption, from design to disposal.
Dr Sarah Miller, Chief Executive of the Rediscovery Centre, said:
“As we enter an exciting phase of expansion and development, to meet the needs of the circular economy, we are delighted to have appointed Professor Anna Davies as our new Chairperson to lead the organisation. As a longstanding member of our board, Anna has witnessed the Rediscovery Centre go from strength to strength with growing concern for sustainability and the necessity for action increasingly recognised at policy level.
“Anna’s term as Chair coincides with the publication of the Circular Economy Strategy and the Circular Economy Bill which will have far-reaching societal consequences and which underscores the critical role of the Rediscovery Centre as the National Centre for the Circular Economy. Anna has been a constant source of knowledge and support for the Rediscovery Centre team and our mission and we look forward to working together to accelerate the circular economy transition.”
Professor Jo-Hanna Ivers, Associate Dean of Civic Engagement & Social Innovation at Trinity, commended Professor Davies on her appointment.
She said:
“Anna will play a critical role at The Rediscovery Centre in cultivating connections, ideas and resources to support greener low-carbon living. From a Trinity community perspective, her work will further a core goal of the College’s commitment to deeper civic engagement and a climate-first Trinity.”