Targeted combination of suitable technologies to promote circular economy
We are delighted that Peter Gruber from AEE INTEC will be delivering a virtual presentation on our joint project CircularityOptimizer at the International Conference on Digital Technologies in Logistics and Circular Economy (ICDTLCE 26) on 10 March 2026 in Beijing, China.
Under the title “Smart Digital Integration and Multi-Criteria Impact Assessment for Circular Economy Scenarios in Urban Development”, he will provide the international expert audience with insights into how digital tools can support cities and regions in evidence-based planning and assessment of circular development strategies.
What is the CircularityOptimizer about?
Implementing a circular economy requires the interplay of numerous technologies, infrastructures, and stakeholders. This is precisely where the Circularity Optimizer comes in: the project combines digital scenario development, structured technology integration, and a comprehensive impact assessment.
The impact assessment is carried out by our ESG-Cockpit, which has been extended within this project with additional interfaces and is now capable of handling joint setups from the circular economy.
The elements of the CircularityOptimizer
The CircularityOptimizer makes the ecological, technical, economic, and social impacts of possible technological setups for circular-oriented systems visible by combining the following elements:
- 3D-based planning and visualisation tools for participatory scenario development (URBAN MENUS)
- A structured technology catalogue with standardised data sheets
- ESG-oriented multi-criteria assessment using our ESG-Cockpit
What sets the system apart: the KPIs used to evaluate impact are partly based on international reporting standards and partly tailored individually to the specific application. This keeps the system flexible, interoperable, and ready for practical deployment.
Case study Gleisdorf: Circular potentials around a wastewater treatment plant identified
As part of the project, a use case centred on a wastewater treatment plant in Gleisdorf (Austria) was examined. Various scenarios – ranging from photovoltaics and heat pumps to biogas combined heat and power (CHP), membrane distillation, and phosphorus recovery – were modelled and comparatively assessed. This approach made it possible to identify circular potentials and transparently map conflicting objectives.
International visibility for Austrian innovation
The virtual presentation offers an excellent opportunity to introduce the approaches developed within this FFG-funded project to an international expert audience, and to further strengthen scientific exchange in the fields of circular economy and digital decision support.
We are pleased about the international attention the CircularityOptimizer is receiving and look forward to the discussions following the presentation.
The project Circularity Optimizer is funded under the bilateral TECXPORT-FTI Call of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) (Call 2023).