ENVIRONMENT
A driver behind the vision for Ressource City is the idea to create a unique cluster with a focus on sustainability and the use of waste as a resource. The cluster will work to undo the human-made climate change by lowering the emissions of CO2 at a local, national and international scale.
Resources that are normally characterised as waste will be thought into a circuit, where products are developed as a way to secure the value of resources – and make sure that materials are not lost and instead improve their value as new products. By approaching design and innovation of new products is this manner it is possible to develop new sustainable products. These products will be able to lower use of resources that are already available and also lower the demand on virgin resources in the ground.
SOCIAL
Through its focus on using waste as a resource, Ressource City has the potential to create a range of new jobs in Næstved. The jobs will be aimed at both academics and unskilled workers. The development will affect the demographic of the city in a positive manner by lowering movement out of the city, reinforcing the younger generations and increasing the amount of people moving to the city.
Ressource City has the potential to be a place of pride and identity for Næstved. A pride and identity that is based on work that improves the environment. Through this identity the citizens, companies and municipality with gather and strengthen the city and each other.
ECONOMY
The circular resource flows Ressource City will develop create a foundation for a blooming of new and innovative industries. These industries will work within resource collection, resource sorting and development of new technologies and products. New sustainable business models will be put to use. These models are profitable due to their potential to reduce energy demands, raw material consumption etc. This creates jobs for academics as well as unskilled workers. At the same time, new jobs will be created in existing companies, that will work with creating new upcycle products.
By introducing concepts of resource optimisation and circular economy the town will not have to prepare for brain drain with unemployment and negative growth as a result. Instead the availability of new resources can create new jobs, companies, education, collaboration and technologies for the area. The new resources will be a driver for export in Næstved and increase the awareness of Næstved at a regional, national and international level.