Advancing Circular Economy in Riga: Community-Driven Initiatives in Action

In March 2026, project partners visited two locations in Riga that are actively advancing circular economy practices at the community level. The visits provided valuable insights into how local initiatives can foster sustainability, resource efficiency, and community engagement.

Empowering Citizens Through Sadarbnīca

The first visit took place at Sadarbnīca, Riga’s first cooperative community space dedicated to circular economy and sustainability, established by the Riga Energy Agency.

At Sadarbnīca, project partners were introduced to the space by Tālis Linkaits, Senior Expert at the agency. He explained how the initiative empowers residents by teaching them practical repair skills, enabling people to fix items themselves rather than discard them.

Sadarbnīca serves as a venue for seminars, masterclasses, think tanks, lectures, and discussions focused on circular economy and sustainable living, bringing together entrepreneurs, organisations, and active citizens. Upcoming activities and events can be followed on their Facebook page.

Tālis Linkaits also shared insights into Riga’s broader strategy and the role of municipalities in the circular transition:

“Local governments’ job is to mobilise, educate, manage, stimulate, regulate and promote.”

He emphasized that active citizen engagement is essential for success, highlighting the importance of initiatives such as the Circ@Home Project.

Building a Circular Community in Sarkandaugava

The second visit took place in the Sarkandaugava neighbourhood, where an Urban Circularity Hub is being developed in a former municipal school building at Sīmaņa Street 14.

The hub will offer accessible circular services such as reuse, sharing, renting, swapping, and repair. A key initiative is the planned “Library of Things,” enabling residents to borrow items instead of purchasing them. Additional activities will include urban gardening, a SWAP shop, textile repair, and bicycle repair services.

During the visit, partners met with Zero Waste Latvia, who highlighted how the hub will serve both as a circular economy center and a community space, helping bring residents together and strengthen local connections.

Driving the Circular Transition Together

The visits demonstrated how community-based initiatives can act as catalysts for circular transformation. By combining services, education, and engagement, Riga is creating practical pathways toward more sustainable and resilient urban living.

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