Empowering citizens to build sustainable businesses

A key focus of the project has been educating makers and citizens on circular economy principles, sustainable product design, and related topics that inspire environmentally friendly innovation. Since February 2024, more than 100 citizens have participated in a series of seven workshops held at Valmiera’s makerspace “Dare”. These sessions covered topics such as “Circular Business Models,” “Reusability, Repairability, Recyclability,” and “Circular Value Chains, Ecosystems, and People.”

As part of the “Circular Spaces” project, the makerspace “Dare” has also undergone a transformation to become a circular makerspace, now providing resources and space to encourage sustainable and circular approaches in product development.

“The “Circular Spaces” project has been a powerful tool in helping our community rethink how we create, use, and repurpose products,” says Evija Nagle, Head of the Development Administration at Valmiera Municipality Government. “By engaging citizens through workshops and practical examples, we are not only sharing knowledge but also fostering a mindset that values sustainability. It is inspiring to see residents embrace circular principles and take concrete steps towards building sustainable businesses right here in Valmiera region.”

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed that the workshops helped them explore innovative ways to enhance or adapt their existing products to be more circular and sustainable. Attendees highlighted the value of not only the theoretical knowledge but also the practical examples of real companies operating under circular economy principles. These sessions allowed participants to engage hands-on, crafting new products from repurposed materials, which brought the principles of circularity to life.

Inspired by the workshops, two teams are now developing new products rooted in circular economy principles. Beyond theoretical understanding, they have gained practical insights and access to makerspace’s “Dare” resources, allowing them to apply circularity in their projects. These teams benefit not only from the physical space at “Dare” but also from mentorship by representatives of other makerspaces within the Baltic Sea Region. This collaborative environment encourages innovation and provides support at various stages of product development.

The success of these workshops and the subsequent projects demonstrate the potential of the “Circular spaces” initiative to empower local citizens to engage in sustainable business practices. By fostering an environment where sustainability-driven ideas can flourish, Valmiera is setting a model for other municipalities and makerspaces in the region, showcasing how local action can contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.

Within the project a training program about circular economy with 9 topics, as well as a digital circular collaboration tool and guidelines on how to transform a makerspace to a circular makerspace have been developed. See more here.

About makerspace movement

Makerspace is a collaborative workspace that provides individuals with access to tools, equipment, and resources for creating, designing, and building.

Makers are individuals who create, build, and experiment. They are driven by a do-it-yourself (DIY) ethos and a passion for learning through hands-on experiences. Makers come from diverse backgrounds, including students, hobbyists, engineers, artists, and entrepreneurs.

* The article was posted on Union of the Baltic Cities Sustainable Cities Commission Newsletter and website. Read it here.

Elizabete Brūvere
Valmiera County Council

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