The Critical Role of Materials – Meeting our Energy & Material Services within Planetary Boundaries

Abstract
Materials play a key role in the transition to a sustainable society. The production of materials is responsible for over a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, and yet we need (new) materials as part of the energy transition to a sustainable energy system. Material efficiency and circularity are to play a key role in the transition if we want to stay within planetary boundaries. The transition to a circular economy and society requires a new relationship between materials and our society, from the making of materials, the design of materials and products, consumption and end of life. The presentation will explore the multiple dimensions of materials within the transition to a sustainable society.