Cidades circulares: a importância dos indicadores na transformação urbana

Abstract

Cities concentrate the majority of the population and economic activities but also generate significant socio-environmental impacts, accounting for around 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions (United Nations, 2018). In this context, the transition to a circular economy emerges as a strategic alternative to rethink resource use, reduce impacts, and foster social inclusion and innovation. This dissertation aims to investigate and propose circularity indicators adapted to the Brazilian context, in order to measure and monitor the transition toward circular cities, while also analyzing their relationship with emerging public policies. Methodologically, the study is structured around four complementary scientific articles, combining bibliometric analyses, a systematic literature review, prioritization of indicators through the multicriteria AHP method, and a comparative study with international frameworks. The main results revealed: (1) the field of circular cities remains incipient, especially in Latin America, with research concentrated in European and Asian experiences and still lacking a clearer conceptual definition; (2) the systematic review allowed the mapping and selection of indicators across environmental, social, and economic dimensions, including aspects such as waste, water, energy, emissions, inclusion, and circular economy investments; (3) the application of the AHP method with specialists resulted in the prioritization of indicators and the addition of the institutional dimension, highlighting the importance of governance, public policies, and cross-sectoral cooperation; (4) the comparative analysis between international frameworks (CTI, ISO 59020, and ESRS E5) and the National Circular Economy Plan (PLANEC 2025–2034) evidenced both alignments and gaps, suggesting pathways for integration between corporate practices and public policy formulation. It is concluded that circularity indicators, when adapted to the Brazilian context and applied in conjunction with national policies, have the potential to guide both the public and private sectors, while promoting socioeconomic development and supporting the transition of Brazilian cities toward more circular, regenerative, and resilient models.