Circularity in action: circular projects in Portugal
Rizoma and Studio 8 are ventures based in Portugal, each embodying a strong commitment to the principles of sustainability and the circular economy. These two success stories not only demonstrate the power of circular practices but also inspire mindful engagement with local culture and the pursuit of more inclusive, eco-friendly, and sustainable futures.
- Impact Hub Network
- Global team
At the heart of the CirculUP! project lies a compelling mission – to spotlight and celebrate pioneering entrepreneurs within the Impact Hub Network, who exemplify the principles of the circular economy. By sharing their journeys, our goal is to boost awareness and promote the adoption of a circular economy in Armenia, catalysing a transformative shift toward sustainability.
This is the remarkable story of circular projects, Rizoma and Studio 8, both hailing from Portugal. Rizoma was a proud participant of Impact Hub Lisbon’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs programme, while Studio 8 stands as a prominent brand in Portugal’s circular economy ecosystem.
These ventures not only prioritise the principles of the circular economy but also wholeheartedly embrace and contribute to the local culture. Their influence is evident in the positive impact they’ve had on local spaces and businesses, serving as inspiration for increased awareness of sustainability. They are dedicated to nurturing a future that is more inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable.
Studio 8
Founded by the Portuguese duo Patricia Gomes and Luis Lima, Studio 8 is an architecture and design firm with a strong focus on sustainability and addressing construction waste.
In the course of their professional journey, Patricia and Luis encountered the staggering volume of waste generated by demolitions, much of which ended up in landfills. Recognising this issue, they embarked on a mission to pioneer new approaches that promote inclusive, environmentally-conscious, and circular architecture while mitigating the impact of demolition waste.
Their groundbreaking sustainable design approach led to the creation of “MaterialSpecies,” a versatile covering material crafted from construction waste. This upcycled material can be applied to interior floors, walls, and countertops and can be customised to seamlessly complement the aesthetics of diverse architectural projects, ranging from offices to restaurants.
Studio 8’s overarching objective is to drive a transformation in the architectural industry, rendering it more circular by effectively reducing waste, all without compromising on aesthetics.
Rizoma
Rizoma is an inspiring and innovative community-operated multisectorial cooperative located in Lisbon, driven by social, ecological, and collaborative values. Established in 2020, it began as a self-managed grocery store, offering locally sourced goods from small-scale producers and championing the elimination of packaging, a clear testament to their commitment to the circular economy.
In 2022, Rizoma expanded to a new central location in the city, introducing additional operational pillars to its offerings. These now include co-working spaces, co-storage and co-catering services, communal housing options, and an exciting culture and agriculture project that is in its early stages of development.
With over 600 community members actively collaborating, Rizoma is actively working towards a more equitable and sustainable future. It serves as a support network of positive change, responding to basic consumption needs in an economic, ecological, and socially fair way.
These real-world success stories serve as tangible examples for the CirculUP! project to catalyse a transformative shift towards a circular economy in Armenia. By reducing waste, repurposing resources, and fostering community collaboration, these ventures exemplify how a circular approach can bring about a more sustainable, inclusive, and eco-friendly future, ultimately contributing to a circular economy that benefits both the environment and society.
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This article is presented in collaboration with Impact Hub Lisbon.
The CirculUP! project in Armenia is a transformative initiative spearheaded by the collaborative efforts of the Impact Hub Network, Impact Hub Yerevan, and the Environment and Health NGO, with support from the European Union in Armenia.
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