How can citizen science enabled by digitalisation help transform the way we eat? With food systems contributing up to 37% of global emissions* and millions in Europe lacking access to healthy food, the newly-launched SPOON website aims to support the collection and sharing of relevant food data for decision-makers and other relevant actors, who work closely with communities on the topic of sustainable eating practices.
The website aims to support food decision-makers by helping them develop solutions informed by consumer realities and everyday practices, and to empower citizens by enabling them to make more informed choices about food.
In a time when climate shocks, food poverty and insecurity, and disrupted supply chains are testing the limits of global food systems, SPOON (Food Systems in Transition – Participatory, Open Citizen Research for Sustainable Nutrition) offers a new approach. The project empowers citizens to take part in reshaping our food environment, not just as consumers, but as co-creators of knowledge.
Led by the CSCP, SPOON brings together 16 partners across Europe and is funded by the Horizon Europe programme. Its aim: to promote healthy, sustainable diets by using digital tools, participatory research, and behavioural science.
“Understanding consumers’ local realities and designing solutions around them isn’t just smart, it’s essential for real impact. When we co-create with people, or build on the insights they share, our solutions become more relevant, more accepted, and more likely to succeed. Digital tools make this easier than ever.”, says Arlind Xhelili, Project Manager of SPOON.
“SPOON is all about putting people, their needs, experiences, and local contexts at the centre of change. By making their voices and data part of the innovation process, we connect food decision-makers directly with the communities on the ground. It’s a shift to building food systems that truly work for everyone,” concludes Xhelili.
The newly launched website offers insights into the project’s goals, updates from the six project pilot regions, and information on the innovative digital tools being developed.
Visitors to the website can learn how SPOON will:
Whether you’re a policymaker, a researcher, a local food actor, or a citizen passionate about sustainable living, there’s something for you at spoonproject.eu
Follow SPOON on social media to stay updated on project milestones, local events, and citizen engagement opportunities: LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube.
For further information, please reach out to Arlind Xhelili.
*Crippa et al., 2021
Across Europe, cities and regions are tackling the same pressing questions: How do we measure circularity in a meaningful way? How do we make water cycles resilient to droughts and floods? How do we ensure that the circular transition benefits people, not just systems? How do we secure the critical raw materials our economies depend on?
No city has all the answers alone. Yet by working together, cities can turn common challenges into shared progress—building a more circular, resilient, and inclusive future for all.
That’s why the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) is launching four new Communities of Practice (CoPs), small, dedicated groups of frontrunner cities and regions that exchange openly, share what works (and what doesn’t), and co-create practical solutions.
Cities can apply to join the following CoPs:
What to expect?
Together with other cities and regions, you’ll be in the lead. Each CoP meets online regularly, and shapes the agenda, focus, and outcomes to solve the pressing challenges of the circular transitions. Bring your own project as a case, test ideas with your peers, and walk away with insights you can use immediately!
Why join?
Who can apply?
European local and regional authorities, their agencies, and publicly owned companies with hands-on experience in one of the four topics can apply until 17 October 2025!
Register now to be part of our CCRI Communities of Practice!
For further questions, please contact Luca E. Sander.
By shaping demand and signalling new expectations to the market, consumer choices can play a key role in driving the shift toward more sustainable protein sources. The question is then: how can consumers be empowered and enabled to drive the protein transition? Join us this October in Brussels as we explore what shapes people’s food choices, bringing science, sustainability, and behaviour change together in two events.
During 14-16 October 2025, Brussels, Belgium will be the hotspot for Europe’s food and alternative protein scene. Arlind Xhelili, CSCP Project Manager, will join two key events: the Horizons4Protein (H4P) Workshop and EIT Food’s Next Bite Conference.
Horizons4Protein Workshop – 14 October 2025
At this event, we’re joining forces with key EU-funded alternative protein projects (GIANT LEAPS, LIKE-A-PRO, VALPRO Path) to strengthen collaboration and synergies. The workshop focuses on three areas: policy, environmental and socio-economic assessments, and consumer insights. The CSCP will be involved in deep-dives on consumer insights to:
The CSCP will bring behavioural expertise, participatory thinking, and a systemic lens to this challenge, building bridges between innovation, people, and policy.
Next Bite 2025 – 15 & 16 October 2025
As part of the panel discussion “The Informed Grocery List: Bridging Healthy Eating with Everyday Choices”, held on 15 October at the Next Bite 2025 event hosted by EIT Food, Arlind Xhelili will explore how to make consumer choices healthier, more sustainable, and even a bit more playful. Expect candid insights and fresh perspectives as we explore what truly drives food choices and how to influence them!
For further details, check out the full programme. To join, please register here.
Meet us there!
Both events offer a chance to connect, collaborate, and co-create the future of food. Whether you’re a policymaker, industry player, innovator, researcher, or just passionate about transforming the food system, come meet us in Brussels. Let’s talk about healthy and sustainable food, people, and what’s next!
For additional questions, please reach out to Arlind Xhelili.
How to reconcile economic growth with sustainability goals and value-driven corporate leadership? This was the focus of a meeting between members of the German Senate of Economy and the Member of the German Parliament (SPD), Helge Lindh hosted by the CSCP in August 2025.
The participants were welcomed by Rolf Heeb, Chair of the Steering Committee.
Dr. Christoph Brüssel, Executive Board Member of the German Senate of Economy, highlighted the Senate’s orientation toward the common good and how it strives to support political actors with practical and independent expertise.
Drawing on two decades of working at the intersection of policy, business, civil society, academia, and communities, CSCP Executive Director, Michael Kuhndt shared realistic pathways on how growth and sustainability can not only be reconciled, but also unlock innovation and competitiveness.
Norbert Streveld, Chair of the German Senate of Economy, stressed the importance of open exchange across politics, business, and society. He emphasised the Senate’s role as a values-driven community and a platform that brings together diverse perspectives and advances dialogue at the regional and national level.
Helge Lindh, member of the German Parliament from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) shared policy and decision-making perspectives and emphasised the importance of policymakers engaging with diverse societal actors to foster collaborative, bottom-up partnerships that go beyond traditional channels of influence.
Throughout the evening, the participants exchanged on the need to turn dialogue into action, translating insights from practice into enabling policy and corporate decision-making. Several impulses from the discussion will be carried forward into ongoing federal-level conversations in Germany.
The event builds on the CSCP’s think and do approach of co-creating solutions with companies, policymakers, and civil society and piloting them in real-world settings. It also follows Michael Kuhndt’s appointment as Senator of the German Senate of Economy, reinforcing CSCP’s commitment to advancing sustainability at the interface of policy and practice.
The German Senate of Economy advocates for a human-centric approach in the market economy, promoting corporate social responsibility and fair and inclusive collaboration between companies of all sizes and legal forms and state and international institutions.
For further questions, please contact Michael Kuhndt.
The latest evaluation of the colder washing campaign, #WirDrehenRunter carried out by Procter & Gamble (P&G) Germany and WWF Germany with the scientific support of the CSCP shows how clear information, hands-on experiences, and direct dialogue can make the climate-friendly choice the easy one. The result: this year’s evaluation of washing behaviour in Germany shows that the average washing temperature has decreased by 1.5°C since 2022 and is currently at an average of 41.7°C, avoiding an estimated 192,000 tonnes of CO₂.
A series of pop-up cold washing laundromats (Kaltwaschsalons) in the German cities of Munich, Berlin, and Cologne invited people to test washing at 30°C with modern detergents. More than 600 visitors completed 519 wash cycles and discussed practical questions with experts and behavioural researchers on site. These real-world touch points complement the national awareness raising efforts, reinforcing that lower temperatures can deliver clean laundry while saving energy and money.
Why does this matter?
Most of the energy used in laundry goes into heating water. Lowering washing temperatures can therefore cut emissions significantly—without compromising results—when detergents and washing machines are used according to recommended guidelines. By bringing rigorous measurement to a mass-market habit, the CSCP is supporting partners to create a better understanding of what actually shifts behaviour at scale, which audiences still need support, and how messaging and product design can be refined for greater impact over time.
Scientific support for the #WirDrehenRunter campaign
As part of the campaign, the CSCP has provided independent, evidence-based monitoring, tracking the average washing temperature across Germany, combined with regular consumer surveys on barriers and motivators to washing colder. The results have been compared to Austria, a reference market where the campaign is not active.
The CSCP will continue to support WWF Germany and Procter & Gamble (P&G) Germany in advancing the campaign’s learning agenda and sharing takeaways with policymakers, businesses, and civil society. As the partners extend their collaboration, our focus remains on turning everyday actions into system-level progress—with transparent, comparable metrics that show what works.
For further information, please contact Rosa Strube.
Circular economies are ultimately driven by our individual behaviours and the decisions we make every day. As part of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP) Circular Economy Days at the World Expo 2025, Rosa Strube, Head of Sustainable Lifestyles at the CSCP, will host the session “It starts with us: How everyday choices build circular economies”. Don’t miss it on 23 September 2025!
Designed as an interactive dialogue, the session explores how citizens can accelerate circular practices across electronics, textiles, plastics and packaging, furniture, and food—and what governments, companies, cities, and civil society can do to enable them.
From tackling fast fashion and planned obsolescence to normalising repair, reuse and responsible end-of-life, the discussion will move beyond “what” to the crucial “how”: removing behavioural barriers, strengthening motivation and habits, and aligning incentives and infrastructure so that the sustainable choice becomes the easy, everyday choice.
Session contributor include:
The session is part of our efforts to advance evidence-based lifestyle change, combining behavioural science, co-creation with cities and businesses, and robust impact measurement. To this end, the panel aims to showcase what works in practice: clear consumer guidance, service and product design that promotes longevity, and policy frameworks that reward sufficiency and circular business models—all aimed at translating policy ambitions in Japan and the EU into everyday actions that collectively drive systemic change.
The discussion is part of ECESP’s three-day (22-24 September), nine-event programme hosted across five national pavilions at the World Expo 2025.
You can find further details on the Circular Economy Days programme here.
The CSCP will also contribute insights to other sessions within the Circular Economy Days, from empowering SMEs to navigating shifting policy landscapes—reinforcing our commitment to sustainable lifestyles as a cornerstone of the circular transition.
Event: Interactive Session – “It starts with us: How everyday choices build circular economies Date: 23 September 2025 Place: Dutch Pavilion, World Expo 2025, Osaka, Japan Language: English
Join us in Osaka to explore how small, smart choices—backed by enabling systems—can build circular economies that work for people and planet!
The CSCP co-leads the Leadership Group on Citizen Engagement & Circular Behaviours as part of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP).
For further questions and to explore new collaborations, please reach out to Rosa Strube.
We live in dynamic times marked by complex and interwoven challenges. To navigate them, we need stronger social cohesion, genuine inclusion, and opportunities for everyone in society to play an active role. The CSCP and 25 civil society organisations from North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) have developed a position paper containing seven points for strengthening democracy and social cohesion as a prerequisite toward a good life for all.
Diversity as a driver for a sustainable future
Diversity strengthens resilience, agility, and innovation—making it a cornerstone for achieving North Rhine-Westphalia’s economic, social, and sustainability goals. To translate these principles into action, the position paper outlines seven key measures for strengthening democracy, inclusion, and a fair transition in NRW. Together, they provide a roadmap for building resilience, advancing sustainability, and ensuring that no one is left behind:
“Achieving sustainability is not just an environmental challenge; it is also a fundamentally democratic and just process. By integrating democracy and justice into the core principles of sustainability, societies can promote resilient development that considers the needs of both the present and future generations, ensuring that no one is left behind. All types of organisations—including governments, businesses, civil society groups and international bodies—play a critical role in maintaining democracy and justice as the foundation of sustainability, fostering participation, institutional accountability and inclusive decision-making.” notes Michael Kuhndt, CSCP Executive Director.
A broad alliance connecting impact-driven actors across NRW
The coalition behind the position paper brings together actors from research, religion, business, education, trade unions, sports, and beyond. Together, the signatories represent around two million members across the state. For more than twenty years, these actors have constructively supported NRW’s transition toward a sustainable future.
You can download the full position paper here.
The position paper is developed within the framework of the Sustainability Forum NRW, a platform that connects civil society organisations, municipalities, and other stakeholders to collaboratively promote sustainable development at local, regional, and national levels.
For further questions, please contact Dr. Flandra Syla-Beqiri.
Are you interested in discovering how circular solutions can help your business reduce costs and CO₂ emissions while making your business model future-proof? Join the next workshop of our Digital Centre WertNetzWerke on 19 September 2025 to gain practical insights, expand your professional network, and take concrete steps towards a more sustainable future!
In this online workshop, we will focus on how you can leverage the potential of the circular economy for your business model and look into the specific economic advantages that the circular economy offers companies: independence, reduced resource consumption, and new sources of income. Register now to benefit from tried-and-tested know-how and specific tips that you can apply directly in your company!
Why participate?
The circular economy offers enormous potential—especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It opens opportunities to discover new business areas, tap into innovative sources of income, and adopt approaches that reduce costs and CO₂ emissions. You will also learn how to strengthen your company’s resilience and position yourself as a sustainable leader, while networking with other decision-makers.
What to expect
You will gain practical insights from businesses that have already implemented circular economy approaches. Experts will share knowledge on digitalisation, financing options, and innovative business models, providing tools and recommendations you can apply directly in your company. You will also have the chance to bring your own questions, exchange ideas with participants, and explore how circular practices can drive innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.
Who should attend?
This workshop is designed for CEOs, business owners, and decision-makers at SMEs in Germany who want to make their business models more innovative, resilient, and sustainable.
Agenda highlights
Event: Future Market of the Circular Economy: Inspiration, Practice, Exchange Date: 19. September 2025 Time: 09:30-12:00 Uhr Place: Online Language: German
To join the workshop, register now!
For additional information, please contact Nils Kreft.
Cities across Europe are embracing circularity at a growing pace. But how can the many circular economy measures, targets, and stakeholders be effectively coordinated within city administrations and at the local level? The Circular Economy Academy is a new training programme specifically tailored for municipal Circular Economy (CE) Managers in Germany aiming to support them in driving the circular transformation from strategy to action and connecting with peers in the process. Are you helping your city drive the circular transition? Join a programme built for you!
Municipalities are key in the transition to a circular economy—from establishing sustainable infrastructure to enabling resource-efficient systems and engaging local communities.
For many cities, appointing dedicated Circular Economy (CE) Managers is a crucial step in driving this transformation. These managers are responsible for coordinating the strategic direction and implementation of circular economy measures and thus contributing significantly to sustainable urban development. But who within a municipality is ready to take on this emerging role and has the know-how to manage its complex, cross-sectoral responsibilities?
Developed by the CSCP in collaboration with the Bergischer Abfallwirtschaftsverband (BAV)/:metabolon, the Circular Economy Academy offers a hands-on, 5-day training programme tailored to the specific needs of municipal CE Managers in Germany.
Whether working on environmental and climate protection, waste or building management, municipal utilities or economic development agencies—municipality employees with diverse backgrounds will gain knowledge, tools, and networks needed to confidently step into this new role and drive circular transformation in their local context.
“The Academy empowers local actors to become change agents for circular transformation in their own cities—not just by providing knowledge, but by reflecting, connecting, and co-creating hands-on approaches tailored to their local context.”, says Victoria Funk, CSCP Programme Lead.
The academy offers:
In addition, the Circular Economy Academy will strengthen a growing community of municipal CE Managers in states like North-Rhine Westphalia (NRW) and contribute to the state’s strategy to support circular cities through funding initiatives like CircularCities.NRW.
The first round of the academy will start in the fourth quarter of 2025, combining five in-person workshops with additional online sessions. Municipal employees can submit a non-binding expression of interest until 30 September 2025 and will be the first to receive updates once registration opens. You can find additional information on the academy here.
Ready to drive circular change in your city? Submit your expression of interest now!
For additional questions, please reach out to Victoria Funk.
The PSLifestyle project has rolled out a comprehensive collection of resources and tools designed to support not only the project’s local partners but also other organisations and communities across Europe to plan, launch, and lead Citizen Science Labs (CSL). Check them out now!
The PSLifestyle Citizen Science Labs Governance Framework is at the heart of this resource collection, laying out the core principles, procedures, and structures necessary for successful CSL implementation. It brings together key elements such as vision, purpose, procedures, roles and responsibilities, supporting a systemic and well-governed approach to citizen involvement in sustainability efforts.
Complementing the Governance Framework is the PSLifestyle Citizen Science Labs Manual, which offers a hands-on, step-by-step guide to running CSLs. It includes a wide array of facilitation tools and techniques to foster productive dialogue and engagement, and, therefore, forms a part of a comprehensive toolkit for meaningful citizen participation in sustainability transitions.
The third publication, the Participant Recruitment and Engagement Strategy, offers practical insights for practitioners interested in running CSLs on understanding what drivers or hinders citizen participation, how to reach diverse audiences, and how to create inclusive, meaningful lab experiences.
Together, the three publications provide a robust and adaptable framework for engaging citizens in co-creating more sustainable futures. They reflect PSLifestyle’s commitment to participatory research, local ownership, and climate action grounded in everyday life.
We’re also excited to share the final PSLifestyle Lessons Learned Report, capturing key insights from the implementation of the CSLs in practice. This comprehensive report brings together reflections and data from across the journey including country-level reports, post-session summaries, participation figures, discussion analyses, and participant survey feedback. It highlights common challenges and success factors, while also offering valuable lessons for those looking to replicate or build on the CSL approach. As a wrap-up to the series, it also provides a concise summary of the previous reports.
For more information, please feel free to reach out to Arlind Xhelili.