Introduction to Querétaro’s Circular Economy System
Querétaro, Qro. The Querétaro Circular Economy System (SECQ) has reached its fourth phase, with 372 companies and 56 institutions participating. This collaboration has resulted in annual savings of 1,253 million pesos, according to Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, the Secretary of Sustainable Development (Sedesu).
Participation and Achievements
- Total organizations involved: 428 (372 companies and 56 institutions)
- Developed initiatives: 497 through 39 circular economy mechanisms
- Trained individuals: nearly 1,000
The SECQ has achieved significant results, including:
- Annual savings of 1,253 million pesos
- Reduction of 765,000 tons of materials and waste
- Conservation of 3,595 million cubic meters of water
- Reduction of 2 million tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to those from nearly 900,000 vehicles per year
These accomplishments demonstrate the system’s positive impact on the environment and contribute to reducing pollution by promoting resource reuse, recovery, remanufacturing, renewal, and recycling.
System’s Phases and Future Projections
The SECQ began in 2021 with the implementation of phase zero, projecting six phases until the 2026-2027 period.
For the final phase, the SECQ aims to:
- Include 500 companies and 10 institutions
- Engage 15 local facilitators
- Consolidate 800 circular economy initiatives
The Circular Economy Model in Querétaro
The SECQ aims to transition from a linear to a circular economy by optimizing resource value and minimizing environmental risks. Key strategies include:
- Adopting business tools to create circular economy models
- Implementing new business models
- Optimizing operational processes
- Promoting industrial symbiosis through subproduct exchange among productive companies from different sectors
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Querétaro Circular Economy System (SECQ)? The SECQ is a system designed to transition Querétaro from a linear to a circular economy, optimizing resource value and minimizing environmental risks.
- How many organizations are involved in the SECQ? A total of 428 organizations participate, including 372 companies and 56 institutions.
- What are the key achievements of the SECQ? The system has resulted in annual savings of 1,253 million pesos, reduced 765,000 tons of materials and waste, conserved 3,595 million cubic meters of water, and decreased CO2 emissions by 2 million tons.
- What are the future projections for the SECQ? The system aims to include 500 companies, 10 institutions, and 15 local facilitators by the end of its six phases in 2026-2027.
