Circular Economy Calculator
Circular Economy Calculator — measure your circular economy impact. Evidence-based formula with reduction tips.
Circularity decisions compare repair or reuse cost with replacement spend and spread that difference over the extra service life gained.
Put the estimate in context with the Single Use Calculator and Carbon Footprint Calculator. Replace starter assumptions with measured local data whenever the decision depends on a site, tariff, material, or formal reporting method.
- Choose a time period and unit that match the activity you are measuring.
- Enter measured usage, area, material, or cost values where available.
- Review each output alongside the assumptions shown in the formula.
- Compare alternatives using the same inputs and time horizon.
Calculation approach
Avoided replacement spend = new-buy cost − repair or reuse cost.
The calculator keeps each quantity visible so that an assumption can be checked or replaced.
Using your repair-versus-replace calculator result
Compare like with like
Use the result to compare two plans that use the same boundary, units, and timeframe. A single estimate is most useful when it leads to a specific next measurement or reduction action.
Ecology tips and best practices
- Document the source and date of any emission factor, tariff, or local measurement used.
- Keep operational estimates separate from long-term capital or restoration benefits.
- Use the Electricity Cost Calculator for a related environmental planning calculation.
- Small recurring changes can become material when annualised.
- Local climate, grid mix, material supply chains, and management quality can change a result substantially.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Combining figures that cover different periods or boundaries.
- Using a generic factor when a local measured value is available.
- Treating a planning estimate as regulated carbon, biodiversity, or environmental reporting.
This calculator provides a simplified planning estimate, not a regulated environmental assessment, carbon inventory, biodiversity survey, engineering design, or professional advice.