Integrated Community Energy Systems (ICES) are an emerging local energy system focusing on the collective use of distributed energy resources (DER). These socio-technical systems (STSs) have a high potential to advance the transition towards socially inclusive, environmentally-friendly energy systems and to stimulate the local economy. While there is an analogy between energy in ICES and other common goods such as natural resources, it is not clear to what extent the existing theoretical framework for Socio-ecological Systems (SES) on the commons accounts for the specificities of common resources in ICESs and other STSs. This research explores the applicability of the SES framework to energy commons that are firmly embedded in STS with reference to the DE Ramplaan ICES in the Netherlands. The formation process and governance characteristics of this ICES are revised, further aided by stakeholder interviews. A framework and a strategic plan that can be used to design and implement an ICES are proposed.

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Extractive industry is an industry where large volumes of waste are generated. Solid waste from mining and quarrying is the second largest stream of waste in European Union. Extractive industry and higher education programs related to it such as mining, mineral engineering, raw materials, and applied earth sciences need to put an emphasis on this context and include this concept in the existing curricula and/or create new study programs or short courses that will include circular economy (CE) approach. In 2020 project CIRCEXTIN funded by the Erasmus+ Strategic partnerships Key Action 2 was started. The objective of this project is to create a strategic partnership between Universities and companies developing a comprehensive training platform that will help to modify existing study programmes related to the extractive industry and knowledge of proper waste management incorporating a circular economy approach. This article presents major assumptions and result of the project as of September 2022.