Urbanisations have a metabolism that converts inputs into outputs. Nowadays this metabolism is mainly linear, where resources are used mostly once and then discharged to the environment. Transitions towards more circular urban metabolism may increase resilience of urban systems and will be crucial for achieving environmental sustainability. In ecosystems diversity of functions is crucial for circulation of nutrients, substitution of functions and cascading of energy. As a result, eco-systems are resilient to disturbance. In this paper the relationship between diversity of urban metabolic functions and resilience is explored. It is concluded that diversity of urban metabolic functions improves resilience through substitution of functions and through a higher overall efficiency. Following this conclusion a methodology is proposed to analyse the spatial distribution of urban metabolic diversity using mass flow analysis and ArcGIS software. This method offers the opportunity for planners to identify resource inputs and outputs in space; thus providing a first step to plan for matching existing outputs (e.g. heat, waste, water) and inputs in a circular urban metabolic system. 5th AESOP Young Academics Network Meeting 2011, the Netherlands Track B: Resilience Thinking 2