Circular Economy - Sustainable Materials Management (Coursera)

In addition to providing many cases of managing materials for sustainability, the course also teaches skills and tools for analyzing circular business models and promotes development of your own ideas to become more involved in the transition to a Circular Economy.

You will learn from expert researchers and practitioners from around Europe as they explain core elements and challenges in the transition to a circular economy.

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Introduction - Materials

This module explores sourcing of materials from extraction to refining processes as well as the complexity of material supply. It builds a rationale for why we need to transform to a Circular Economy.

WEEK 2

Circular Business Models

In this module circular business models are explored in-depth and a range of ways for business to create economic and social value are discussed

WEEK 3

Circular Design, Innovation and Assessment

This module presents topics like functional materials and eco-design as well as methods to assess environmental impacts.

WEEK 4

Policies and Networks

This module explores the role of governments and networks and how policies and sharing best practices can enable the circular economy.

WEEK 5

Circular Societies

This module examines new norms, forms of engagement, social systems, and institutions, needed by the circular economy and how we, as individuals, can help society become more circular.