This course looks at where important materials in products we use every day come from and how these materials can be used more efficiently, longer, and in closed loops. This is the aim of the Circular Economy, but it doesn’t happen on its own. It is the result of choices and strategies by suppliers, designers, businesses, policymakers and all of us as consumers.
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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.
