Circular Economy for a Sustainable Built Environment from edX

Building construction is one of the most waste producing sectors. In the European Union, construction alone accounts for approximately 30% of the raw material input. In addition, the different life-cycle stages of buildings, from construction to end-of-life, cause a significant environmental impact related to energy consumption, waste generation and direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions.

The Circular Economy model offers guidelines and principles for promoting more sustainable building construction and reducing the impact on our environment. If you are interested in taking your first steps in transitioning to a more sustainable manner of construction, then this course is for you!

In this course you will become familiar with circularity as a systemic, multi-disciplinary approach, concerned with the different scale, from material to product, building, city, and region.

Some aspects of circularity that will be included in this course are maximizing reuse and recycle levels by closing the material loops. You will also learn how the Circular Economy can help to realign business incentives in supply chains, and how consumers can be engaged and contribute to the transition through new business models enabling circular design, reuse, repair, remanufacturing and recycling of building components.

In addition, you will learn how architecture and urban design can be adapted according to the principles of the Circular Economy and ensure that construction is more sustainable. You will also learn from case studies how companies already profitably incorporate this new theory into the design, construction and operation of the built environment.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Recognize the principles of circularity and their application to the built environment
Identify the scales of the built environment from materials and products to cities and regions
Identify the life-cycle phases of building products and how they can be circular
Discuss design principles in building of products and key aspects such as stakeholders, incentives, time-frames, business models
Discuss the circular design and development approach for buildings and recognize the impact of a building on society and the environment during its life-cycle
Recognize the flows at different city scales and how they differ depending on the actors and the local context

Reflect on the complexity and variety of possible circular solutions in terms of energy, water and waste management
Analyze and map the different stages and value webs of building materials at the regional level
Reflect on possible environmental impacts of the different building life-cycle stages and activities along the value web
Explore the potential of intervening to steer the value web towards more circularity
At the end of the course you will be able to:

Recognize the principles of circularity and their application to the built environment
Identify the scales of the built environment from materials and products to cities and regions
Identify the life-cycle phases of building products and how they can be circular
Discuss design principles in building of products and key aspects such as stakeholders, incentives, time-frames, business models
Discuss the circular design and development approach for buildings and recognize the impact of a building on society and the environment during its life-cycle
Recognize the flows at different city scales and how they differ depending on the actors and the local context
Reflect on the complexity and variety of possible circular solutions in terms of energy, water and waste management
Analyze and map the different stages and value webs of building materials at the regional level
Reflect on possible environmental impacts of the different building life-cycle stages and activities along the value web
Explore the potential of intervening to steer the value web towards more circularity
At the end of the course you will be able to:

Syllabus

The course is divided into six modules:

Introduction: Motivation for the Circular Built Environment and basic termsThe massive existing building stock and constantly increasing housing demand requires new building technologies and design strategies. Is circularity the answer? We will discuss the principles of the Circular Economy and how the Circular Built Environment can apply to a number of systemic levels.

Building products: Materials and componentsThis week focuses on the products and materials, the base ingredient of buildings. What their life-cycle is and how they determine the overall life-cycle performance of buildings. We will explore design for disassembly and how this process can extend the useful life of the built product or bring them back to the circle.

Architecture and building: Sustainable construction and operationThis week we will discuss the buildings’ layers and their life-cycle and explore how the principles of Circular Economy influenced the design of the featured case study buildings. We discuss the role of business models within the design and development process.

Cities and neighborhoods: Buildings, infrastructure and resource flowsBuildings cannot be seen as isolated entities. During this week we will explore how circularity is connected to the neighborhood and city level. We will discuss the three most important flows that enter, circulate and leave the urban environment every day: water, energy and waste. We acknowledge that potential circular solutions depend on scale (building block, neighborhood, city) and on the various ways in which solutions can be organized (individually, collectively or centrally).

Regions: From supply chains to value websThe week centers around one comprehensive assignment which aims to explore the different impacts of thinking through scales. Furthermore, the assignment focuses on the geographical value chains of building products and reflects on possible environmental impacts of the different life-cycle stages and activities along the value web.

Conclusion: Addressing the transition to a Circular Built Environment, a practical approachWe will discuss how the various aspects learned are impacting the implementation of circular building principles. Finally, we will sum up and come to an integrated view on a future circular built environment.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Delves into the principles of circular building, making it highly relevant to the construction industry

Offers a broad understanding of the circular built environment, beneficial for professionals and students alike

Addresses sustainability in construction, a crucial topic in modern engineering and architecture

Facilitates understanding of circular design and its application in various contexts

Examines the role of stakeholders and business models in promoting circularity

Provides insights into the impact of building life-cycle stages on the environment

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Circular Economy for a Sustainable Built Environment with these activities:

Review life-cycle assessment techniques

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Life-cycle assessment is a key tool for evaluating the environmental impacts of buildings and products.

Browse courses on Life-Cycle Assessment

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Read about life-cycle assessment techniques
Practice using life-cycle assessment software

Review urban planning concepts

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Review foundational urban planning concepts to prepare for this course.

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Read Introduction to Urban Planning by Edward Glaeser
Take notes on the history, principles, and theories of urban planning

Read Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart

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This book introduces the Cradle to Cradle design framework, which is a key concept in the Circular Built Environment.

View Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on the key concepts of Cradle to Cradle design
Consider how Cradle to Cradle design principles can be applied to the built environment

Five other activities

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Analyze case studies of circular building design

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Analyzing case studies will help you apply the principles of the Circular Built Environment to real-world projects.

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Identify case studies of circular building design
Analyze the case studies to identify the key features and strategies used to achieve circularity
Write a report on your findings

Compile a list of resources on circular building design

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Creating a compilation of resources will help you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in circular building design.

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Search for resources on circular building design
Organize the resources into a list or database
Share the list with other students or professionals

Attend a workshop on Circular Economy in the Built Environment

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Workshops can provide an immersive experience to learn about circular economy principles and their application to the built environment.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Search for workshops on Circular Economy in the Built Environment
Attend the workshop and take notes
Apply the knowledge gained from the workshop to your own projects

Become a mentor for students interested in circular building design

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Mentoring others will help you solidify your understanding of circular building design and improve your communication skills.

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Identify potential mentees
Develop a mentoring plan
Meet with your mentees regularly to provide guidance and support

Design a circular building

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Designing a circular building will help you apply the principles of the Circular Built Environment to a practical project.

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Research circular building design principles
Identify the specific needs and requirements of your project
Design a building that meets those needs while adhering to circularity principles
Present your design to a group of peers or professionals

Career center

Learners who complete Circular Economy for a Sustainable Built Environment will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Circular Economy Consultant

Circular Economy Consultants help businesses and governments adopt circular economy principles. They work to reduce waste and pollution and promote sustainability. In this role, you will need to be able to understand the principles of circularity and how they can be applied to the built environment. You will also need to be able to discuss the circular design and development approach for buildings. This course covers both of these topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Circular Economy Consultant

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants develop and implement sustainability strategies for organizations. They help businesses reduce their environmental impact. In this role, you will learn to recognize the principles of circularity and their application to the built environment. As the construction sector is one of the most waste producing, your knowledge of circular economy principles will be crucial to the success of this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for organizations. They work to reduce the environmental impact of organizations and promote sustainability. In this role, you will need to be able to understand the principles of circularity and how they can be applied to the built environment. You will also need to be able to discuss the circular design and development approach for buildings. This course covers both of these topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Green Architect

Green Architects are responsible for designing and constructing buildings that are environmentally friendly. They work to minimize the environmental impact of buildings throughout their life cycle. You will need to be able to identify the life-cycle phases of building products and how they can be circular. Additionally, you will need to be able to discuss the circular design and development approach for buildings. This course covers both of these concepts.

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Building Scientist

Building Scientists study the physical and chemical properties of buildings. They work to develop new and innovative building materials and technologies. In this role, you will need to be able to understand the principles of circularity and how they can be applied to the built environment. You will also need to be able to identify the life-cycle phases of building products and how they can be circular. This course covers both of these topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Scientist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans. They work to protect human health and the environment. In this role, you will need to be able to understand the principles of circularity and how they can be applied to the built environment. You will also need to be able to identify the life-cycle phases of building products and how they can be circular. This course covers both of these topics.

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Waste Management Consultant

Waste Management Consultants help businesses and governments develop and implement waste management plans. They work to reduce waste generation and promote recycling and composting. In this role, you will need to be able to understand the principles of circularity and how they can be applied to the built environment. You will also need to be able to identify the life-cycle phases of building products and how they can be circular. This course covers both of these topics.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans for the development of cities and towns. They work to create sustainable and livable communities. In this role, you will need to be able to understand the different scales of the built environment, from materials and products to cities and regions. You will also need to be able to recognize the flows at different city scales and how they differ depending on the actors and the local context. This course covers both of these topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts develop and analyze environmental policies. They work to protect human health and the environment. In this role, you will need to be able to understand the principles of circularity and how they can be applied to the built environment. You will also need to be able to identify the scales of the built environment, from materials and products to cities and regions. This course covers both of these topics.

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Sustainable Supply Chain Manager

Sustainable Supply Chain Managers develop and implement sustainable supply chain strategies for organizations. They work to reduce the environmental impact of supply chains and promote sustainability. In this role, you will need to be able to understand the principles of circularity and how they can be applied to the built environment. You will also need to be able to identify the flows at different city scales and how they differ depending on the actors and the local context. This course covers both of these topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainable Supply Chain Manager

Land Use Planner

Land Use Planners develop plans for the use of land. They work to create sustainable and livable communities. In this role, you will need to be able to understand the principles of circularity and how they can be applied to the built environment. You will also need to be able to identify the scales of the built environment, from materials and products to cities and regions. This course covers both of these topics.

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Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of construction projects. They work to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. In this role, you will gain practical experience in different aspects of construction, including design, procurement, and project management. This course will complement this experience by providing you with a theoretical understanding of circular economy principles and how they can be applied to construction.

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Renewable Energy Developer

Renewable Energy Developers develop and implement renewable energy projects. They work to promote the use of renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this role, you will need to be able to understand the principles of circularity and how they can be applied to the built environment. You will also need to be able to identify the life-cycle phases of building products and how they can be circular. This course covers both of these topics.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers use their knowledge to solve environmental problems. They work to protect human health and the environment. As an Environmental Engineer, you may be involved in a range of activities such as designing pollution control systems, conducting environmental impact assessments, and developing sustainable technologies. This course may be useful to you in this role as it will help you to understand the principles of circularity and sustainability.

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Energy Efficiency Consultant

Energy Efficiency Consultants help businesses and governments reduce their energy consumption. They work to identify and implement energy-saving measures. In this role, you will need to be able to understand the principles of circularity and how they can be applied to the built environment. You will also need to be able to identify the flows at different city scales and how they differ depending on the actors and the local context. This course covers both of these topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Efficiency Consultant