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David Peck,
Conny Bakker,
Ken Webster,
Ester van der Voet,
and
Erwin van der Laan
Our global society is not sustainable. We all know about the challenges we’re facing: waste, climate change, resource scarcity, loss of biodiversity. At the same time, we want to sustain our economies and offer opportunities for a growing world population. This course is about providing solutions we really believe in: a Circular Economy.
In this course we explore the Circular Economy: how businesses can create value by reusing and recycling products, how designers can come up with amazingly clever solutions, and how you can contribute to make the Circular Economy happen.
Read more
Our global society is not sustainable. We all know about the challenges we’re facing: waste, climate change, resource scarcity, loss of biodiversity. At the same time, we want to sustain our economies and offer opportunities for a growing world population. This course is about providing solutions we really believe in: a Circular Economy.
In this course we explore the Circular Economy: how businesses can create value by reusing and recycling products, how designers can come up with amazingly clever solutions, and how you can contribute to make the Circular Economy happen.
Read more
Our global society is not sustainable. We all know about the challenges we’re facing: waste, climate change, resource scarcity, loss of biodiversity. At the same time, we want to sustain our economies and offer opportunities for a growing world population. This course is about providing solutions we really believe in: a Circular Economy.
In this course we explore the Circular Economy: how businesses can create value by reusing and recycling products, how designers can come up with amazingly clever solutions, and how you can contribute to make the Circular Economy happen.
You will learn to re-think the economic system you’re experiencing every day, and act upon it. Be a leader in this major paradigm shift! Shape a more circular future together with our global network.
The course is led by TU Delft and co-created with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/iqybnm/circular
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Episode 1: what is the circular economy?
- How can the circular economy provide solutions to the challenges our current, linear economy brings? we explore the roots of the circular economy together with experts in the fields of industrial ecology, cradle to cradle and biomimicry.
- Episode 2: business value in a circular economy
- Through closed loop supply chains and reversed logistics, new opportunities for business are created. this episode explores value creation and new business models in a circular economy.
- Episode 3: longer lasting products
- The smaller the loop, the greater the profitability of the system. we look at product life extension through the eyes of designers and entrepreneurs. join us in our repair café!
- Episode 4: remanufacturing
- Remanufacturing enables companies to recapture value on a product or component level. it is currently being rediscovered as a promising business opportunity. we’ll explore the topic together with researchers and entrepreneurs.
- Episode 5: waste equals food
- This episode discusses how we can take inspiration from nature, when redesigning the way we deal with waste. we'll present a fascinating circular case study. can you identify opportunities for change in your own area’s?
- Episode 6: thinking in systems
- The shift from linear to circular should not be underestimated. this episode will discuss the extent and duration of the transition. it will also ask, is the circular economy really sustainable?
- Episode 7: full circle
- We end the course with a selection of your narratives for a circular economy. a final exam will test your knowledge acquired over the past 6 episodes.
- Episode 1: what is the circular economy?
- How can the circular economy provide solutions to the challenges our current, linear economy brings? we explore the roots of the circular economy together with experts in the fields of industrial ecology, cradle to cradle and biomimicry.
- Episode 2: business value in a circular economy
- Through closed loop supply chains and reversed logistics, new opportunities for business are created. this episode explores value creation and new business models in a circular economy.
- Episode 3: longer lasting products
- The smaller the loop, the greater the profitability of the system. we look at product life extension through the eyes of designers and entrepreneurs. join us in our repair café!
- Episode 4: remanufacturing
- Remanufacturing enables companies to recapture value on a product or component level. it is currently being rediscovered as a promising business opportunity. we’ll explore the topic together with researchers and entrepreneurs.
- Episode 5: waste equals food
- This episode discusses how we can take inspiration from nature, when redesigning the way we deal with waste. we'll present a fascinating circular case study. can you identify opportunities for change in your own area’s?
- Episode 6: thinking in systems
- The shift from linear to circular should not be underestimated. this episode will discuss the extent and duration of the transition. it will also ask, is the circular economy really sustainable?
- Episode 7: full circle
- We end the course with a selection of your narratives for a circular economy. a final exam will test your knowledge acquired over the past 6 episodes.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Develops deep expertise in circular economy, which is core knowledge for sustainability professionals
Taught by instructors like Erwin van der Laan, a recognized expert in industrial ecology
Examines waste management through the lens of nature, which is highly relevant to sustainability
Covers a comprehensive study of circular economy, from its principles to implementation
Offers a multi-modal learning experience with videos, readings, and discussions
Taught by instructors from TU Delft, Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, each recognized in circular economy
Save this course
Save Circular Economy: An Introduction to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Solid foundation on circular economy
Learners say that this course provides a solid foundation on the circular economy. They appreciate the engaging assignments and the knowledgeable instructor. While no major drawbacks have been mentioned, some have noted that the course could go into more depth in certain areas.
Course is well-structured and easy to follow.
Assignments help reinforce concepts and make learning more interactive.
Instructor is knowledgeable and responds quickly to questions.
Course could go into more depth on certain topics.
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: An Introduction with these
activities:
Review basic economic principles
Show steps
Refreshes the foundational knowledge of economic principles that are essential for understanding the Circular Economy.
Browse courses on
Circular Economy
Show steps
-
Review textbooks or online resources on microeconomics and macroeconomics.
-
Solve practice problems and exercises to test understanding.
Read "Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things"
Show steps
Provides a foundational understanding of the cradle-to-cradle design concept, which is a key principle of the Circular Economy.
View
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on key concepts and principles.
-
Analyze the case studies and examples presented in the book.
-
Reflect on the implications of cradle-to-cradle design for circular economy implementation.
Connect with experts in the field of Circular Economy
Show steps
Facilitates access to individuals with specialized knowledge and experience in circular economy implementation, providing valuable guidance to learners.
Browse courses on
Circular Economy
Show steps
-
Identify potential mentors through professional networks, industry events, or online platforms.
-
Reach out to mentors and express interest in connecting and learning from their expertise.
-
Set up regular meetings or communication channels to engage with mentors and seek their advice.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore case studies on circular economy implementation
Show steps
Provides practical insights and real-world examples of how circular economy principles are being applied in different industries.
Browse courses on
Circular Economy
Show steps
-
Identify reputable sources of case studies on circular economy implementation.
-
Review case studies and analyze the strategies, challenges, and outcomes.
-
Identify key lessons learned and best practices for implementing circular economy models.
Design a circular product or service
Show steps
Challenges students to apply their understanding of the Circular Economy by designing a product or service that follows its principles.
Browse courses on
Circular Economy
Show steps
-
Identify a problem or opportunity related to waste or resource scarcity.
-
Research existing circular design principles and case studies.
-
Develop a concept for a circular product or service that addresses the identified problem.
-
Create a prototype or mock-up to demonstrate the product or service's functionality and circularity.
-
Evaluate the design based on circularity criteria and user feedback.
Engage in discussions on circular economy challenges and opportunities
Show steps
Fosters collaboration and exchange of ideas among learners, deepening their understanding of circular economy challenges and opportunities.
Browse courses on
Circular Economy
Show steps
-
Participate in online or in-person discussions.
-
Share insights and experiences related to circular economy practices.
-
Engage in critical thinking and problem-solving around circular economy implementation.
Develop a resource compilation on circular economy best practices
Show steps
Encourages learners to synthesize information from various sources and create a valuable resource for themselves and others.
Browse courses on
Circular Economy
Show steps
-
Identify and collect resources on circular economy best practices (e.g., articles, reports, case studies).
-
Organize and categorize the resources based on specific criteria.
-
Create a document or online platform to share the resource compilation.
Contribute to open-source projects related to the Circular Economy
Show steps
Provides practical experience in applying circular economy principles while contributing to a larger community.
Browse courses on
Circular Economy
Show steps
-
Identify open-source projects focused on circular economy initiatives.
-
Review the project documentation and codebase.
-
Contribute to the project by adding features or fixing bugs.
-
Engage with the project community through forums or discussion boards.
Review basic economic principles
Show steps
Refreshes the foundational knowledge of economic principles that are essential for understanding the Circular Economy.
Browse courses on
Circular Economy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review textbooks or online resources on microeconomics and macroeconomics.
- Solve practice problems and exercises to test understanding.
Read "Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things"
Show steps
Provides a foundational understanding of the cradle-to-cradle design concept, which is a key principle of the Circular Economy.
View
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on key concepts and principles.
- Analyze the case studies and examples presented in the book.
- Reflect on the implications of cradle-to-cradle design for circular economy implementation.
Connect with experts in the field of Circular Economy
Show steps
Facilitates access to individuals with specialized knowledge and experience in circular economy implementation, providing valuable guidance to learners.
Browse courses on
Circular Economy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify potential mentors through professional networks, industry events, or online platforms.
- Reach out to mentors and express interest in connecting and learning from their expertise.
- Set up regular meetings or communication channels to engage with mentors and seek their advice.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore case studies on circular economy implementation
Show steps
Provides practical insights and real-world examples of how circular economy principles are being applied in different industries.
Browse courses on
Circular Economy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable sources of case studies on circular economy implementation.
- Review case studies and analyze the strategies, challenges, and outcomes.
- Identify key lessons learned and best practices for implementing circular economy models.
Design a circular product or service
Show steps
Challenges students to apply their understanding of the Circular Economy by designing a product or service that follows its principles.
Browse courses on
Circular Economy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a problem or opportunity related to waste or resource scarcity.
- Research existing circular design principles and case studies.
- Develop a concept for a circular product or service that addresses the identified problem.
- Create a prototype or mock-up to demonstrate the product or service's functionality and circularity.
- Evaluate the design based on circularity criteria and user feedback.
Engage in discussions on circular economy challenges and opportunities
Show steps
Fosters collaboration and exchange of ideas among learners, deepening their understanding of circular economy challenges and opportunities.
Browse courses on
Circular Economy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Participate in online or in-person discussions.
- Share insights and experiences related to circular economy practices.
- Engage in critical thinking and problem-solving around circular economy implementation.
Develop a resource compilation on circular economy best practices
Show steps
Encourages learners to synthesize information from various sources and create a valuable resource for themselves and others.
Browse courses on
Circular Economy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and collect resources on circular economy best practices (e.g., articles, reports, case studies).
- Organize and categorize the resources based on specific criteria.
- Create a document or online platform to share the resource compilation.
Contribute to open-source projects related to the Circular Economy
Show steps
Provides practical experience in applying circular economy principles while contributing to a larger community.
Browse courses on
Circular Economy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open-source projects focused on circular economy initiatives.
- Review the project documentation and codebase.
- Contribute to the project by adding features or fixing bugs.
- Engage with the project community through forums or discussion boards.
Career center
Learners who complete Circular Economy: An Introduction will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Circular Economy Project Manager
Circular Economy Project Manager
As a Circular Economy Project Manager, you lead and manage projects aimed at implementing circular economy practices within organizations. This course can equip you with a comprehensive understanding of circular economy principles, enabling you to effectively plan, execute, and evaluate projects that promote resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable business practices.
Circular Economy Educator
Circular Economy Educator
As a Circular Economy Educator, you teach and promote circular economy principles to students, professionals, and the public. This course can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of circular economy concepts, enabling you to effectively communicate the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of circular economy to diverse audiences. By educating others about circular economy, you can contribute to raising awareness and fostering a shift towards a more sustainable and circular society.
Circular Economy Advisor
Circular Economy Advisor
As a Circular Economy Advisor, you specialize in guiding businesses in adopting circular economy models. This course can be highly beneficial in equipping you with a comprehensive understanding of circular economy principles and best practices. By gaining insights into sustainable supply chain management, waste reduction strategies, and business model innovation, you can effectively support organizations in their transition towards circularity, fostering a more sustainable economy.
Circular Economy Researcher
Circular Economy Researcher
As a Circular Economy Researcher, you investigate and develop innovative solutions to promote circular economy practices. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in circular economy principles and methodologies, enabling you to conduct cutting-edge research that contributes to the advancement of circular economy knowledge and the development of sustainable solutions.
Circular Economy Advocate
Circular Economy Advocate
In your role as a Circular Economy Advocate, you raise awareness about circular economy principles and promote their adoption. This course can provide you with a deep understanding of circular economy practices, enabling you to effectively advocate for policies, initiatives, and behaviors that support the transition to a circular economy. By actively promoting circular economy principles, you can contribute to creating a more sustainable and resource-efficient society.
Sustainability Analyst
Sustainability Analyst
In your role as a Sustainability Analyst, you assess and report on the environmental, social, and economic performance of organizations. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in circular economy principles, enhancing your ability to analyze and evaluate the sustainability initiatives of organizations, contributing to informed decision-making and progress towards a circular economy.
Waste Management Specialist
Waste Management Specialist
In your role as a Waste Management Specialist, you develop and implement strategies to reduce waste and improve waste management practices. This course can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of circular economy principles, enabling you to identify opportunities for waste reduction, resource recovery, and the development of circular waste management systems, contributing to a more sustainable and resource-efficient society.
Sustainable Supply Chain Manager
Sustainable Supply Chain Manager
In your role as a Sustainable Supply Chain Manager, you oversee the implementation of sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. This course can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of circular economy principles, enabling you to identify and implement strategies that reduce waste, optimize resource utilization, and promote circularity within your supply chain, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient business.
Life Cycle Assessment Analyst
Life Cycle Assessment Analyst
As a Life Cycle Assessment Analyst, you evaluate the environmental impacts of products and services throughout their life cycle. This course can enhance your knowledge of circular economy principles, providing you with a deeper understanding of resource consumption and waste generation. By incorporating circular economy concepts into your life cycle assessments, you can contribute to the development of more sustainable products and services.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analyst
In your role as an Environmental Policy Analyst, you analyze and develop environmental policies and regulations. This course can enhance your understanding of circular economy principles, providing you with valuable insights into sustainable resource management and waste reduction strategies. By incorporating circular economy concepts into your policy analysis, you can contribute to the creation of effective policies that promote a circular economy.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
As a Sustainability Manager, you develop and implement sustainability strategies to enhance a company's environmental, social, and economic performance. This course can help you build a foundation in circular economy principles, providing you with the knowledge and skills required to identify and seize opportunities for sustainability in your role.
Environmental Economist
Environmental Economist
In your role as an Environmental Economist, you analyze the economic impacts of environmental policies and regulations. This course can enhance your understanding of circular economy principles, providing you with valuable insights into the economic benefits and challenges of transitioning to a circular economy. By incorporating circular economy concepts into your economic analysis, you can contribute to the development of effective policies that promote sustainable economic growth.
Renewable Energy Project Developer
Renewable Energy Project Developer
As a Renewable Energy Project Developer, you identify, develop, and manage renewable energy projects. This course can provide you with a broader perspective on sustainability, including circular economy principles. By understanding the circular economy concept, you can explore opportunities to integrate renewable energy sources into circular economy models, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultant
As an Environmental Consultant, you help organizations understand and manage their environmental impacts. This course can enhance your knowledge of sustainable practices, particularly in the context of circular economy, equipping you to provide valuable guidance to clients seeking to reduce waste and optimize resource utilization.
Product Design Engineer
Product Design Engineer
In your role as a Product Design Engineer, you play a critical role in developing and designing sustainable products that minimize environmental impact. This course can provide you with in-depth knowledge of circular economy principles and practices, enabling you to integrate sustainable design concepts into your work, contributing to a more sustainable future.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/iqybnm/circular
Reading list
We've selected 20 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Circular Economy: An Introduction.
Provides the philosophical background of the circular economy, arguing for its necessity and providing evidence-based examples to demonstrate its feasibility.
Seminal work on the circular economy. It presents a vision for a world where all products are designed to be recycled or reused, and where there is no such thing as waste. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the circular economy and its potential.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the circular economy. It covers the history, principles, benefits, and challenges of the circular economy, as well as the latest research and best practices.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the circular economy concept, its history, and its potential benefits. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the circular economy and its implications for business and society.
Comprehensive handbook on the circular economy. It covers all aspects of the circular economy, from its history and principles to its implementation in practice.
Provides a comprehensive resource on the circular economy. It covers the history, principles, benefits, and challenges of the circular economy, as well as the latest research and best practices.
Practical guide to the circular economy. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to implement circular economy principles in your business.
Save
Provides an introduction to the field of biomimicry, which is the practice of imitating the designs and processes of nature to solve human problems. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the potential of biomimicry for the circular economy.
Provides a practical guide to implementing circular economy principles in businesses.
Less well-known resource but provides a rigorous and in-depth look at sustainable material use in product design. It would be useful for those interested in the life-cycle perspective, and those who want to learn about current best practices in circular design.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the circular economy. It covers everything from the basics of the concept to the latest research and developments.
Save
Provides a compelling argument for the transition to a circular economy, outlining the economic, environmental, and social benefits that can be achieved.
Save
Provides a visionary roadmap for the transition to a circular economy, outlining 100 innovations that can create 100 million jobs.
Save
Provides a new framework for thinking about economics, one that is based on the concept of the doughnut economy.
Save
Provides a concise overview of the circular economy. It good starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about the concept.
Save
Explores the sharing economy, which key part of the circular economy.
Save
Provides a practical guide to upcycling, a process of transforming waste materials into new products.
Save
Provides a practical guide to zero waste living, offering tips and advice on how to reduce your environmental impact.
Save
This report provides a business case for the circular economy.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the solutions to climate change, including the circular economy.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/iqybnm/circular
Share
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Effort
3 to 6 hours per week for 7 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Delft University of Technology
Instructors
David Peck
Conny Bakker
Ken Webster
Ester van der Voet
Erwin van der Laan
Sessions
September 11, 2024
- January 29, 2025
February 8, 2024
- August 28, 2024
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Develops deep expertise in circular economy, which is core knowledge for sustainability professionals
Taught by instructors like Erwin van der Laan, a recognized expert in industrial ecology
Examines waste management through the lens of nature, which is highly relevant to sustainability
Covers a comprehensive study of circular economy, from its principles to implementation
Offers a multi-modal learning experience with videos, readings, and discussions
Taught by instructors from TU Delft, Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, each recognized in circular economy
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