Sustainability and the Circular Economy from Coursera

As the world’s population continues to rise toward an expected 10 billion citizens by 2050, it is imperative that business practices change to ensure a high quality of life is possible for all of us, both human and non-human. Today’s learners are very aware of this. Moreover, they are highly motivated and have the extraordinary capacity to create a future that provides both economic success and a more enduring, resilient, and sustainable planet. If you are one of these learners, then Sustainability and the Circular Economy is a course for you.

Sustainability and the Circular Economy is the first course in the Applied Sustainability for Technical Managers specialization. It aims to provide learners with the strategies and tools to realize their vision by integrating sustainability into everyday life, and in the companies where they work.

The course opens with an examination of climate change and human impact on the environment, and the opportunities created for innovative solutions that drive real change. We then explore the sources of many of our environmental challenges, and the need to transition to a zero-carbon energy future.

A sustainable future is more than just renewable energy, as we need to pay attention to our ever-growing desire for products that add value to our lives. Therefore, the course explores how we’re electrifying transportation, making our homes more energy efficient, eating more sustainable food grown with regenerative agricultural practices, and wearing clothes designed to last and made from more natural materials using fair and equitable labor.

It is important to recognize that many of the 10 billion global citizens will want the same products and lifestyles as citizens in wealthier industrialized nations. Yet products require materials - and our current extractive approach to resources will not meet this burgeoning demand. The course concludes with an overview of the Circular Economy, an innovative way of decoupling such economic growth from traditional resource extraction.

Sustainability and the Circular Economy provides the foundation for the next two courses in the Applied Sustainability specialization.

This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree offered on the Coursera platform. The ME-EM is designed to help engineers, scientists, and technical professionals move into leadership and management roles in the engineering and technical sectors. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the ME-EM is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience. Learn more about the ME-EM program at https://www.coursera.org/degrees/me-engineering-management-boulder.

What's inside

Syllabus

Global Challenges and Some Good News

Welcome to Sustainability and the Circular Economy! This first module introduces the course and how it operates. It then exposes you to the major challenges facing the world today, such as climate change, ocean acidification, biodiversity loss, plastic pollution and social inequity. We capture this with a discussion of planetary boundaries (Rockstrom) and the concept of the Anthropocene. The module ends on a high note with people and organizations that are making real change possible.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Discusses global challenges that today's learners are aware of, such as climate change and other environmental issues

Provides strategies and tools to integrate sustainability into everyday life

Covers a wide range of topics related to sustainability, including climate change, energy, transportation, food, and clothing

Provides an overview of the Circular Economy, an important concept in sustainable development

Instructors are experienced professionals in the field of sustainability

Can be taken for academic credit as part of a Master's program

Reviews summary

Sustainability and circular economy: foundational insights

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and highly relevant overview of sustainability and the circular economy, making it an essential foundation for professionals. Students particularly praise its ability to bridge complex environmental challenges with practical, real-world solutions, enabling them to apply concepts directly within their organizations. The well-structured modules guide learners through topics from climate science to sustainable practices in various industries. While some note the course offers a broad, introductory perspective rather than deep technical dives, it is widely regarded as an excellent starting point for those looking to integrate sustainability into their professional lives and further their understanding in the field. The lectures are often cited as clear and engaging, making complex topics accessible.

Offers breadth over specialized technical depth.

"I appreciated the broad overview, but some topics felt a bit introductory."

"For advanced learners, it might not provide the in-depth technical details they seek."

"I would have liked a deeper dive into certain areas, but it's a good generalist course."

Concepts are clearly explained and easy to follow.

"The instructors clearly explained complex concepts, making them very accessible."

"I found the explanations of the circular economy butterfly diagram particularly clear."

"The lectures were well-structured and easy to follow, even for someone new to the field."

A strong base for deeper sustainability studies.

"This course is an excellent starting point for anyone new to the sustainability field."

"It perfectly sets the stage for the rest of the Applied Sustainability specialization."

"I found it provided a solid understanding of core concepts before moving on."

Provides actionable strategies for real-world use.

"I can now apply sustainable practices directly to my professional role."

"The examples of how companies are adopting circular economy principles were very helpful."

"I learned practical tools that empower me to drive change in my organization."

Covers broad, relevant sustainability topics.

"I really gained a comprehensive view of global challenges and emerging solutions."

"The course covers everything from climate change to circular economy, which is a lot but useful."

"I found the breadth of topics, from agriculture to fashion, incredibly insightful."

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 Sustainability and the Circular Economy with these activities:

Refresh foundational knowledge in physics and chemistry

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Strengthens the foundation in physics and chemistry, which are essential for understanding sustainability and environmental science.

Browse courses on Physics

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Review basic concepts in physics, such as energy, power, and heat transfer.
Review basic concepts in chemistry, such as chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and equilibrium.
Apply these concepts to solve problems related to sustainability.

Read Donella Meadows' book, Thinking in Systems: A Primer

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Develops a foundational understanding of systems thinking, an essential framework for understanding sustainability and interconnectedness in complex systems.

View Thinking in Systems: International Bestseller on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly and make notes of key concepts.
Identify examples of systems thinking in the real world.
Apply systems thinking principles to analyze sustainability issues.

Read Kate Raworth's book, Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist

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Introduces the concept of Doughnut Economics, a holistic framework for achieving sustainable and equitable development.

View Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a... on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly and make notes of key concepts.
Discuss the implications of Doughnut Economics with peers or mentors.
Apply Doughnut Economics principles to analyze real-world sustainability issues.

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Practice calculating carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions

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Reinforces understanding of carbon footprint calculations and their significance in quantifying climate impact.

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Identify resources for calculating carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions.
Complete practice problems and calculations.
Analyze the results of the calculations and discuss their implications.

Complete interactive tutorials on circular economy principles

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Provides a hands-on approach to understanding the principles of the circular economy and its practical applications.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Research and identify reputable online tutorials on the circular economy.
Complete the tutorials and take notes on key concepts.
Discuss the implications of the circular economy with peers or mentors.

Develop a presentation on a sustainable product or service

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Challenges students to research and communicate the value and impact of sustainable products and services.

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Research and select a sustainable product or service.
Analyze the product's or service's sustainability features and benefits.
Develop a compelling presentation that highlights the product's or service's sustainability attributes and value proposition.
Present the product or service to a group of peers or industry professionals.

Engage in a sustainability challenge or project in your local community

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Provides students with practical experience in applying sustainability principles and collaborating with community stakeholders.

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Identify a sustainability issue or challenge in your local community.
Develop a project or initiative to address the issue.
Collaborate with community partners and stakeholders to implement the project.
Monitor and evaluate the impact of the project.

Compile and organize course materials for a personal sustainability toolkit

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Enhances retention and accessibility of course materials for future reference and practical application.

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Gather and review all course materials, including notes, assignments, and readings.
Organize materials into logical categories or themes.
Create a personal sustainability toolkit for easy access to key concepts and resources.

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainability and the Circular Economy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability plans and programs for organizations. They may also work with stakeholders to promote sustainability. The Sustainability and the Circular Economy course may be useful in this role by providing a foundation in sustainability and the circular economy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as air and water pollution, hazardous waste management, and climate change. The Sustainability and the Circular Economy course may be useful in this role by providing a foundation in sustainability and the circular economy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Climatologist

Climatologists study climate and climate change. They use data from weather stations, satellites, and other sources to understand how the climate is changing and what the impacts of climate change will be. The Sustainability and the Circular Economy course may be useful in this role by providing a foundation in climate change and the circular economy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climatologist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans. They may specialize in a particular area, such as air quality, water quality, or hazardous waste management. The Sustainability and the Circular Economy course may be useful in this role by providing a foundation in sustainability and the circular economy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists study the conservation of natural resources, such as forests, water, and wildlife. They develop and implement plans to protect and restore these resources. The Sustainability and the Circular Economy course may be useful in this role by providing a foundation in sustainability and the circular economy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. The Sustainability and the Circular Economy course may be useful in this role by providing a foundation in sustainability and the circular economy, which can be applied to the design and construction of sustainable infrastructure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design and operate chemical plants and processes. They also develop new products and technologies. The Sustainability and the Circular Economy course may be useful in this role by providing a foundation in sustainability and the circular economy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and build machines, engines, and other mechanical devices. They also develop new products and technologies. The Sustainability and the Circular Economy course may be useful in this role by providing a foundation in sustainability and the circular economy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Meteorologist

Meteorologists study the atmosphere and its phenomena, such as weather, climate, and air pollution. They may specialize in a particular area, such as forecasting, research, or education. The Sustainability and the Circular Economy course may be useful in this role by providing a foundation in sustainability and the circular economy, which can be applied to the study of the atmosphere and its phenomena.

See salaries and explore the career path for Meteorologist

Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the oceans and their interactions with the atmosphere, land, and life. They may specialize in a particular area, such as physical oceanography, chemical oceanography, or biological oceanography. The Sustainability and the Circular Economy course may be useful in this role by providing a foundation in sustainability and the circular economy, which can be applied to the study of the oceans and their interactions with the atmosphere, land, and life.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer

Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the movement of water through the Earth's systems. They may specialize in a particular area, such as surface water, groundwater, or water quality. The Sustainability and the Circular Economy course may be useful in this role by providing a foundation in sustainability and the circular economy, which can be applied to the study of water resources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists study the properties and behavior of materials, such as metals, ceramics, and polymers. They develop new materials and improve existing materials for use in a wide range of applications. The Sustainability and the Circular Economy course may be useful in this role by providing a foundation in sustainability and the circular economy, which can be applied to the development of sustainable materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Geologist

Geologists study the Earth's geology, including its structure, composition, and history. They may specialize in a particular area, such as geophysics, geochemistry, or paleontology. The Sustainability and the Circular Economy course may be useful in this role by providing a foundation in sustainability and the circular economy, which can be applied to the study of the Earth's geology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Agricultural Scientist

Agricultural Scientists conduct research to address concerns such as the effects of climate change on the food supply and the need to protect the environment. The Sustainability and the Circular Economy course may be useful in this role by providing a foundation in climate change, sustainability, and the circular economy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Scientist

Biologist

Biologists study living organisms and their interactions with the environment. They may specialize in a particular area, such as ecology, zoology, or botany. The Sustainability and the Circular Economy course may be useful in this role by providing a foundation in sustainability and the circular economy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biologist