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.

Sustainability Defined and How We Got Here

This module introduces the classic definition of sustainability and sustainable development (Brundtland Commission), along with contemporary concepts of regenerative and restorative practices. We discuss the IPAT equation as a means of providing a macro-view of environmental impacts as a function of population and affluence. The UN Sustainable Development Goals are covered, with a view to how business can impact these in a positive way. The module concludes with an overview of neoliberal economics and the resulting wealth inequality it led to, and a more positive, inclusive model proposed by Kate Raworth in her book, "Doughnut Economics".

The Science of Climate Change

This module opens with an overview of the greenhouse effect resulting from greenhouse gases, both good and bad. We then illustrate from the Keeling Curve that GHGs are increasing and have been markedly since the dawn of the industrial revolution. We then discuss the relationship between GHGs and anthropogenic sources, meaning mostly fossil fuels, and the evidence linking the two. We cover the Carbon Dioxide Equivalent, and how one calculates it from GHG emissions and their respective global warming potentials (GWP). The Albedo Effect is then covered as a reinforcing mechanism to climate change. Finally, the module covers the Paris Accord and the need for change.

GHGs and Electric Power Generation

This module is all about conventional power generation using coal, natural gas and nuclear energy. The module begins with how coal, oil and natural gas are formed millions of years ago. We then discuss basic units of heat, power and energy, using both English and International units to communicate in a bilingual way. We dive deeper into nuclear energy, its pros and cons, and whether it should be part of a zero-carbon future. The module wraps up with a discussion of the UN's initiatives called Conference of Parties, or COP, and the resulting outcome of the Paris Climate Accord to limit global warming to 2.0o Celsius.

Sustainable Solutions in Daily Life

Now that you understand the global challenges facing all of us, this module showcases the emerging solutions demonstrating the value of sustainable products and to identify them. We cover the areas of transportation, noting the rapid transition to Electric Vehicles, and and developments in E-Planes. As billions of people across the globe migrate to the cities to live and work, there is considerable opportunity to design/redesign cities to be more livable, and this module highlights several successes across the world, including green building and retrofit techniques. We then explore sustainability in daily life, discussing the emerging area of Regenerative Agriculture, the process of growing more nutritious food with zero synthetic inputs, while benefitting the soil. How that food is distributed is changing as well, as consumers everywhere are paying attention not only to what they eat but who is providing it. The module then discusses the clothes that we wear, as consumers are becoming increasingly aware that what they put on their bodies is as important as what they put in their bodies. Apparel and the fashion industry are one of the greatest polluters of all industries, and consumers are demanding change. We wrap-up this module with a discussion of how Fast Fashion is giving way to a new model of Slow Fashion.

Introduction to the Circular Economy

In this final module, we transition from greenhouse gases, climate change and power generation to the product lifecycle, introducing the concept of the Circular Economy, and how it differs from today's linear economy. We begin with a brief overview of the linear economy, and how it is challenged to support 8 Billion people on the planet. We then show the three basic principles of the Circular Economy, and how it decouples economic growth from resource extraction. We emphasize the work of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, going through the Circular Economy Butterfly Diagram in detail, with many examples highlighting how this is put into practice. We conclude with an overview of the recycling process, its successes and current challenges.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

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.

Browse courses on Sustainability

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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