Circular Economy: An Interdisciplinary Approach from edX

Do you want to contribute to a more sustainable society? Tackle the challenges in the transition towards a circular economy? In this course you will analyse what it takes to create a circular economy including sustainable supply chains.

The transition towards a circular economy is one of the biggest challenges in order to create a more sustainable society. This transition requires circular thinking and an interdisciplinary approach, combining socio-technical, managerial, and environmental considerations.

Right now we design products from cradle to grave: from production to consumption to waste, which is a linear model. But we should design products from cradle to cradle: in a closed loop whereby they don't become waste, but valuable resources again. And when we start thinking in circles, we might as well try to reinvent not just supply chains, but entire systems. Because that's what we have been doing with sustainability: we have been departing from the status quo, while cradle to cradle and circular pushes us to think outside the box.

Cradle to Cradle celebrates abundance; it recognizes that people, just like ants and trees, are abundant and have a large impact on their environment. The challenge is to make this impact a positive one and we invite you to join this challenge!

In the MOOC Circular Economy: An Interdisciplinary Approach, we therefore take a systems approach to the circular economy, considering different stakeholder perspectives, their incentive structures, and their impact on circular alternatives.

The circular solutions will be assessed by using applied, as well as emerging, technologies. You will learn how to use life cycle assessment and agent-based modelling to assess the socio-technical and manageable challenges and environmental benefits of alternative solutions.

Join the MicroMasters Program

This MOOC is part of two MicroMasters Programs, Economics and Policies for a Circular Bio-Economy and Business and Operations for a Circular Bio-Economy.

Both programmes prepare you for the transition from fossil to renewable, biobased resources and consist of 3 courses and a final project; the capstone:

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the concept of a circular economy
Understand how a circular economy deviates from the current linear system
Analyse and develop complex circular systems using a systems thinking approach

Assess the use of life cycle assessment and agent based modelling
Formulate improvements for a transition towards a circular design
Learn how to use and apply complexity aspects & agent-based modelling

Understand the concept of a circular economy
Understand how a circular economy deviates from the current linear system
Analyse and develop complex circular systems using a systems thinking approach
Assess the use of life cycle assessment and agent based modelling
Formulate improvements for a transition towards a circular design
Learn how to use and apply complexity aspects & agent-based modelling

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to the Circular Economy

In this module, we will investigate how the circular economy is defined, how it deviates from the current so-called "linear" system and how it relates to other sustainable schools of thought. At the end of this module, we hope you will have learned the main principles of the circular economy and the reasons to invest in a transition towards a circular economy.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Emiel Wubben, Jan Vreeburg, David Strik, Alistair Beames, Gert Jan Hofstede, and Dr. Kim Poldner, who are recognized for their work in sustainability

Develops advanced capabilities in sustainable supply chains and circular economy

Examines interdisciplinary aspects of circular economy, encompassing socio-technical, managerial, and environmental considerations

Teaches skills in life cycle assessment and agent-based modeling, which are highly relevant in sustainability research

Provides a systems approach to circular economy, considering different stakeholder perspectives and their impact on circular alternatives

Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials, enhancing the learning experience

Reviews summary

Circular economy: holistic & interdisciplinary

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary overview of the circular economy. Students particularly appreciate the systems thinking approach and the clear explanation of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Many professionals found the content directly applicable to their work and highlighted the knowledgeable and engaging instructors. While the course delivers a strong theoretical foundation, some learners found the Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) module less practical, wishing for more hands-on exercises or simplified explanations. Overall, it's considered an excellent introduction to the field, though deeper application for ABM may require additional study.

Provides a strong theoretical foundation, but limited depth.

"While it claims 'interdisciplinary', some modules, especially on transition management, could have gone deeper. Good for a general overview..."

"I was looking for more practical application and concrete strategies for implementing circular economy principles. This course felt too academic and theoretical..."

"It's a good theoretical foundation, but I expected more actionable takeaways for a professional audience."

Knowledgeable instructors and well-presented content.

"The instructors were knowledgeable and engaging. Highly recommend for anyone in sustainability."

"The course material is well-researched and presented clearly. It reinforced my decision to pursue a career in sustainable development."

"Fantastic course for getting a holistic view of the circular economy. The instructors are experts, and the content is engaging."

Valuable concepts directly applicable to professional work.

"As a professional, I found many concepts directly applicable to my work."

"I found many concepts directly applicable to my work, and the discussions in the forum were also very active and added value."

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

Offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary view of CE.

"This course provided a fantastic overview of the circular economy from multiple perspectives."

"It covers all the essential aspects of circular economy, from definitions to practical tools like LCA."

"This course delivers on its promise of an interdisciplinary approach. I particularly found the transition management module useful."

The Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) module is theoretical.

"I found the ABM part a bit too theoretical for my taste, and I wished there were more practical examples or hands-on exercises for it."

"ABM was confusing, and I didn't feel I grasped its application fully. Good for a general overview, but not for in-depth understanding."

"The ABM section could benefit from more interactive elements or simplified explanations for non-modellers. Nevertheless, a solid foundation."

"I found the coverage of some topics, particularly ABM, to be quite challenging. It felt like an introduction without enough practical context..."

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 Interdisciplinary Approach with these activities:

Read 'Cradle to Cradle'

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This book provides an introduction to the concept of a circular economy and its benefits.

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

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Read the book
Take notes on the key concepts
Write a summary of the book

Watch tutorials on circular economy

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Watching tutorials on circular economy is a great way to further your understanding of this topic outside of class.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Find tutorials on circular economy
Watch the tutorials
Take notes on the key concepts

Create a mind map of the circular economy

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This activity will help you to visualize the different components of a circular economy and how they interact.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Brainstorm the key concepts of a circular economy
Create a visual representation of these concepts
Connect the concepts with arrows or lines to show how they interact

Six other activities

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Show all nine activities

Attend a circular economy conference

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Attending a conference on circular economy will allow you to network with other professionals in this field and learn about the latest developments.

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Find a circular economy conference
Register for the conference
Attend the conference

Form a study group with other students in the course

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Forming a study group will allow you to learn from your peers and to get help with the material.

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Find other students in the course
Schedule a time to meet
Discuss the course material

Solve problems related to circular economy

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This activity will help you to apply the concepts of circular economy to real-world problems.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Find a problem that can be solved using the principles of a circular economy
Develop a solution to the problem
Test the solution

Participate in a circular economy workshop

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Participating in a circular economy workshop will give you the opportunity to learn from experts in this field and to network with other professionals.

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Find a circular economy workshop
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop

Volunteer with a circular economy organization

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Volunteering with a circular economy organization will give you the opportunity to gain practical experience in this field and to make a positive contribution to the community.

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Find a circular economy organization
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Volunteer with the organization

Participate in a circular economy competition

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Participating in a circular economy competition will give you the opportunity to test your knowledge and skills and to win prizes.

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Find a circular economy competition
Register for the competition
Complete the competition

Career center

Learners who complete Circular Economy: An Interdisciplinary Approach will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Circular Economy Specialist

In the role of a Circular Economy Specialist, you'll be at the forefront of developing and implementing strategies for transitioning organizations towards a circular economy. This course's focus on circular systems engineering, transition management, and assessment tools will provide you with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to analyze complex systems, identify circular opportunities, and design innovative solutions to promote resource efficiency and reduce waste.

See salaries and explore the career path for Circular Economy Specialist

Circular Economy Consultant

As a Circular Economy Consultant, you'll advise organizations on strategies and solutions for adopting circular economy principles. This course's comprehensive coverage of circular economy concepts, assessment tools, and case studies will provide you with the expertise to help clients identify opportunities, develop implementation plans, and measure the progress of their circular economy initiatives.

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Circular Economy Researcher

In the role of a Circular Economy Researcher, you'll contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in the field of circular economy. This course's emphasis on systems thinking, assessment tools, and case studies will provide you with a strong foundation for conducting research, exploring new circular concepts, and developing evidence-based solutions to promote sustainability.

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Circular Economy Project Manager

As a Circular Economy Project Manager, you'll be responsible for planning, executing, and managing circular economy initiatives. This course's focus on circular design, transition management, and stakeholder engagement will provide you with the knowledge and skills to lead successful circular economy projects, from concept development to implementation and evaluation.

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Sustainability Manager

As a Sustainability Manager, you'll be responsible for leading and implementing sustainability initiatives within an organization. This course's emphasis on circular economy strategies and stakeholder engagement will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to drive change towards a more sustainable and circular future. You'll learn to evaluate sustainability performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop and implement effective sustainability plans.

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Environmental Consultant

An Environmental Consultant plays a vital role in advising organizations on sustainable practices. As you'll be working with clients across various industries, you'll need a strong understanding of environmental regulations and trends. This course's focus on circular economy principles, systems thinking, and life cycle assessment will equip you with the knowledge and tools to effectively assess environmental impacts, develop sustainable solutions, and help organizations transition to a more circular economy.

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Circular Economy Policy Analyst

As a Circular Economy Policy Analyst, you'll play a crucial role in shaping policies and regulations that support the transition to a circular economy. This course's focus on circular economy principles, stakeholder engagement, and transition management will provide you with the knowledge and skills to analyze policy options, assess their impacts, and develop effective policy recommendations to promote circularity.

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Sustainable Supply Chain Manager

In the role of a Sustainable Supply Chain Manager, you'll be responsible for integrating sustainability principles into supply chain operations. This course's emphasis on circular systems engineering, transition management, and stakeholder engagement will provide you with the knowledge and skills to design and manage sustainable supply chains, optimize resource use, and reduce environmental impacts.

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Industrial Ecologist

Industrial Ecologists apply ecological principles to the design and management of industrial systems. This course's focus on circular systems engineering, transition management, and life cycle assessment will provide you with a strong foundation for understanding the interactions between industrial systems and the environment, and developing sustainable solutions that promote resource efficiency and reduce waste.

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Life Cycle Assessment Analyst

As a Life Cycle Assessment Analyst, you'll be responsible for evaluating the environmental impacts of products and services throughout their life cycle. This course's module on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills to conduct LCA studies, interpret results, and make informed decisions to reduce environmental footprints and promote sustainability.

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Sustainability Analyst

As a Sustainability Analyst, you'll be responsible for assessing and reporting on the sustainability performance of organizations. This course's emphasis on circular economy principles, stakeholder engagement, and assessment tools will provide you with the knowledge and skills to analyze sustainability data, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to enhance sustainability performance.

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Product Designer

Product Designers play a crucial role in creating products that are sustainable and circular. This course's emphasis on circular design, systems thinking, and life cycle assessment will provide you with the knowledge and skills to design products that minimize environmental impacts, maximize resource efficiency, and promote circularity throughout their life cycle.

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Agent-Based Modeler

In the field of Agent-Based Modeling, you'll use computer simulations to understand complex systems and predict their behavior. This course's module on Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) will introduce you to the principles and applications of ABM, enabling you to leverage this powerful tool to analyze circular economy scenarios, simulate stakeholder interactions, and explore the dynamics of circular systems.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers play a vital role in designing and implementing solutions to environmental challenges. This course's focus on circular economy principles, life cycle assessment, and systems thinking will provide you with a strong foundation for understanding the environmental impacts of products and processes, and developing sustainable solutions that promote resource efficiency and reduce waste.

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Business Strategist

Business Strategists develop and implement strategies to achieve organizational goals. This course's focus on circular economy principles, transition management, and stakeholder engagement will provide you with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement business strategies that promote circularity, enhance sustainability, and drive innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Strategist