Circular Economy: An Introduction

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.Episode 1: What is the circular economy?How can the circular economy provide solutions to the challengesour current, linear economy brings? We explore the roots of the circular economy together with experts in the fields ofindustrial ecology,cradle to cradleandbiomimicry.Episode 2: Business value in a circular economyThroughclosed loop supply chainsandreversed logistics,new opportunities for business are created. This episode explores value creation andnew business modelsin a circular economy.Episode 3: Longer lasting productsThe smaller the loop, the greater the profitability of the system. We look at product life extension through the eyes ofdesignersandentrepreneurs. Join us in our repair café!Episode 4: RemanufacturingRemanufacturingenables 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 withresearchersandentrepreneurs.Episode 5: Waste equals FoodThis episode discusses how we can takeinspiration from nature, when redesigning the way we deal with waste. We’ll present a fascinating circularcase study. Can you identify opportunities for change in your own area’s?Episode 6: Thinking in systemsThe 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 reallysustainable?Episode 7: Giving backWe end the course with awebinar. Your teachers will be available in a live session to discuss some of the thorniest issues and to answer your questions. This is also the week of the final exam.