This course looks at where important materials in products we use every day come from and how these materials can be used more efficiently, longer, and in closed loops. This is the aim of the Circular Economy, but it doesn’t happen on its own. It is the result of choices and strategies by suppliers, designers, businesses, policymakers and all of us as consumers.
In addition to providing many cases of managing materials for sustainability, the course also teaches skills and tools for analyzing circular business models and promotes development of your own ideas to become more involved in the transition to a Circular Economy.
You will learn from expert researchers and practitioners from around Europe as they explain core elements and challenges in the transition to a circular economy over the course of 5 modules:
Module 1: Materials. This module explores where materials come from, and builds a rationale for why society needs more circularity.
Module 2: Circular Business Models. In this module circular business models are explored in-depth and a range of ways for business to create economic and social value are discussed.
Module 3: Circular Design, Innovation and Assessment. This module presents topics like functional materials and eco-design as well as methods to assess environmental impacts.
Module 4: Policies and Networks. This module explores the role of governments and networks and how policies and sharing best practices can enable the circular economy.
Module 5: Circular Societies. This module examines new norms, forms of engagement, social systems, and institutions, needed by the circular economy and how we, as individuals, can help society become more circular.
This course is brought to you by:
LUND UNIVERSITY
INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS (IIIEE)
EIT RAWMATERIALS
VITO
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF DENMARK AND GREENLAND
NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS
GHENT UNIVERSITY
DELFT UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
This module explores sourcing of materials from extraction to refining processes as well as the complexity of material supply. It builds a rationale for why we need to transform to a Circular Economy.
Overview of Policies for a Circular Economy - Part I•3 minutes
Overview of Policies for a Circular Economy - Part II•2 minutes
Overview of Policies for a Circular Economy - Part III•2 minutes
Extended Producer Responsibility - Part I•3 minutes
Extended Producer Responsibility - Part II•5 minutes
Extended Producer Responsibility - Part III•2 minutes
Policies for Extended Product Lifetimes•2 minutes
EU Ecodesign Directive•5 minutes
Policies and Outlook in The Netherlands•5 minutes
Importance of Networks for Sharing Information•6 minutes
Follow Your Phone - Part IV•6 minutes
OVAM - Policy and the Circular Economy in Flanders•7 minutes
Skillbuilder - Context Analysis and Idea Development•3 minutes
7 readings•Total 53 minutes
From Waste to Materials - Summary•3 minutes
EU and Circular Economy•10 minutes
Policy Instruments to Improve Product Circularity•10 minutes
EPR for Mobile Phones (Extension)•5 minutes
Overview of Policies for Ecodesign and Circular Economy•5 minutes
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ecodesign Policy Strategies•10 minutes
Other Examples of Initiatives to Stimulate Circular Economy via Information Sharing and Networking (Extension)•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Week 4•30 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
Part C - Upscaling Circular Business Models•120 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Learning From History?•10 minutes
Circular Societies
Module 5•2 hours to complete
Module details
This module examines new norms, forms of engagement, social systems, and institutions, needed by the circular economy and how we, as individuals, can help society become more circular.
Lund University was founded in 1666 and has for a number of years been ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The University has 47 700 students and 7 500 staff based in Lund, Sweden. Lund University unites tradition with a modern, dynamic, and highly international profile. With eight different faculties and numerous research centres and specialized institutes, Lund is the strongest research university in Sweden and one of Scandinavia's largest institutions for education and research. The university annually attracts a large number of international students and offers a wide range of courses and programmes taught in English.
In addition, International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE) is part of the university and works to advance strategies for sustainable solutions through cutting edge interdisciplinary research, high-quality innovative education, and effective communication and strong partnerships.
EIT RawMaterials, initiated and funded by the EIT (European Institute of Innovation and Technology), a body of the European Union, is the largest consortium in the raw materials sector worldwide. Its vision is to develop raw materials into a major strength for Europe. Its mission is to enable sustainable competitiveness of the European minerals, metals and materials sector along the value chain by driving innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. This course has received funding from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, under the Horizon 2020, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.
VITO is a leading European independent research and technology organisation in the areas of cleantech and sustainable development, with a goal to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world. VITO provides innovative and high-quality solutions, whereby large and small companies can gain a competitive advantage, and advises industry and governments on determining their policy for the future. VITO is based in Mol, Belgium, and has 750 highly qualified employees who work on international projects all around the world.
The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) is an independent research and advisory institution in the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Climate. GEUS serves an advisory role for the Danish and Greenlandic Governments including the ministries of Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Climate, Environment, Foreign Affairs and Higher Education and Science. GEUS also operates in the private sector and participates in EU projects, including the EURARE and Minerals4EU projects, and leads the Mineral Intelligence Capacity [MICA] project.
The National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) is the oldest and most prestigious technical educational institution in Greece with 9 schools and more than 7000 students. Today NTUA employs 1900 academic and administrative staff and more than 2500 researchers. Over the last 20 years, NTUA has actively participated in many national and international R&D projects. The School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering contributes leading research in fields including extractive metallurgical process development, rehabilitation of sites polluted from mining and metallurgical industries, thermodynamic studies of metallurgical systems, mathematical modelling, simulation of metallurgical and environmental protection processes, and synthesis of inorganic polymeric materials from mining and metallurgical wastes.
Ghent University is a top 100 university located in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium and in the heart of Europe. Founded in 1817, Ghent University is today one of the largest universities in Flanders, with a student body of 41,000, including more than 4,150 international students. Ghent University is an active partner in national and international educational, scientific and industrial cooperation. The university has over 117 faculty departments, divided into the eleven faculties, which offer high-quality courses in their scientific disciplines, each inspired by innovative research.
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is the largest and oldest technological university in the Netherlands. The university’s research is inspired by the desire to increase fundamental understanding, as well as by societal challenges. TU Delft encourages students to be independent thinkers so they will become engineers capable of solving complex problems. With its unique technological infrastructure, broad knowledge base, worldwide reputation and successful alumni, TU Delft is contributing significantly to the development of responsible solutions to urgent societal problems in the Netherlands and the rest of the world.
OK
Explore more from Environmental Science and Sustainability
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.8
2,084 reviews
5 stars
82.14%
4 stars
14.68%
3 stars
2.30%
2 stars
0.33%
1 star
0.52%
Showing 3 of 2084
H
HH
4·
Reviewed on Oct 18, 2021
I enjoyed taking the course. It's well organized and flexible for students with who struggle to find time for study. This course has given me the fundamental knowledge in circular economy.
A
AF
5·
Reviewed on Feb 12, 2020
This course is so insightful and has enthused me to go back to study this further. I recommend this course to anyone interested in sustainable resources and the circular economy!
A
AS
5·
Reviewed on Nov 6, 2023
The course helped me completely in understanding about Circular Economy with great business models. No metters if you are from science background there are many business opportunities for you.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.