Introduction to Circular Economy

Basic terms and principles of circular economy and differences compared to linear economy. Importance and scope of circular economy; circular economy legislation, policies, European strategies. Sustainable business models, societies and responsibility of individual. Waste, life cycle and life cycle of a product. Energy and environment in the context of circular economy. Circular economy and mineral resources. Principles of green chemistry and how to analyse circular economy measures in environmentally friendly chemical industry. New materials in the basis of industrial waste. Bioeconomy and circular economy. Applying circular economy in different fields: wood, plastic, metal, textile and clothing industry, computer, electronics, optical and electrical appliance industry, chemical industry etc. Materials and possibilities for materials reuse and recycling. Applying circular economy in civil engineering.

NB! This course will take place in spring semester 2024/2025 which starts on 3rd of February and ends on 16th of June (you can find that information under Start date section). The real course start and end dates will be announced at the beginning of February at the latest.

After completing this course, the student:

• describes basic terms, principles and legislation of circular economy;
• describes differences and impacts of circular and linear business models;
• describes material flows (from mining, processing, manufacturing to reusing and recycling);
• analyses manufacturing processing accordingly to the principles of circular economy and sustainability;
• makes suggestions for applying more sustainable business models;
• describes different types of raw materials and their demand in different industries;
• values different materials used in the industry and everyday life and knows the importance of reusing and recycling in the context of sustainable economic development.

Final assessment can consist of one test/assignment or several smaller assignments completed during the whole course. After declaring a course the student can re-sit the exam/assessment once. Assessment can be graded or non-graded. For specific information about the assessment process please get in touch with the contact person of this course. For specific information about grade transfer please contact your home university

No prerequisites

• Helen Kopnina, Kim Poldner, Circular Economy: Challenges and Opportunities for Ethical and Sustainable Business, 2021, Routledge
• A circular economy handbook : how to build a more resilient, competitive and sustainable business / Catherine Weetman: Kogan Page, 2021
• European Environmental Agency & European Topic Centre Waste and Materials in a Green Economy (2021), Business Models in a Circular Economy, https://www.eionet.europa.eu/etcs/etc-wmge/products/business-models-in-a-circular-economy

lectures