Circular Economy: The Big Idea
Delve into the concepts of the circular economy to understand its origin, design, and importance for the planet and our economy.
4,222 enrolled on this course
Duration
3 weeksWeekly study
4 hours100% online
How it works
Circular Economy: The Big Idea
Learn about almost everything there is to know about the circular economy
Our current linear economy consumes finite resources, turns them into products, and creates a never-ending stream of waste. Through the clever design of products, systems, and policies, we can instead create a circular approach that benefits businesses, people, and the planet.
On this three-week course, you’ll develop your understanding of how and where the circular economy came from. You’ll start by examining the limitations of the linear economy and why we can’t just simply modify it to fix its problems.
You’ll learn key terminology, concepts, and the three principles of the circular economy to ensure you’re able to apply the thinking to your own work or studies.
Unpack the systems diagram and really get to grips with the concept
To help you develop the mindset required to apply a circular economy, you’ll learn how to use a systems diagram to manage material flows and their inherent value. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to design for a circular economy.
By exploring case studies to see the circular economy in action, you’ll discover how successful circular business models operate.
Explore policy development for a circular economy
Next, you’ll delve into policy development to understand the importance and power of policy to achieve circularity.
You’ll discover how policies are designed and gain an understanding of what policies are currently in place to help accelerate the transition to the circular economy.
Learn from the experts at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Throughout the course, you’ll be guided by the specialists at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
With their expertise and using economic examples, you’ll finish the course with the knowledge and skills to apply circular economy concepts to your own work or studies.
Syllabus
Week 1
Understanding the circular economy
Introduction
We'll start with a thought experiment...
Three products
Let's analyse these three products
What is the linear economy?
We need to properly understand the status quo before we can imagine alternatives
An emerging mindset
The way we think shapes how we see the world. What kind of thinking can conjure up a circular economy?
The circular economy
It's time to get to know the circular economy
End of week one wrap up
Let's summarise what we've learned this week
Week 2
Designing for a circular economy
Recapping week one
Let's look back on the key points from week one
The butterfly diagram
Take a look at how flows of materials - and value relationships - work in a circular economy
Designing for a circular economy
Upstream solutions have to be designed. Here's how we do that for a circular economy.
Case study: the washing machine
Let's have a close look at the factors to consider when designing washing machines
From consumer to user
What if we moved more towards a use model rather than an ownership model?
A close look at the biological cycle
Let's take a look at how we can create value in the biocycle and rethink farming systems at land and at sea.
End of week two wrap up
Let's reflect on what we've learned this week
Week 3
Making the shift
An introduction to week three
Find out what we have planned for this week, and recap the key ideas from week two
Push and pull factors
Which factors are 'pushing' companies and governments away from a linear economy, and which ones are 'pulling' them towards a circular economy?
Rules of the game
Let's take a close look at how regulation can affect a shift to the circular economy
Policy and the circular economy
Let's look closely at how policy can and does influence a circular economy
Communicating the circular economy
There are often misconceptions that can befuddle our attempts to clearly communicate the concept. Let's try and avoid some here!
Take a stance
It's time for you to take a position on the circular economy
A summary sandwich
Have you ever compared the circular economy to a sandwich? Maybe it's time you did!
End of the course wrap up
You've made it to the end of the course, so let's recap!
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Explore the origins of the circular economy
- Assess the problems associated with the linear economy
- Critique the approaches some have taken to 'fixing' the linear economy
- Reflect upon the three principles of the circular economy
- Compare the different flows of materials, and their corresponding values, within the circular economy
- Discuss circular design techniques and their relative merits and uses
- Evaluate the value of circular business models
- Assess the push and pull factors for transitioning to a circular economy
- Explore the different policy decisions that contribute to a circular economy
- Evaluate the systemic repercussions of changing policy to support a circular economy
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for anyone interested in the circular economy and its application.
Who will you learn with?
Who developed the course?
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is committed to the creation of a circular economy that tackles global challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution.
Ways to learn | Buy this course | Subscribe & save | Limited access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose the best way to learn for you! | $109/one-off payment | $244.99 for a whole year Automatically renews | Free |
| Fulfill your current learning need | Develop skills to further your career | Sample the course materials | |
| Access to this course | tick | tick | Access expires 4 Nov 2024 |
| Access to 1,000+ courses | cross | tick | cross |
| Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
| Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
| Certificate when you're eligible | Printed and digital | Digital only | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Subscribe & save
$244.99 for a whole year
Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Buy this course
$109/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Limited access
Free
Sample the course materials
- Access expires 4 Nov 2024
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) Sale price available until 31 October 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply. | |||
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Sale price available until 31 October 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.
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