Circular Economy: Material Flows and Sustainable Materials – Practical Applications

The EU’s circular economy strategy increases the need for expertise in the use of sustainable and recycled materials. This course provides tools and knowledge for the use of sustainable materials, development towards sustainability of existing materials, recycled and upcycled materials and how they contribute to the green transition through reduced energy consumption, longer lifespan, reduced costs, reduced waste volumes, better user-friendliness and opportunities for social entrepreneurship. The course will give you the opportunity to work on your own project in your own context and include different creative and practical tools.

Course content

• Part 1: Introduction to the Circular Economy
• Part 2: Design for Recycling
• Part 3: Use of Recycled Materials
• Part 4: Substitution with Sustainable Alternatives
• Part 5: Conditions for Circular Systems and Economies

Course design

Open online course with pre-recorded lectures, interview and workshops, with reading, reflection and creative assignments. Self-paced, start and finish when you want to.

This course takes about 80 study hours to complete.

You will learn

1. How circular economy, material flows and sustainable materials can be understood in a broader sustainability context.
2. Using various tools and models to analyze and improve material flows and product design.
3. Practically apply and implement the knowledge in the course to their own business or a chosen project.

Who is the course for?

The course is aimed at professionals in industry, waste management, construction, material production, product development, recycling solutions, local and regional government, design and different creative professions. It is also open to students on all levels and participants without an academic background who want to deepen their knowledge in circular economy and sustainable material choices.