BSD001 Sustainability, circular economy and digitalisation

Contents and structure

Circular economy has become an important concept in the discussion of sustainable development. Development in a more sustainable direction based on circular principles refers to new ways of organizing the economy that can reduce the gap between resource extraction and reuse. Today, approx. 7 percent of the world's resources reused in the economy. The remaining 93% ends up as waste. A transition to a circular economy will be able to change this relationship and reduce the need for constant extraction of non-renewable resources in accordance with the goal of sustainable development (SDG).

Through this subject, you will gain a better understanding of what a circular economy is and what adjustments taking care of the materials in the economy for as long as possible may require. You will gain more knowledge of sustainable development and green growth, as well as how digitization can play an important role in a future circular economy. The topic of circular business models is central and you will get an introduction to how industries and businesses can adapt and innovate in line with circular strategies and principles.

Learning Outcome

A candidate with completed qualifications shall have the following overall learning outcomes defined in knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

Candidates shall be able to:

▪ Understand the background of sustainability and the circular economy within academia, politics, and business, with special emphasis on industrial and technological revolutions.

▪ Have insight into agreements, regulations, and plans at various levels, including circular initiatives globally, nationally, and locally, such as the EU Green Deal.

▪ Recognize key challenges related to sustainable growth, such as climate emissions, resource scarcity, and biodiversity loss, as well as describe obstacles and dilemmas in the transition to a circular economy.

▪ Explain basic concepts and principles of sustainable development and the circular economy.

▪ Define what a circular economy is and how circular strategies, such as design, can contribute to sustainability.

▪ Possess solid knowledge of circular business models and innovation for the development of products/services, processes, and markets. Understand the importance of cross-sector or cross-industry collaboration as a prerequisite for realizing these goals.

▪ Describe connections within value chains and material flows across different industries and companies.

▪ Have knowledge of digitalization as an enabling technology for circular solutions.

▪ Recognize factors that can accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Skills

Candidates shall be able to:

▪ Identify characteristics of an industry/sector and potential opportunities and relevant barriers for more circular business practices.

▪ Analyze value chains and material flows within their own organization and identify opportunities to keep resources in circulation as long as possible using circular principles and strategies, with minimal energy consumption.

▪ Contribute to the development, promotion, and integration of circular business models within an organization, identifying areas with the greatest potential in a circular value cycle.

General Competence

Candidates shall be able to:

▪ Understand the importance of transitioning to a circular economy and the need for more circular production processes in the economy and in businesses.

▪ Recognize various circular strategies and how they can transform established business models.

▪ Propose initiatives and identify examples that utilize the potential for sustainable business development based on the circular economy.

▪ Assess an organization's environment and the need/opportunities for collaboration with others.

▪ Demonstrate critical reflection on topics covered in the subject (e.g., concepts such as economic growth and greenwashing).

Entry requirements

None

Teaching methods

Physical lectures/gatherings, exercises, self-study and possibly guest lectures/excursions.

Digital lectures (synchronous and asynchronous).

Case example, tasks and reflection tasks. Podcasts and video material.

Compulsory learning activities

In order to sit the exam, the following two compulsory learning activities must be completed:

• Completed two group written submissions
• Carried out a group oral/digital presentation

Assessment

A group semester assignment (counts 100%): A written submission, which can also include contributions in the form of, for example, a video or a contribution in social media.

Grade scale A-F, where F corresponds to fail.

Examination support material

All

More about examination support material

Course reductions

• FLE119 - Berekraft, sirkulærøkonomi og digitalisering - Reduction: 10 studypoints
• NVB011 - Berekraft, sirkulær økonomi og digitalisering - Reduction: 7.5 studypoints
• DKR003 - Berekraft, sirkulærøkonomig og digitalisering - Reduction: 7.5 studypoints
• ESB112 - Sirkulær økonomi - Reduction: 7.5 studypoints