ESB112 Circular economy

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 use. Today, approx. 9 percent of the world's resources are reused in the economy. The remaining 91% ends up as waste. A transition to a circular economy can change this relationship and reduce the need for constant extraction of non-renewable resources in accordance with the goal of sustainable development.

Through the course, you will gain a better understanding of what a circular economy is and what actions might be required to take care of the materials in the economy as long as possible. You will gain more knowledge of sustainable development, and how digitization can play an important role as enabler 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 a completed qualification must have the following total learning outcomes defined in knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Candidates must be able to explain:

• Basic principles and concepts within sustainability and circular economy.
• Explain what circular economy is and how circular solutions can promote sustainability.
• Have knowledge of key international, national and regional agreements, initiatives, regulations, and understand challenges and opportunities related to this for a business, including the UN's sustainability goals.
• Have good knowledge of circular strategies and how to use these to develop new products/services, processes and markets.
• Have knowledge of what can enable the transition to a more circular economy.
• Know what can accelerate the transition to a more circular economy.

Skills

Candidates must be able to identify:

• Conditions in an industry/sector, and what opportunities and obstacles this can be for a company/enterprise's development in a more circular direction.
• Analyze value chains and come up with proposals for how resources can be kept in the cycle for as long as possible and with low energy use.
• Identify and propose changes to a company's business model with a particular focus on sustainable and circular business models.
• Know and be able to make proposals for sustainable changes using e.g. project methodology.

General competence:

The students must:

• Understand the importance of the transition to a circular economy and the need for circular activities in value chains in the economy and in companies/enterprises.
• Know different circular strategies, and how they can change established business models.
• Propose measures and know examples that utilize the potential for sustainable business development based on a circular economy.
• Be able to assess a company's external surroundings and the need/opportunities for collaboration with others.
• Have the ability to critically reflect on the topics in the subject (for example, the terms economic growth and greenwashing).

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Teaching methods

• Physical and digital lectures, in combination with digital modules.
• Seminars, participation in events, guest lectures, company visits and/or workshops. Discussion and problem-based learning through case and examples.
• Supervision.

Compulsory learning activities

In order to sit the exam, the following three work requirements must be met:

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

Assessment

A group based semester assignment (counts 100%): A written submission that 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

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