Why Circular Economy?

Introduction to global sustainability challenges and the circular economy. Material resources and the EU’s strategies for a circular economy. Circular business models and policies in Finland and globally. Principles of circular design, reuse, and recycling. Digital product passports and instruments for sustainable business practices. Systems thinking and societal transformation: how change happens through relationships, perspectives, and courage.

Learning Objectives The student: • Understands why a transition from a linear to a circular economy is necessary for sustainable development. • Can describe global sustainability challenges and how they are connected to resource use and economic models. • Has insight into circular solutions and business models, as well as their significance for climate, biodiversity, and economic resilience. • Is familiar with the principles of circular design and how design decisions affect a product’s life cycle. • Can reflect on system changes and societal transformation related to the circular economy. • Can identify personal opportunities to contribute to a more sustainable future, both professionally and privately.

Teaching Methods:

In this course where the course material is published in the form of podcast sections on this theme, you will learn about, among other things, planetary limitations, how Finland's circular economy is in the roadmaps and in reality, global resource flows, radical views on the global circular economy and ways to realise circularity. In the podcast, course teacher Emma Westerlund, education and sustainability designer at the University of Applied Sciences discusses Novia with various national and international experts, including Sitra, the UN Resource Panel, global innovation centres and companies. The course material is alternately in Swedish and English. The participants will have access to the material via e-mail.

Teacher:

Emma Westerlund, Oona Haapamäki

Course Code:

VAL26HOA02-3001