The Circular Economy is the first course in the Transformative Leadership in the Circular Economy specialization. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles, applications, and measurement of the circular economy as a pathway to sustainable business practices. In this course you will explore how circular strategies differ from traditional linear models and examine real-world innovations in product design, material recovery, and closed-loop systems across industries. Through case studies, expert insights, and interactive content, the course investigates circular business models, industry-specific applications, and the economic, environmental, and social benefits of circularity. You will also engage with the challenges and barriers to implementation and evaluate key performance indicators and digital tools that support circular transitions. This course gives you the knowledge and tools to drive sustainable change and apply circular economy principles to your organization or beyond.
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Define the circular economy and explain how it differs from a linear economy.
Analyze circular business models explaining the advantages over linear models in promoting sustainability.
Identify challenges and barriers to circular economy implementation.
Describe key performance indicators and their role in measuring circular economy performance.
Skills you'll gain
- Waste Minimization
- Business Transformation
- Corporate Sustainability
- Strategic Leadership
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Performance Analysis
- Business Leadership
- Environmental Issue
- Systems Thinking
- Resource Management
- Performance Measurement
- Innovation
- Sustainability Reporting
- Leadership Studies
- Business Modeling
- Business Strategies
- Design and Product
- Environment and Resource Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Product Lifecycle Management
Details to know
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April 2025
15 assignments
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There are 4 modules in this course
Welcome to The Circular Economy course! This is the first course in the Transformative Leadership in the Circular Economy specialization. This first module provides a foundational understanding of the circular economy and its role in creating sustainable business practices. You will explore the key principles of circularity, how it differs from traditional linear economic models, and real-world examples of companies successfully implementing circular strategies. Throughout this module, you will gain practical knowledge of resource efficiency, product lifecycle management, material recovery, and circular business models.
What's included
7 videos7 readings3 assignments2 discussion prompts
This module explores the fundamental principles and real-world applications of circular business models, emphasizing how organizations can transition from traditional linear approaches to more sustainable strategies. Learners will examine key concepts such as sharing platforms, resource loops, and circular material flows across industries. Through case studies interactive activities and expert insights, learners will gain a deeper understanding of circular innovations in packaging, textiles, electronics, and the built environment.
What's included
9 videos5 readings4 assignments2 discussion prompts
In this module, you will explore the benefits of circularity, as well as the challenges and barriers that organizations face when trying to implement more circular practices. We’ll examine real-world examples and hear from industry experts about what’s working and what’s not. Through readings, videos, cases, and quizzes, you will gain a practical understanding of how to overcome barriers to circularity and drive sustainable change.
What's included
7 videos5 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt
This module explores key metrics and digital tools that enable organizations to measure and advance circular economy strategies. Learners explore circular performance indicators, sustainability frameworks, and enabling technologies such as life-cycle assessment, digital twins, and collaborative data platforms. Emphasis is placed on real-world applications and actionable strategies used to promote more circular practices in product design and operations.
What's included
5 videos4 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt
Instructor
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