Circular Economy Essentials: From Principles To Practice

Apply Systems Thinking and Circular Principles to Solve Real-World Sustainability Challenges

What you'll learn

Understand the principles of sustainability and circular economy.

Distinguish between complicated and complex systems, and why circular thinking is essential for modern business.

Apply systems thinking to sustainability challenges in business, policy, and product design.

Explain core circular economy concepts such as loops, feedback, biomimicry, the Butterfly Diagram, and the Value Hill

Explore the seven foundational elements of the circular economy and how they guide innovation and strategy.

Identify and address the key business benefits and barriers to circular economy adoption.

Identify and evaluate four circular business models.

Evaluate real-world case studies of leading companies implementing circularity.

Take actionable steps to apply circular principles within your own organisation, startup, or career.

Requirements

No prior experience with circular economy is required — just curiosity, motivation, and a desire to help shape more sustainable, resilient systems.

Description

The world is moving away from outdated linear systems of “take, make, waste” toward a more regenerative, resilient, and innovative model: the circular economy. This course introduces you to the principles and practices of circularity, helping you understand how sustainability can be both a necessity and an opportunity for innovation.You’ll explore how circular thinking differs from traditional approaches, why it matters in today’s complex global economy, and how it can be applied to business, policy, and design. Through a mix of theory, clear explanations, real-world case studies, and practical frameworks, you’ll see how organisations around the world are embracing circular strategies to reduce waste, create value, and stay competitive in an ever-changing environment.We’ll also unpack powerful tools such as systems thinking, feedback loops, biomimicry, and innovation frameworks that bring circular concepts to life. Instead of focusing only on theory, this course bridges knowledge with action, giving you insights you can use in your own professional or personal context.Whether you’re interested in how global companies are reimagining their operations, how startups are innovating with new business models, or how circularity can address pressing challenges like climate change and resource scarcity, this course provides a holistic and accessible pathway to understanding.By the end of the journey, you will not only see sustainability differently—you’ll be equipped with a fresh mindset for spotting opportunities, solving problems, and contributing to a future where people, businesses, and the planet can thrive together.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Welcome & What You'll Learn

Lecture 2 The Basics of an Economy & Sustainable Development

Lecture 3 Understanding Complexity & Systems Thinking

Lecture 4 Section Wrap-up

Lecture 5 Glossary Terms for the Course

Section 2: The Circular Economy

Lecture 6 From Linear to Circular: Take-Make-Dispose vs Design-Renew-Reuse

Lecture 7 Nature's Model: Biomimicry & Flow

Lecture 8 Defining Circular Economy

Lecture 9 Circular Value: Butterfly Model, Value Hill & Loops

Lecture 10 Section Wrap-up

Section 3: Seven Elements of Circular Economy

Lecture 11 Overview – The Seven Elements of Circular Economy

Lecture 12 Designing for the Future (Element 1)

Lecture 13 Incorporating Digital Tech & Collaboration (Elements 2 & 7)

Lecture 14 The 3R Mindset: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (Elements 3 & 5)

Lecture 15 Regenerative Resources (Elements 4)

Lecture 16 Rethinking the Business Model (Elements 6)

Lecture 17 Reading - Rethinking Business Models: A Circular Economy Assessment Toolkit

Lecture 18 Circular Economy in Practice – Benefits & Barriers

Lecture 19 Section Wrap-up

Section 4: Circular Business Models

Lecture 20 Circular Supply Chain (Case: Ecovative Design)

Lecture 21 Recovery & Recycling (Cases: Ford, Interface)

Lecture 22 Product Life Extension (Cases: Michelin, Caterpillar)

Lecture 23 Sharing Platforms (Case: Airbnb, Storefront)

Lecture 24 Section Wrap-up

Section 5: Case Study in Depth: HP Inc.

Lecture 25 Vision, Strategy & Culture at HP

Lecture 26 From Throwaway Culture to Plastic Circularity

Lecture 27 Social & Environmental Impact in Haiti

Section 6: Moving Forward

Lecture 28 Summary & What You Can Do Next

Lecture 29 Suggested Readings, Case Studies, Online Resources & Tools

Students and recent graduates in economics, environmental science, engineering, business, or urban planning who want to build a strong foundation in sustainability and circular economy concepts.,Professionals and managers looking to apply circular principles in strategy, product design, or supply chain management.,Entrepreneurs and startup founders building purpose-driven, future-ready businesses.,Researchers, educators, and policy advisors seeking to translate circular economy theory into practical frameworks.,Lifelong learners and anyone interested in sustainability, systems thinking, or innovative approaches to environmental and economic challenges.