Circular Economy 101

Last updated: 28 August 2024
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What is 'circular economy'?

The circular economy presents a sustainable alternative to our traditional linear economic model. It is focused on resource longevity and minimal waste generation. This approach means materials are kept in use as long as possible through methods including – but not limited to – reuse and remanufacturing.

By implementing Circular Economy practices, the following issues can be addressed:

  • The need for extracting more raw materials.
  • Greenhouse gas emissions from extraction and use of materials.
  • The impact of pollution and toxicity.
  • The growing economic cost of our current linear system and managing our waste.
  • The risk of further loss of biodiversity.
  • Understanding and adopting the Circular Economy can help solve these problems and create a more sustainable future.

Why choose Circular Economy 101?

This course will introduce the concept of a circular economy and its opportunities through a combination of theory and practical applications. You will learn what circularity is and is not, why it is important, and how to get started with circular initiatives in your organisation. The course will provide practical information on circular approaches and how to take business-level action, combined with plenty of real-world examples.

CE101 provides a starting point for a circular transition in your organisation, by offering:

  • up-to-date research from Sustainability Victoria and other experts in Australia and overseas.
  • a combination of videos, case-studies, practical approaches, and discussions.
  • a balance between fundamental theory and practical guidance.
  • trends and practices in circular economy as a long-term solution.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed to be a foundational step for professionals across various industries and sectors, including:

  • managers and business leaders seeking to integrate circular principles into their organisations.
  • local council and state government officials looking to develop circular strategies, programs and policies.
  • individuals that are passionate about sustainability and eager to deepen their circular economy knowledge.

Course details

Course dates

14 October to 4 November 2024

Duration

4 to 6 study hours over 3 weeks

Mode

Online and self-directed via a digital learning platform which is accessible anywhere, anytime throughout the course duration.

In-person workshops are also available for your organisation upon request – Email us at svtraining@sustanainbility.vic.gov.au for more information.

Registration

Book your spot now

Cost

Free

Keep up to date

Register your interest for future circular economy training.

Program highlights

  1. Introduction to Circular Economy – Learn the principles and benefits of transitioning from a linear to a circular economy.
  2. Circular Economy and Climate Change – Discover how circular economy can significantly reduce emissions and help achieve net zero goals.
  3. Economic benefits of the Circular Economy: Learn how to boost innovation and drive economic growth.
  4. Circularity in Practice – Explore real-world examples and actionable strategies for implementing circular practices.

What you will learn

  1. Definition of Circular Economy and its benefits for sustainable action
  2. Analysis of the challenges involved in transitioning from a linear to a circular economy
  3. Evaluation of proven processes, policy frameworks, and implementations for a circular economy
  4. Exploration of practical approaches and case studies for implementing circular practices.

Meet the circular economy experts

Florian van den Corput

Florian van den Corput is Sustainability Victoria’s Senior Advisor on the Circular Economy. As an Industrial Design Engineer by education, Florian is a specialist in developing circular solutions from concept to implementation. With experience in consultancies, industry and multiple levels of government, Florian’s expertise lies in using design thinking to build bridges between strategy and execution. At Sustainability Victoria, Florian helps identify gaps and opportunities, advises on policy and program design, and develops solutions to accelerate our transition to a circular economy.

Brijesh Pramar

Brijesh has 10 years of experience in the manufacturing sector as an industrial designer. He has been responsible for designing and manufacturing various products and systems, and has also been an educator, teaching subjects such science, technology, and the arts at schools and universities in Australia and abroad. He has presented research on biodiversity, water security, and climate adaptation at the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) events as part of an alliance. Brij has played an active role at Sustainability Victoria, contributing to the development and implementation of circular economy programs and initiatives that aim to enhance resource efficiency and encourage sustainable development among businesses, community groups, and other agencies.

More circular economy learning

Sustainability Victoria is working hard at expanding educational content for building a Circular Economy together, which will take deep dives into specialised contexts, scenarios, and implementations of further planning for circularity.

Register your interest to stay in the loop on future learning opportunities.

Contact

To learn more about this course or explore tailored training options for your organisation, contact us at svtraining@sustainability.vic.gov.au