Circular Economy & Sustainable Resource Management: Close The Loop, Reduce Waste

Introduction:

Circular Economy & Sustainable Resource Management empowers professionals to transition from linear to circular economic models, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. This course focuses on understanding circular economy principles, implementing sustainable consumption models, and developing closed-loop systems. Participants will learn to analyze material flows, design circular business models, and promote sustainable consumption patterns. This course bridges the gap between traditional waste management and a regenerative approach, enabling professionals to create a resource-efficient and environmentally responsible economy.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for professionals involved in sustainability, waste management, supply chain management, and policy, including:

• Sustainability Managers
• Waste Management Professionals
• Supply Chain Managers
• Product Designers
• Business Leaders
• Policy Analysts
• Environmental Consultants
• NGO Staff
• Researchers
• Educators

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this Circular Economy & Sustainable Resource Management course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and benefits of the circular economy.
• Analyze material flows and identify opportunities for waste reduction.
• Develop and implement circular business models and strategies.
• Understand the role of product design and eco-design in circularity.
• Implement strategies for promoting sustainable consumption patterns.
• Understand the principles of extended producer responsibility (EPR) and product stewardship.
• Implement strategies for developing closed-loop systems and resource recovery.
• Understand the role of technology and innovation in circular economy solutions.
• Implement strategies for engaging stakeholders in circular economy initiatives.
• Understand the economic and social dimensions of the circular economy.
• Implement strategies for monitoring and evaluating circular economy progress.
• Understand the role of policy and regulations in promoting circular economy.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of different circular economy strategies.
• Enhance their ability to design and implement comprehensive circular economy plans.
• Improve organizational and community resource management towards a sustainable future.
• Contribute to the global transition to a circular and regenerative economy.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in circular economy.
• Become a knowledgeable and effective circular economy professional.
• Understand ethical considerations in resource management and consumption.
• Learn how to use life cycle assessment (LCA) and material flow analysis tools effectively.
• Understand the role of industrial symbiosis and collaborative consumption in circularity.
• Develop skills in communicating circular economy concepts effectively.
• Learn how to integrate circular economy principles into strategic planning and decision-making.
• Understand the importance of transparency and traceability in circular supply chains.
• Develop the ability to analyze and interpret circular economy data and information.
• Understand the role of circular cities and urban resource management.
• Learn how to develop circular economy plans for specific sectors and contexts.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Circular Economy and Sustainable Resource Management

• Overview of linear vs. circular economy models and their environmental impacts.
• Understanding the principles of sustainable resource management and waste reduction.
• Introduction to key concepts (closed-loop systems, product life cycle, resource efficiency).
• Review of relevant international frameworks and national policies.
• Setting the stage for closing the loop and reducing waste.

Module 2: Principles and Benefits of the Circular Economy

• Understanding the ecological, economic, and social benefits of the circular economy.
• Analyzing the role of circular economy in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).
• Implementing techniques for identifying opportunities for circularity in different sectors.
• Understanding the principles of the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" hierarchy and beyond.
• Learning to articulate the value proposition of a circular economy.

Module 3: Material Flow Analysis and Waste Stream Assessment

• Implementing techniques for conducting material flow analysis (MFA) and waste stream assessments.
• Utilizing tools for mapping material flows and identifying waste hotspots.
• Analyzing the composition and characteristics of different waste streams.
• Understanding the principles of resource mapping and inventory.
• Learning to develop and interpret material flow diagrams.

Module 4: Circular Business Models and Strategies

• Understanding different circular business models (product-as-a-service, sharing platforms, reverse logistics).
• Implementing strategies for developing and implementing circular business models.
• Analyzing the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in the circular economy.
• Understanding the principles of value chain collaboration and partnerships.
• Learning to design and evaluate circular business models.

Module 5: Eco-Design and Product Life Cycle Thinking

• Understanding the principles of eco-design and design for circularity.
• Implementing techniques for assessing the environmental impacts of products throughout their life cycle.
• Analyzing the role of material selection, durability, and reparability in circularity.
• Understanding the principles of product life cycle assessment (LCA).
• Learning to apply eco-design principles to product development.

Module 6: Sustainable Consumption and Behavior Change

• Understanding the factors influencing consumer behavior and consumption patterns.
• Implementing strategies for promoting sustainable consumption and reducing waste.
• Analyzing the role of education, communication, and incentives in behavior change.
• Understanding the principles of collaborative consumption and sharing economy.
• Learning to design and implement sustainable consumption campaigns.

Module 7: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Product Stewardship

• Understanding the principles of EPR and product stewardship.
• Analyzing the role of EPR in promoting circularity and waste reduction.
• Implementing strategies for designing and implementing effective EPR schemes.
• Understanding the principles of take-back systems and recycling infrastructure.
• Learning to navigate the EPR regulatory landscape.

Module 8: Closed-Loop Systems and Resource Recovery

• Implementing strategies for developing closed-loop systems and resource recovery.
• Analyzing the role of recycling, composting, and anaerobic digestion in resource recovery.
• Understanding the principles of industrial symbiosis and waste exchange.
• Implementing techniques for designing and managing resource recovery facilities.
• Learning to assess the feasibility of closed-loop systems.

Module 9: Technology and Innovation for Circular Economy Solutions

• Understanding the role of technology and innovation in driving the circular economy.
• Analyzing the potential of emerging technologies (digital platforms, advanced materials, biotechnology).
• Implementing strategies for adopting and scaling up innovative circular solutions.
• Understanding the principles of technology transfer and diffusion.
• Learning to leverage technology for circularity.

Module 10: Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration in the Circular Economy

• Implementing strategies for engaging stakeholders in circular economy initiatives.
• Analyzing the role of partnerships and collaborations in driving systemic change.
• Understanding the principles of stakeholder dialogue and communication.
• Implementing techniques for building multi-stakeholder platforms.
• Learning to build collaborative circular economy projects.

Module 11: Economic and Social Dimensions of the Circular Economy

• Understanding the economic and social dimensions of the circular economy.
• Analyzing the costs and benefits of circular economy models.
• Understanding the principles of circular economy financing and investment.
• Analyzing the role of social equity and job creation in the circular transition.
• Learning to assess the economic and social value of circularity.

Module 12: Policy and Regulatory Frameworks for the Circular Economy

• Understanding the impact of policy and regulations on the transition to a circular economy.
• Analyzing the role of waste management policies, product standards, and procurement policies.
• Implementing strategies for advocating for effective circular economy policies.
• Understanding the principles of regulatory frameworks and permitting processes.
• Learning to navigate the policy landscape.

Module 13: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting of Circular Economy Progress

• Implementing techniques for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of circular economy initiatives.
• Analyzing the role of indicators and metrics in assessing progress.
• Understanding the principles of data collection and analysis.
• Implementing strategies for reporting and verifying circular economy performance.
• Learning to develop effective monitoring and evaluation plans.

Module 14: Case Studies and Best Practices in the Circular Economy

• Analyzing real-world case studies of successful circular economy initiatives.
• Learning from best practices across different sectors and regions.
• Identifying key lessons learned and challenges in implementation.
• Discussing the role of innovation and collaboration.
• Sharing knowledge and experience.

Module 15: Future Trends and Action Planning for a Circular Future

• Exploring emerging trends and opportunities in the circular economy (digital platforms, blockchain, regenerative design).
• Developing action plans for advancing the circular economy within organizations and communities.
• Analyzing the role of individual and collective action.
• Understanding how to stay up to date on circular economy information.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.