Circular Economy
Brief description of the Training Program
Today, businesses need to follow innovative systems and models. One of these is the Circular Economy. The transition from a linear to a circular model brings both opportunities and challenges. Circularity, however, affects many sectors beyond business, such as agriculture, ecosystems and protected areas. This model must therefore be adopted by both businesses and society. Applications of the circular economy in the primary sector play a decisive role in understanding the concept of reuse. At the same time, the circular model is considered essential as a means of tackling today's climate change, which affects every living organism on the planet. Many businesses in Europe and worldwide follow various national strategies, including Greece's, in order to protect local ecosystems and biodiversity. As a result, the model is starting to play a central role in the everyday life of society and the business world.
Program Purpose
This subject provides the knowledge and skills needed to fully understand the concept of the Circular Economy and its principles. It also develops the ability to grasp the key features of the circular model and how to move from a linear system to a circular one. In particular, it presents the application of the Circular Economy at different stages of a product and the circular business model. It also analyses applications of the circular model in the primary sector and the national strategy for developing the circular economy in Greece. Finally, particular emphasis is placed on protecting local ecosystems, nature and biodiversity.
Learning results
On completing this programme, participants will be able to understand the concept of the Circular Economy and the differences between the linear and the circular model. They will be able to analyse the circular model in depth, in terms of the advantages it brings to businesses worldwide and its contribution to sustainability. They will also be able to analyse more easily the relationship between the primary sector and the Circular Economy. Through examples of circular business models in Greece, they will be able to identify large and small or medium-sized businesses that have adopted circular practices, as well as the environmental, social and economic benefits of these actions. Finally, they will more easily understand the importance of the climate crisis and how it can affect the planet's ecosystems and protected areas.
Units
Unit 1 – The circular economy model
The aim of this unit is for participants to understand the basic concepts and approaches of the circular economy. First, it attempts to capture the essence of the Circular Economy model by clarifying the concept and placing it within current patterns of production and consumption. Second, it sets out a comprehensive framework for the circular economy, clarifying the opportunities and challenges that arise. Finally, it gives an overall assessment of the advantages of the model and analyses product circularity from a systemic point of view.
In-person Learning
Duration (training hours): 33
Unit 2 – Transition to the circular economy
The aim of this unit is for participants to understand the importance of the circular economy and the major role it plays within a framework of sustainable development. It analyses the fundamental principles and goals of sustainability and presents the need to move to a circular economy model. Participants should also understand the benefits and drawbacks of the circular model. This circular model is also applied in businesses, which are introducing innovations. In this context, the unit analyses the key features and strengths of the circular business model, as well as the challenges that arise when applying it. Finally, it highlights the operating structures of the model and presents examples of businesses that successfully apply the circular economy.
Asynchronous Learning
Duration (training hours): 33
Unit 3 – Primary sector and the Circular Economy
In this unit we will analyse the relationship between the circular economy and the agricultural sector. Participants will understand the importance of producing fertilisers and animal feed, as well as the importance of reusing agricultural residues and liquid waste. The unit also analyses their environmental impact and the importance of biomass.
Synchronous Learning
Duration (training hours): 38
Unit 4 – National Strategy for the Circular Economy
This unit analyses the National Strategy for the Circular Economy model. In particular, it covers the relationship between the circular model and the Greek production system and the roadmap for moving towards this model. It also analyses compatibility with the development plan and the policy pillars for the Circular Economy. The strategy for the circular model is based on key objectives that will help Greek and foreign businesses adopt circular practices. Finally, it analyses the operational action plan for the circular economy and the concept of the bioeconomy, as well as plans to promote it.
Synchronous Learning
Duration (training hours): 33
Unit 5 – Circular Economy and small businesses
This unit analyses the benefits of the Circular Economy for small and medium-sized businesses, both worldwide and in Greece. It presents and describes sectors that benefit economically, socially and environmentally from the circular model and its continuous development. It also highlights good practices applied in Greek SMEs, as well as circular business models. Finally, it analyses the obstacles faced by SMEs in Greece, which make it difficult for them to adopt the Circular Economy model.
Asynchronous Learning
Duration (training hours): 25
Unit 6 – Ecosystems and protected areas
In this unit we will analyse the concept of ecosystems and protected areas. More specifically, it gives a detailed description of the climate crisis and its effects on people and the environment. It also highlights the importance of the agri-food model and the importance of protecting nature and preserving biodiversity. The consumption model appears to play a key role in the circular economy, as the unit examines consumer behaviour in the shift from a linear to a circular economy. Finally, it discusses protecting the planet in combination with social justice.
In-person Learning
Duration (training hours): 38
Duration of the program
- Lifetime training hours: 71 hours
- Modern e-learning hours: 71 hours
- Hours of Asynchronous teletraining: 58 hours
- Total hours: 200 hours (2 months)
