Implementing the circular economy in creative businesses puts a special emphasis on the way both products and materials are used in this particular industry. The entire concept of using products and materials is circular. The module is composed of 2 units:
Module 2 How can Circular Economy be applied to creative busine.pptx
1. www.circularcreatives.eu
How can Circular Economy
be applied to creative
businesses?
MODULE 2
This work is licensed under a Creative Comm4.0 International
License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
2. 01
UNIT 1
Circular Design Innovation and
Assessment
UNIT 2
Specific strategies
How can Circular
Economy be applied to
creative businesses?
02
The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not
constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors,
and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the
information contained therein
05
56
Implementing the circular economy in
creative businesses puts a special
emphasis on the way both products
and materials are used in this
particular industry. The entire concept
of using products and materials is
circular. The module is composed of 2
units:
• UNIT 1: Circular Design Innovation
and Assessment
• UNIT 2: Specific strategies
3. CIRCULAR
CREATIVES
3
Learning
Objectives
Understand where important materials in products we
use every day come from
Become aware of how these materials can be used
more efficiently, longer, and in closed loops
Require basic skills for analyzing circular business
models
Be introduced to tools to promote the development of
ideas and become more involved in the transition to a
Circular Economy.
Understand specific circular economy principles and
strategies
4. CIRCULAR
CREATIVES
4
Learning
Outcomes
Be able to name basic materials in products we use
every day and their source
Be able to provide 2-3 practical examples of effective
and longer use of product materials
Analyze a given circular business model effectively
Use specific tools to promote the development of
ideas and become more involved in the transition to a
circular economy
Be able to create a draft of own circular economy
strategy
6. CIRCULAR
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Circular design innovation is the process of
designing products, services, and systems
that are regenerative, restorative, and
circular by design. It involves rethinking the
entire product lifecycle and designing
products that are easy to repair, upgrade,
and recycle.
Circular design innovation is a critical part
of the circular economy, as it helps to
reduce waste and create more sustainable
business models.
To assess circular design innovation,
there are several key factors to consider:
• Material selection
• Product lifecycle
• Energy efficiency
• Waste reduction
• Social impact
• Assessing circular design innovation
Circular design innovation
6
7. CIRCULAR
CREATIVES
The selection of materials used in the
product or system design must be
evaluated to ensure they are sourced
responsibly, renewable or recycled,
and have the ability to be recycled or
reused at the end of their lifecycle.
7
Material Selection
8. CIRCULAR
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The product or system design should
aim to extend the life cycle of the
product and create a closed-loop
system where the product can be
easily disassembled, repaired, and
recycled.
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Product Life Cycle
9. CIRCULAR
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The product or system design should
aim to minimize energy consumption
throughout its lifecycle, from
production to usage to disposal.
9
Energy Efficiency
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The product or system design should
aim to reduce waste throughout the
entire life cycle, from the design phase
to production, to usage, and disposal.
10
Waste Reduction
11. CIRCULAR
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The product or system design should
aim to consider the social impact of
the product or system on people,
communities, and society as a whole.
11
Social Impact
12. CIRCULAR
CREATIVES
• Circular design innovation can be
assessed using various tools and
methodologies, such as life cycle
assessment, material flow analysis,
and eco-design guidelines.
• These tools can help businesses
evaluate the environmental and
social impact of their products and
systems, identify areas for
improvement, and make informed
decisions about product design and
development.
12
Assessing circular
design innovation
13. CIRCULAR
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How can Circular Economy
practices be applied to
creative businesses?
13
Here are some examples of:
• Reducing waste
• Designing for durability
• Closing the loop
• Collaborative consumption
• Sustainable sourcing
14. CIRCULAR
CREATIVES
CIRCULAR
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14
Creative businesses can aim to reduce waste
by using recycled or upcycled materials in their
products. This can help to reduce the amount
of waste generated by the business and
contribute to a more sustainable business
model.
Reducing waste
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15
• Designing products with durability in mind
can help to reduce waste and increase the
lifespan of products.
• This can be achieved by using high-quality
materials, designing for repairability, and
creating products that can be easily
disassembled and recycled.
Designing for durability
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CIRCULAR
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Creative businesses can also adopt closed-loop
systems, which involves designing products so
that they can be easily disassembled and their
components are reused or recycled at the end
of their life cycle.
Closing the loop
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Example-of-Closed-
Loop-Supply-Chain-Network-21_fig1_344244655
17. CIRCULAR
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• Creative businesses can also explore
collaborative consumption models, where
customers can rent or share products instead
of owning them outright.
• This can help to reduce the amount of waste
generated and increase the lifespan of
products.
Collaborative consumption
18. CIRCULAR
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CIRCULAR
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Creative businesses can also focus on
sustainable sourcing, by using materials that
are ethically and sustainably sourced.
This can help to reduce the environmental
impact of the business and contribute to a
more sustainable supply chain.
18
Sustainable sourcing
https://www.intertek.com/blog/2016-11-15-ethical-sourcing/
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By adopting these principles, creative businesses can not only
reduce their environmental impact but also create new
opportunities for innovation and growth.
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CIRCULAR
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The basic materials in products we use every day come
from various sources and locations around the world.
Some common sources of basic materials include:
• METAL: Metals such as iron, copper, aluminium,
and gold are mined from the earth and then
processed into various products.
• PLASTICS: Plastics are made from petroleum, which
is extracted from the ground and then refined into
various types of plastic materials.
Basic materials in products we
use every day. Where do they
come from?
22
23. CIRCULAR
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CIRCULAR
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• WOOD: Wood products come from trees, which are
grown in forests and then harvested for wood.
• TEXTILES: Textiles such as cotton, wool, and
synthetic fibers are grown or manufactured into
various forms, such as fabric, yarn, or thread.
• CHEMICALS: Chemicals are used in a wide range of
products, from cleaning supplies to cosmetics, and
they are produced in chemical plants using a variety
of raw materials.
There are many other types of materials that are used
in the products we use every day, depending on the
specific product and its manufacturing process.
23
24. CIRCULAR
CREATIVES
Examples of
effective
and longer
use of
product
materials.
REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS: Instead of
using single-use plastic bags, reusable
shopping bags made of materials like
cotton, canvas, or recycled materials can
be used again and again, reducing waste.
STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLES: Instead
of using disposable plastic water bottles, a
stainless steel water bottle can be used for
years, reducing waste and promoting
sustainability.
CLOTH NAPKINS: Instead of using paper
napkins, cloth napkins made of cotton or
other durable materials can be washed and
reused many times, reducing waste and
saving money in the long run.
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CREATIVES
Examples of
effective
and longer
use of
product
materials.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES: Instead of
using single-use batteries, rechargeable
batteries can be used many times,
reducing waste and saving money over
time.
GLASS FOOD CONTAINERS: Instead of
using plastic food containers, glass
containers can be used to store food and
leftovers, and they can be reused many
times without degrading.
These examples are just a few of the many
ways that product materials can be used
more effectively and sustainably, reducing
waste and promoting a more
environmentally friendly lifestyle.
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28. CIRCULAR
CREATIVES
Analyzing a circular business model
requires a comprehensive understanding
of the company's products, processes, and
goals.
Here are some steps to effectively analyze
a given circular business model:
This includes identifying the key inputs,
processes, and outputs of the business
model. The inputs could be raw materials,
products, or services, while the outputs
could be final products, by-products, or
waste.
1. IDENTIFY THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF
THE CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL
The processes are the steps involved in
transforming inputs into outputs.
How to analyze a given circular
business model effectively
28
29. CIRCULAR
CREATIVES
2. ASSESS THE CIRCULARITY OF THE
BUSINESS MODEL
This involves evaluating how well the
business model integrates circular
principles such as reduction, reuse, and
recycling.
For example, does the business model
prioritize the use of renewable resources
or recycled materials? Does it aim to
reduce waste by implementing closed-
loop systems?
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30. CIRCULAR
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3. EVALUATE THE ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT
Consider the environmental impact of the
business model, such as its carbon
footprint, water usage, and waste
generation. Assess how well the business
model reduces negative environmental
impacts and promotes sustainability.
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31. CIRCULAR
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4. ANALYZE THE SOCIAL IMPACT
Consider the social impact of the business
model, such as its impact on local
communities, job creation, and
stakeholder engagement. Assess how well
the business model supports social and
economic development.
31
32. CIRCULAR
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5. CONSIDER THE SCALABILITY
AND REPLICABILITY OF THE MODEL
Assess whether the circular business
model is scalable and replicable in other
regions or industries.
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Overall, analyzing a circular business
model requires a holistic assessment of
the business model's economic,
environmental, and social impacts.
This helps to identify areas for
improvement and opportunities to
promote more sustainable and circular
practices.
33
36. CIRCULAR
CREATIVES
Specific tools to
promote the
development of ideas
and become more
involved in the
transition to a circular
economy
36
There are many tools available to help
individuals and organizations promote the
development of ideas and become more
involved in the transition to a circular
economy.
What follows are some specific tools that
are particularly suited to creatives:
37. CIRCULAR
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37
The Circular Design Guide is an online resource
that provides practical tools, methods, and case
studies to help designers and businesses
transition to a circular economy. It offers a
step-by-step approach to help organizations
design and implement circular solutions.
Circular Design Guide
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The Circular Canvas is a tool that helps
individuals and organizations map out a circular
business model. It provides a framework to
identify key components, such as value
propositions, customer segments, and revenue
streams and helps to identify areas for
improvement.
Circular Canvas
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39
OpenLCA is a free software tool that allows
users to conduct life cycle assessments (LCAs)
of products and processes. It can be used to
analyze the environmental impacts of a product
or process and identify areas for improvement.
Open LCA
40. CIRCULAR
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40
C2C is a certification program that evaluates
products based on environmental and social
impacts, including the use of renewable energy,
responsible water usage, and the use of safe
and healthy materials. This can help promote
the development of circular products and
services.
Cradle to Cradle (C2C)
certification
https://sustainablefashiontoolkit.com/resource/cradle-to-
cradle-certification-process/
41. CIRCULAR
CREATIVES
41
The circular business model canvas is a tool
that helps organizations develop circular
business models by identifying key
components, such as value proposition,
customer segments, and revenue streams. It
can help promote the development of circular
business models that prioritize circular
principles.
Circular business model
canvas
42. CIRCULAR
CREATIVES
42
Circular design searches for a way to deliver a
product or a service, which is
• functional and made of optimum materials
to deliver the best performance
• while minimizing its negative impact along
the whole life cycle.
Design in the circular
economy
43. CIRCULAR
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The focus of the circular
design
43
Circular design challenges a generation of
products and materials in a way that minimizes
the primary raw materials use.
The focus of the circular design is on curtailing
a value loss embedded in these products and
materials, by keeping them circulating in
closed loops.
44. CIRCULAR
CREATIVES
Click to
WATCH
44
These loops, such as reuse, repair,
remanufacture, refurbishment or recycling,
extend the product’s life cycle and improve
resource productivity.
The focus of the circular
design
45. CIRCULAR
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The focus of the circular
design
45
At the end of life, inspired by nature, a product,
its part, or material will become a resource
within or even outside of the original
application.
Components could be reclaimed in
remanufacturing. Materials can continue life
through recycling.
46. CIRCULAR
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The focus of the circular
design
46
The key lies in how a product or a material is
designed and how different aspects and
requirements are balanced.
Click to
WATCH
47. CIRCULAR
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The focus of the circular
design
47
The design phase influences the product’s life
and the ease of its reprocessing.
Designers have the opportunity to consider the
durability, compatibility, modularity, or multi-
tasking functions of designed products.
HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT REST SOLELY ON
THE DESIGNER’S SHOULDERS.
48. CIRCULAR
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The focus of the circular
design
48
Both circular design and sustainable design
focus on environmental, economic, and social
aspects. However, how goals attained differs
markedly.
Sustainable design puts
• a product
• value preservation, and
• its eco-impact on the planet into a central
role.
49. CIRCULAR
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The focus of the circular
design
49
On the other hand, circular design commences
• with the resources’ economic potential
optimization through new business models
• the emphasis is on resource restoration and
quality of life
Click to
WATCH
50. CIRCULAR
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50
• Meet Mark, an industrial designer who works for a
furniture company called "Circular Furnishings". Mark's
job is to design new furniture products that incorporate
circular design principles to minimize waste and promote
sustainability.
• One of Mark's recent projects was designing a new line of
chairs made entirely from recycled materials. He sourced
the materials from various waste streams, including
plastic bottles, old car parts, and discarded furniture
pieces. He then used his design skills to create a sleek and
modern chair that was both comfortable and
environmentally friendly.
CASE STUDY: Circular Furnishings
Ltd
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CIRCULAR
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51
To ensure that the chairs were truly circular,
Mark also conducted a life cycle assessment
(LCA) of the product. This involved analyzing
the environmental impact of the chair at every
stage of its life cycle, from raw material
extraction to end-of-life disposal. Mark used
LCA software to calculate the carbon footprint,
water usage, and other environmental impacts
of the chair, and used this information to
identify areas for improvement.
Circular Furnishings Ltd
52. CIRCULAR
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• Based on the results of the LCA, Mark made several
design changes to the chair to further improve its
sustainability. For example, he modified the design
to make it easier to disassemble and recycle at the
end of its life, and he incorporated more sustainable
materials into the production process.
• The end result was a chair that was not only
aesthetically pleasing and functional, but also
environmentally sustainable and circular. Mark's
innovative circular design and thorough assessment
helped ensure that the product was truly circular,
with minimal impact on the environment.
52
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CREATIVES
Through his work at Circular Furnishings, Mark
is helping to transform the furniture industry by
promoting sustainable and circular design
principles. His commitment to circular
innovation and assessment is helping to create
products that are both beautiful and
environmentally responsible.
53
Watch this video
54. CIRCULAR
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54
Further Study Material Recommendations
(Unit 1)
Click to
VIEW
Click to
VIEW
Click to
VIEW
Circular Economy Business Models and
Strategies to Learn From — The Green MBA
Circular Economy Explained Circular Economy
57. CIRCULAR
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Creating a draft of a
circular economy
strategy
Creating a draft of a circular economy
strategy requires a systematic
approach.
Here are some steps to get you
started:
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58. CIRCULAR
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Before creating a circular economy
strategy, it is essential to understand
where you are currently in terms of
resource use, waste generation, and
circularity. Conduct a thorough
assessment of your organization's
operations, including supply chain,
production processes, and waste
management practices
58
Assess your current
situation
59. CIRCULAR
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Based on your assessment, set clear and
measurable goals for your circular
economy strategy. These goals should
align with your organization's overall
vision and objectives.
59
Set goals
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Identify circular opportunities that can
help you achieve your goals. This could
involve reusing and recycling materials,
reducing waste, designing products for
disassembly, and exploring new business
models.
60
Identify circular
opportunities
61. CIRCULAR
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Prioritize the actions you will take to
achieve your circular economy goals.
Focus on those actions that will have the
most significant impact and those that are
feasible to implement.
61
Prioritize actions
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Develop an implementation plan that
outlines the steps you will take to achieve
your circular economy goals. This should
include timelines, responsibilities, and
performance indicators.
62
Develop an
implementation plan
63. CIRCULAR
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Once you have implemented your circular
economy strategy, monitor, and evaluate
your progress regularly. This will help you
identify areas where you need to adjust
your approach and ensure that you are
achieving your goals.
63
Monitor and evaluate
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Remember, a circular economy strategy
requires a shift in thinking and behavior,
and it may take time to fully implement.
However, by following these steps, you
can create a roadmap that will guide you
toward a more circular and sustainable
future.
As a creative entrepreneur, you can
adopt a circular economy strategy by
following these steps:
• Reconsider your materials
• Design for longevity
• Offer product take-back or recycling
programs
• Implement a sharing or rental model
• Create partnerships with other circular
economy businesses
• Educate your customers
64
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CREATIVES
Consider using sustainable and
environmentally friendly materials in your
creative process. This could include
recycled or upcycled materials,
biodegradable materials, or those with a
low carbon footprint.
65
Reconsider your
materials
66. CIRCULAR
CREATIVES
Design products that are built to last, and
that can be easily repaired and
maintained. This can help reduce the
amount of waste generated and increase
the lifespan of your products.
66
Design for longevity
67. CIRCULAR
CREATIVES
Offer customers the option to return their
products for recycling or upcycling. This
will ensure that the materials used in your
products remain in circulation and are not
sent to landfill.
67
Offer product take-back
or recycling programs
68. CIRCULAR
CREATIVES
Consider implementing a sharing or rental
model for your products. This can help
reduce the amount of waste generated,
increase the lifespan of your products, and
provide a more affordable option for
customers.
68
Implement a sharing or
rental model
69. CIRCULAR
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Collaborate with other circular economy
businesses to promote the reuse and
recycling of materials. This can help create
a more circular ecosystem and increase
the availability of sustainable materials.
69
Create partnerships with
other circular economy
businesses
70. CIRCULAR
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Educate your customers about the circular
economy and the importance of
sustainable practices. This can help
increase awareness and demand for
sustainable products and services.
70
Educate your customers
71. CIRCULAR
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By adopting a circular economy strategy, you
can not only reduce your environmental impact
but also create new business opportunities and
increase customer loyalty. Remember,
circularity is a journey, and it may take time to
fully implement. But by taking these steps, you
can move towards a more sustainable and
resilient future.
71
Watch this video
74. CIRCULAR
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• Meet Susan, a sustainability consultant who was hired by
a city council to help them draft a circular economy
strategy. Susan used a systematic approach to ensure
that the strategy was comprehensive and effective.
STEP 1: ANALYZING THE CURRENT SITUATION
• Susan began by analyzing the current situation in the city,
including waste management practices, resource
consumption patterns, and economic activities. She also
looked at existing policies and regulations related to
sustainability and circular economy.
75. CIRCULAR
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STEP 2: IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES AND
CHALLENGES
• Based on her analysis, Susan identified
several opportunities for implementing
circular economy practices in the city, such
as reducing waste, promoting recycling, and
creating local circular supply chains. She
also identified several challenges, such as
limited public awareness, lack of
infrastructure, and regulatory barriers.
76. CIRCULAR
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STEP 3: SETTING GOALS AND TARGETS
• Susan worked with the city council to
set specific goals and targets for the
circular economy strategy. These
included reducing waste generation
by 50% by 2030, increasing the use of
renewable energy sources, and
creating a circular economy hub to
promote circular business models.
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77. CIRCULAR
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STEP 4: DEVELOPING AN ACTION PLAN
• Susan worked with stakeholders from
various sectors, including government,
business, and civil society, to develop a
detailed action plan for implementing the
circular economy strategy. This included
specific initiatives such as expanding
recycling programs, developing circular
procurement guidelines, and supporting
circular business incubators.
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Watch this video
78. CIRCULAR
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STEP 5: MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Finally, Susan developed a system for
monitoring and evaluating the progress of
the circular economy strategy over time.
This included setting up performance
indicators, tracking data on waste
generation and resource consumption,
and conducting regular reviews of the
strategy to identify areas for
improvement.
Through her systematic approach, Susan
was able to draft a comprehensive and
effective circular economy strategy for the
city council. Her approach helped ensure
that the strategy was grounded in a
thorough analysis of the current situation,
and that it included specific goals, targets,
and action plans to achieve those goals. By
monitoring and evaluating the progress of
the strategy over time, Susan also ensured
that it was a living document that could
adapt and evolve as circumstances
changed.
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Reference to sources
80
UNIT 1
1. "Circular Design Guide" by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation: https://www.circulardesignguide.com/ This is a comprehensive guide to circular
design principles and practices, with tools and resources for designers and businesses to apply circular design in their work.
2. "The Circular Design Guide" by IDEO and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation: https://www.ideo.com/circular-design This is another comprehensive
guide to circular design, with a focus on design thinking and innovation. It includes case studies, tools, and resources for designers and
businesses to apply circular design in their work.
3. "A Guide to Life Cycle Assessment" by the European Commission: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/eussd/smgp/pdf/lca_guide.pdf This is a
detailed guide to conducting life cycle assessments (LCA), including methods, data sources, and case studies. It is aimed at professionals who
want to conduct LCAs for products or services.
4. "The Sustainability Consortium" by Arizona State University: https://www.sustainabilityconsortium.org/ This is a global organization that
promotes sustainability in consumer products through research, education, and collaboration. They have developed tools and resources for
businesses to assess the sustainability of their products and supply chains.
5. "Circular Economy Toolbox" by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra: https://www.sitra.fi/en/topics/circular-economy/circular-economy-toolbox/
This is a collection of tools and resources for businesses and organizations to transition to a circular economy. It includes tools for circular
design, resource efficiency, and stakeholder engagement.
81. CIRCULAR
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Reference to sources
81
UNIT 2
1. "Towards the Circular Economy" by Ellen MacArthur Foundation:
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloads/publications/Ellen-MacArthur-Foundation-Towards-the-Circular-Economy-
vol.1.pdf This report outlines the principles and benefits of the circular economy, as well as examples of circular economy strategies in various
industries. It also includes case studies and recommendations for businesses and policymakers.
2. "A Circular Economy Handbook for Business and Supply Chains" by WRAP: https://www.wrap.org.uk/content/circular-economy-handbook-
business-and-supply-chains This handbook provides practical guidance for businesses and supply chains to adopt circular economy principles
and practices. It includes case studies, tools, and resources for circular business models, product design, and resource efficiency.
3. "EU Circular Economy Action Plan" by European Commission: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy/index_en.htm This plan
outlines the European Union's strategy for transitioning to a circular economy, with policy measures and targets for various sectors. It includes
initiatives for product design, waste reduction, and resource efficiency, as well as funding opportunities for businesses and research.
4. "Circular Economy Playbook" by The Circulars: https://thecirculars.org/playbook This playbook provides guidance and case studies for
businesses to transition to a circular economy. It covers various topics such as product design, supply chain management, and stakeholder
engagement, and includes tools and resources for each topic.
5. "Circular Economy Toolkit" by The Sustainability Consortium: https://www.sustainabilityconsortium.org/circular-economy-toolkit/ This toolkit
provides guidance and tools for businesses to assess and improve the sustainability of their products and supply chains. It includes resources for
circular design, life cycle assessment, and stakeholder engagement, as well as case studies and best practices.