15 Nov Sustainability 2: Circularity

MBTN Academy announces the release of Sustainability2: Circularity, the second in a new series that covers sustainability concepts and resources. The tutorial is authored by Samantha Svoboda, our faculty author expert in this area. Circularity is a transformative approach to sustainability that challenges the traditional linear economy, which follows a “take, make, dispose” model. In contrast, the circular economy emphasizes the importance of designing products and systems that minimize waste, extend the lifespan of materials, and promote reuse and recycling. The core principle of circularity is that resources should be kept in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value from them before recovery and regeneration. By closing the loop on production and consumption, circularity aims to reduce the environmental footprint, lower waste, and conserve natural resources.

At its heart, circularity involves a shift from resource extraction to a restorative and regenerative economic model. This concept encompasses various strategies, such as designing for durability, repairability, and upgradability, as well as encouraging the recycling and repurposing of products at the end of their life cycle. By rethinking how products are created, used, and disposed of, businesses and individuals can minimize their reliance on finite resources, reducing environmental degradation and pollution. Moreover, circular practices can foster innovation in product design, manufacturing processes, and business models, opening up new avenues for growth.

Circularity also contributes significantly to social and economic sustainability by fostering a more resilient and equitable economy. By reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency, it can lower costs for businesses and consumers alike, while creating new opportunities for jobs in industries such as recycling, refurbishment, and sustainable design. Furthermore, circular models help to build a more sustainable future by mitigating the risks associated with resource scarcity and climate change. As the world continues to grapple with environmental challenges, embracing circularity offers a promising pathway toward achieving long-term sustainability.

The Circularity module consists of a tutorial of 13 slides of information and examples as well as four problem sets of 20 questions. Sustainability 2 is one of our less time consuming modules and as such, is an easy one to add to any existing course in operations, supply chain, or general management. Learn more about this module and all MBTN modules at https://www.mbtn.academy/our-modules/. If you are university faculty with an active faculty or evaluation account, you will now have access to this module. Thank you for your interest!