Introduction
The course denominated “A journey into the Circular Economy model” contains seven lessons recorded, where it offers a detailed overview of the circular economy model. This new model, in recent years has received a lot of attention on the one hand, thanks to its ability to maximise the value of resources and materials present within the production system and on the other, by reducing the ecological impact compared to the linear economy model.
During the course, three stakeholders responsible for the implementation of the circular economy model at the urban level are analysed: the policy-maker, the communities and the businesses. These actors play different roles and their interaction and building of a common vision, depends on the success in the development of the circular economy model at the urban level.
However, the circular economy model appears to have important limitations both in terms of the physical characteristics of the material and the low percentage of circular rate materials currently available. Therefore, given the urgency of a transition to a sustainable economic development model, this cannot be considered as the only solution to the excessive ecological pressure and social inequality of the current system of economic development based on infinite economic growth. Nevertheless, the circular economy model plays a very important role in the ecological transition and for this reason its spread and implementation must be favoured by all stakeholders.
However, the circular economy model appears to have important limitations both in terms of the physical characteristics of the material and the low percentage of circular rate materials currently available. Therefore, given the urgency of a transition to a sustainable economic development model, this cannot be considered as the only solution to the excessive ecological pressure and social inequality of the current system of economic development based on infinite economic growth. Nevertheless, the circular economy model plays a very important role in the ecological transition and for this reason its spread and implementation must be favoured by all stakeholders.
Mode of learning
The work is the result of the research work of the circular economy department of the Wuppertal Institute and the ideas are expressed according to the knowledge of the researchers who realised the videos: Stefano Turrini and Giacomo Sebis
Video Lessons
Video 1: Learn circular economy with TICHE - Introduction
This video offers an introduction to the work area of ​​the Wuppertal Institute, the organization responsible for making the video. Subsequently, a description is also offered on the authors of the videos: Stefano Turrini and Giacomo Sebis. Finally, the objective of the TICHE project is described.
Video 2: Learn circular economy with TICHE - Overview on Circular Economy model
This video focuses on the differences between the linear and circular economy models. Here, on the one hand, it shows what the characteristics of the current linear economic model of the current economy are, based on the “take-make-dispose” strategy. On the other hand, the characteristics and strategies on which the circular economic model is based are described, i.e. on the maximisation of the value of the raw materials that are introduced into the production system.
Video 3: Learn circular economy with TICHE - Circular economy model and explore the future economic system
In this video, a more critical explanation of the Circular Economy model is offered, with the aim of completing the overview provided by Giacomo Sebis in the previous video. In fact, the limits of the circular model present today are explained, and a space for reflection is offered regarding the question whether the circular economy model alone can represent the solution to the environmental pressure and strong social inequalities present in the current model of economic development.
Video 4: Learn circular economy with TICHE - Roles of different stakeholders: Policy-maker
This video introduces the importance of the action of different stakeholders for the development and implementation of a circular model at an urban level. The first stakeholder analysed is the policy-maker, responsible for the top-down approach and in charge of three main phases: stimulating the demand, stimulating the supply and building the infrastructure to facilitate the development of a circular model.
Video 5: Learn circular economy with TICHE - Roles of different stakeholders: Communities
The second stakeholder analysis is the communities, responsible for the bottom-up approach. These are organisations that aim to bring together the different stakeholders involved in the development of the circular economy model on city level. In addition, they are responsible for the creation of knowledge and for the dissemination of best practices.
Video 6: Learn circular economy with TICHE - Roles of different stakeholders: Communities
The third stakeholder analysis is the businesses.
Here, on the one hand, the characteristics of a business oriented towards a circular model are discussed, through shared consumption and production where the value of the raw materials already present in the production system is maximised.
On the other hand, some of the most controversial elements are discussed, such as how the purpose of a company can change, when the objective is not to maximise profits for investors but to maximise benefits for the community where it operates.
Video 7: Learn circular economy with TICHE - Conclusion
The last video summarises the different roles of the stakeholders analysed in the previous videos and discusses some final remarks. Furthermore, it offers an overview of what are the main barriers that stakeholders encounter during the development and implementation of a circular model at the urban level.
