Greening the Students' Mindset: Circular Economy for a Sustainable Future

Tools and strategies for integrating green skills into VET curriculum.

Erasmus+ course summary
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of Circular Economy concepts, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. It aims to provide participants with a robust understanding of Circular Economy principles, including the necessary skills for their practical implementation and an appreciation for the societal and ethical implications of sustainable practices. ​Key learning points: Circular vs. linear, circular design principles, sustainable business models, product as service (servitisation), Life cycle assessment LCA, innovations in green/circular economy, future trends.

​"Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It is about doing more good." – Jochen Zeitz

full programme

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pricing

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Session dates

Ljubljana, SI

26 - 31 August 2024
4 - 9 November 2024

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Features

Documentation
​Courses Calendar

Related

• Teaching Entrepreneurship
• Active Citizenship Course
• Learner Voice

Inspire students for a circular world.

Through emotions, mindset, and practical actions.

Green heart

Teach positive relationship to our planet and society.

Green mind

Teach and live sustainable mindsets.

Green hands

Implement green local initiatives in your school.

Course Content

Full Programme

OBJECTIVES

This course is designed specifically for Vocational Education and Training (VET) teachers and other educators interested in incorporating Circular Economy concepts into their project-based learning initiatives (e.g. eco-design challenges, green community local actions, sustainability debates). Participants will gain not only a foundational understanding of Circular Economy principles but also practical activities and resources tailored for classroom implementation. This will enable teachers to effectively integrate these sustainable practices into their curriculum, enriching their students' learning experience with hands-on, real-world applications.

METHODOLOGY

The course illustrates a hands-on approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical activities. It emphasizes active learning through workshops, case studies, field visits, and project-based exercises. This methodology ensures that participants not only understand Circular Economy principles but also acquire the skills to apply them effectively in educational settings, fostering an immersive and engaging learning experience.

PROGRAMME DAY-BY-DAY

Training usually takes place between 9:00 am and 14:00 pm, followed by after-class activities, that are optional.

​DAY 1: Green Mindset 
We start off with an introductory meeting, an explanation of practical arrangements and a presentation of the participants and timetable. The participants are encouraged to express their expectations, needs and wishes regarding the content of the programme and learning methods.​ *

Introduction to the Circular Economy: Definition and core concepts, historical context and evolution, importance for sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The Linear vs. Circular Economy: Linear economy overview, transitioning to the circular economy, benefits and advantages.
​Circular Design Principles: Designing for circular systems, material efficiency and recycling, applying circular design through a practical workshop.

DAY 2: Sustainable Business Models
Circular Business Models: Overview of circular business models, product-as-a-service and sharing economy, remanufacturing and closed-loop systems, designing circular business models through a practical workshop.
Circular Supply Chains and Materials Management: Sustainable sourcing and material, waste reduction and resource optimization, recycling and upcycling practices, case studies and best practices.

DAY 3: Field work
Circular economy in practice: company visit, real-world examples and case studies, group discussions and analyses.

DAY 4: Innovation in Circular Economy
Innovation in the circular economy: Eco-design and sustainable product development, biomimicry and nature-inspired design. 
Circular Economy Policy and European Green Deal: International and national policies, incentives and programmes for circular businesses, navigating circular regulations through a practical workshop.
Guest speaker and discussion.

DAY 5: Social, Political, and Ethical Dimensions
Transition and social equity: Ethical considerations and responsible consumption, green deal.
Future Trends and Challenges: Emerging trends in the circular economy, ongoing challenges and opportunities.

DAY 6
​Evaluation and farewell. 
Documentation and certificates of attendance.

* Some changes in the programme are possible - the content of the course is always adapted to the participants previous knowledge, expectations and requirements. 
​The participants receive the Informational Booklet a few weeks prior to the start of the course. ​

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