Circular Economy

Recommended Prerequisites

A basic knowledge in Thermodynamics is required. Basic knowledge of Energy conversion and Management as well as of Economics and Costing is recommended.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical lectures (T): oral presentation of the topics, promoting critical thinking.

Theoretical practical lectures (TP): Resolution of exercises, presentation and discussion of topics and Circular Economy examples.

Grading: i) written test (75 %) + work assignments and class participation (25 %); or final exam (100 %).

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes aim to enable students to understand and discuss the potential of Circular Economy, as a strategic concept based on the prevention, reduction, reuse, recovery and recycling of materials and energy, to replace the linear economy “end-of-life” concept by new circular flows of reuse, restoration and renovation.

Concepts, strategies and methodological tools are introduced in an integrated, systemic and interdisciplinary perspective, promoting discussion and critical analysis. Understand the concept of Circular Economy and the relevance of life cycle thinking. Solving exercises and analysis of real examples and case studies, showing how the circular economy is a key element to promote resource decouple from economic growth..

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

- Circular Economy (EC): Introduction, concepts and historical perspective. Strategies and tools.

- New business and production models (promoting energy and material efficiency and the valorization of by-products and waste). Eco-parks and industrial symbiosis.

- Life cycle assessment and Ecodesign: methodology and applications. Material Flows Analysis.

- Performance Economy, focused on the maintenance and exploitation of stock, promoting value and sustainability. The relevance of extending the service life (reuse, remanufacturing, reconditioning). Servitization and dematerialization.

- Circular economy and bioeconomy. Action Plan for the Circular Economy in Portugal and the European strategy

Head Lecturer(s)

Fausto Miguel Cereja Seixas Freire

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 25.0%
Frequency: 75.0%

Bibliography

Comissão Europeia, COMUNICAÇÃO DA COMISSÃO AO PARLAMENTO EUROPEU, AO CONSELHO, AO COMITÉ ECONÓMICO E SOCIAL EUROPEU E AO COMITÉ DAS REGIÕES Um novo Plano de Ação para a Economia Circular.Para uma Europa mais limpa e competitiva. (2020) In COM (2020) 98 final Bruxelas https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1583933814386&uri=COM:2020:98:FIN

European Environment Agency. (2017). Circular by design: Products in the circular economy. EEA Report No 6/2017.

Geissdoerfer et al. (2020) Circular business models: A review. J. Clean. Prod. 277, 123741. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.123741

Stahel, W. (2020) The Circular Economy A User's Guide. Routledge

Stahel, W. and Clift, R. (2016) Stocks and Flows in the Performance Economy. Chapter 7 in "Taking Stock of Industrial Ecology” Eds. by Clift, R & Druckman, A. Springer

van Ewijk, S. and Stegemann, J.A. (2023). An Introduction to Waste Management and Circular Economy. London: UCL Press. https://doi.org/10.14324/111.9781800084650