Module 5
CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS
Module Overview
Module 5 explores the transition from a linear economy, characterised by a take-make-dispose model, to a circular economy that aims to eliminate waste and regenerate natural systems. This module introduces concepts such as sustainable product design, life cycle assessment (LCA), and cradle-to-cradle design principles to minimise environmental impacts. It delves into the design for disassembly and extended producer responsibility (EPR), ensuring that producers are accountable for the end-of-life management of products.
    Module length: 4 hours on average
    CPD Hours: 3
Dr. Maurizio Catulli, a Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Innovations and visiting researcher at the Open University, focuses on sustainable mobility and Product Service Systems. He teaches Managing Change for Environmental Management and leads client consultancy projects and DEFRA-funded research on sustainable consumption.
You will examine circular business models and the development of sustainable products, focusing on efficiency, use of renewable materials, and durability.
This comprehensive approach encourages a systemic shift towards sustainability in production and consumption patterns.
This reflects the duration of Continuous Professional Development learning and the corresponding hours that can be recorded in your CPD Portfolio. These hours contribute towards achieving your qualification.
More Modules
Module 1
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY
Introduction to the sustainability challenges organisations face.
Understand the strategic framework involved in an organisation's sustainability journey.
Evaluate the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how companies can align their sustainability plans with the goals.
Module length: 3 hrs on average
CPD Hours: 3
SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DEVELOPMENT
Outline key steps involved in developing a sustainability plan.
Conduct a materiality assessment to assess stakeholders' views on your organisation's impact.
Understand stakeholder engagement and sustainability plan framework implementation.
Module length: 3 hrs on average
CPD Hours: 3
SUSTAINABILITY PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
Understand how to measure progress, baselining and benchmarking
Identify internal communication to drive further progress and understand the importance of Stakeholder Engagement
Learn to implement strategies and seek feedback to ensure resilience
Module length: 3 hrs on average
CPD Hours: 3
Module 4
DECARBONISATION: ACHIEVING NET ZERO
Interpret your organisation's carbon footprint according to industry best practices - Scope 1, 2 and 3
Understand product life cycle assessment and product carbon footprinting
Understand key carbon targets for your decarbonisation plan
Module length: 3 hrs on average
CPD Hours: 3
Module 6
BUSINESS WITH BIODIVERSITY
Recognise business cases where organisations have introduced initiatives to combat biodiversity decline
Understand how biodiversity is represented in global and EU policies
Understand the responsibilities that organisations have for financial reporting related to biodiversity
Module length: 5 hrs on average
CPD Hours: 3
Module 7
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Assess your current DEI strategy, and identify gaps and the essential elements needed within the strategy
Use leadership to articulate DEI business case in your organisation.
Implement bias-free ways to collect and interpret diversity-related data
Module length: 4 hrs on average
CPD Hours: 3
Module 8
SUSTAINABLE FINANCE
Understand sustainable finance: literacy, terms, systems, and global trends.
Learn how financial systems are redirected towards economic and social benefits.
Evaluate and utilise available sustainable finance instruments and approaches.
Module length: 5 hrs on average
CPD Hours: 3
Module 9
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Analyse business operations' impacts on immediate and wider environments.
Understand technology's role in data collection and reporting
Determine how to implement practices to minimise environmental and social impact
Module length: 6 hrs on average
CPD Hours: 3
Module 10
SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN
Assess global supply chain risks and collaboration opportunities.
Develop tools to make supply chains resilient to environmental and social pressures.
Outline product life cycle for efficient, cost-saving supply chains.
Module length: 7 hrs on average
CPD Hours: 3
Module 11
GREEN MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION
Understand communication's role in effective sustainability plans.
Develop a strategy for collaboration, internal buy-in, and stakeholder engagement.
Design green marketing plan; understand challenges and opportunities.
Module length: 4 hrs on average
CPD Hours: 3
Module 12
ESG REPORTING AND AUDITING
Understand the range of reporting frameworks out there and what is required of your organisation from a reporting perspective
Categorise the various ESG reporting challenges and how to overcome them
Apply the steps needed to develop high-quality non-financial disclosure information and improve transparency
Module length: 7 hrs on average
CPD Hours: 3
Experience the Diploma Course Preview
Familiarise yourself with the interactive online learning platform and see how you can gain the knowledge you need to confidently implement sustainability best practices. With this demo, you can:
- Preview the Diploma course curriculum and teaching style
- Get familiar first-hand with the online learning experience
- Ensure the course aligns with your professional development goals
