Sustaining the Future: The migration to Circular Economy

• Engineering
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Sustaining the Future: The migration to Circular Economy

By Mr Kyle Smith - B.Eng.(Hons)

Lesson Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson:

• Describe the fundamental differences between the linear and circular economy models in the context of engineering.
• Explain the key principles of a circular economy and how they contribute to sustainability and resource efficiency.

Have you ever considered the amount of waste you generate on a daily basis?

Yes

No

From the words 'linear' and 'economy' - what do they mean to you?

What is the 'Linear Economy'?

Definition: 

"The traditional model where raw materials are collected and transformed into products that consumers use until discarding them as waste, with no concern for their ecological footprint and consequences. It prioritizes profit over sustainability, with products made to be thrown away once they’ve been used." 

(Banco Santander S.A. - 2024)

What is the 'Linear Economy Model'

From the previous slides & video, can you state the key characteristics / principles of the Linear Economy model

The Circular Economy explained

Circular Economy; Defined

Production that has as little impact as possible on the environment by leaving less of a footprint. To make it sustainable, it must follow these three principles: reduce, reuse, recycle.

From the 'Circular Economy' video. Summarize Three key elements that explain the circular economy.

Do you know what the college does with its Scrap Metal?

Yes

No

Unsure

Don't care as it doesn't affect me

Do you know what the 'your employer' does with its Scrap Metal?

Yes

No

Unsure

Don't care as it doesn't affect me

How do engineers contribute to the circular economy?

"Circular economy principles apply to various engineering fields, including materials, industrial, mechanical, and electrical engineering. These principles aim to promote sustainable practices, minimize waste, and keep resources in use for as long as possible"

Further Reading

https://www.eit.edu.au/circular-economy-and-how-engineers-can-achieve-it/

How is Santander Banking using engineering to contribute to the Circular Economy?

In 2023 alone, we (Santander) recycled 485,155 cards and gave a new life to 2.4 tonnes of plastic. The 4.5 million-plus sustainable cards issued under this initiative helped Santander eliminate 22 tonnes of single-use plastic and 360 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in Spain last year.

If you had to DEFEND the Linear Economy what reasons would you give?

If you had to DEFEND the Circular Economy what reasons would you give?

The 'Transition to Circularity'

The shift to circularity goes beyond recycling and reusing materials. It requires a meticulous evaluation of the impact products and their components have in every step of their lifecycle. It needs actions and policies in place to succeed. 

If you want more info...

https://contec.tech/circular-economy-examples-manufacturing-industry/

Provide one thing you learned today.

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