Economics
Elective
Circular Economy: Local Practices & Global Implications
Course Description
This course explores the principles and applications of the circular economy, emphasizing Spain's innovative approaches to sustainable production and consumption. While grounded in economic and environmental theory, the course focuses on real-world case studies from across Spain—particularly Barcelona, a global hub for circular economy initiatives. Students will investigate how local and national efforts in circularity are shaping broader conversations around sustainability, design, policy, and business innovation. Emphasis is placed on systemic thinking, life-cycle analysis, and the economic, social, and ecological implications of circular models.
Barcelona's leadership in sustainable urbanism, design, and waste management provides a compelling living lab, and students will engage directly with practitioners, policies, and community-led solutions that model circularity in action.
Aligned with 5 key UN Sustainable Development Goals
Spain's circular economy strategy is reshaping how cities and businesses operate. The course most directly engages SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
5 Key SDGs Addressed
Key Topics
Introduction to the circular economy model
Case studies of circular economy initiatives (e.g., fashion, plastic recycling)
The role of design in circular product development
Circular economy in the food and beverage sectors
Policy frameworks for promoting circularity
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1
Define the core concepts of the circular economy and contrast them with linear economic models.
Assessment: Introductory quiz and concept mapping.
2
Evaluate circular economy initiatives in Spain, with attention to local context, stakeholder engagement, and environmental outcomes.
Assessment: Case study analysis of a Barcelona-based initiative.
3
Analyze the role of policy, regulation, and design in shaping the circular economy at local and national levels in Spain.
Assessment: Research paper on a sectoral policy or innovation strategy.
4
Design a circular solution for a specific product, service, or urban challenge, incorporating life-cycle analysis, user behavior, and business models.
Assessment: Group project with presentation.
5
Articulate the global relevance of local circular economy practices, linking Spanish efforts to international frameworks like the SDGs and EU Green Deal.
Assessment: Final reflection essay and presentation.
Course Format and Assessment Methods
20%
Class Participation and Discussion
Based on engagement with readings, guest lectures, and site visits. Emphasis on thoughtful questions and contributions.
All LOs
10%
Quiz on Circular Economy Foundations
Assessing understanding of core concepts and historical evolution of circular economy thinking.
LO 1
10%
Case Study Analysis
A 3-page analysis of a circular economy initiative in Spain, evaluating its design, implementation, and outcomes.
LO 2
20%
Research Paper
A 10–12-page critical paper on a specific industry, product system, or policy influencing circular practices in Spain.
LO 3
20%
Fieldwork Reports
Two short (3-page) reports based on site visits, evaluating how businesses or institutions apply circular strategies.
LO 2, 3
20%
Group Project & Presentation
Collaborative project proposing a circular solution. Includes oral presentation and submission of visual materials or prototypes.
LO 4, 5
Course Outline
1
Introduction to the Circular EconomyOrigins, principles, and global significance of the circular economy. Introduces systems thinking, the waste hierarchy, and closed-loop concepts.
2
Linear vs. Circular: Rethinking Resource FlowsTraditional linear model of production and consumption versus circular alternatives, emphasizing environmental and economic impacts.
3
Spain's Circular Shift: National Strategies and EU PolicySpain's national roadmap for circularity and its alignment with the European Union's Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan.
4
Barcelona as Living Lab: Circularity in Urban PracticeBarcelona's role as a pioneer city in circular innovation is explored through urban planning, smart waste systems, and local governance initiatives.
5
Circular Design ThinkingProduct and service design through a circular lens, emphasizing material recovery, modularity, and user-centered sustainability.
6
The Role of Policy and RegulationHow law and policy shape circular transitions, including public procurement, tax incentives, and extended producer responsibility (EPR).
7
Fashion, Textiles, and the Circular EconomySpain's leadership in sustainable fashion with a focus on textile reuse, circular business models, and consumer behavior change.
8
Food Systems and CircularityInnovations in reducing food waste, composting, urban agriculture, and circularity in hospitality and supply chains.
9
Technology, Innovation, and MeasurementHow digital tools like blockchain, IoT, and lifecycle analysis support transparency, traceability, and metrics for circularity.
10
Student Presentations: Circular Innovation ProjectsGroups present their proposed circular solutions, showcasing feasibility, stakeholder analysis, and environmental/social impact.
11
Local to Global: Linking to the SDGs and Global FrameworksSynthesis of course learnings by connecting local circular efforts in Spain to the UN SDGs, global trade, and planetary boundaries.
Field Visits and Guest Speakers
A recycling or materials innovation center in Barcelona
A circular design studio or fashion startup
A zero-waste restaurant or food redistribution nonprofit
Guest speakers may include sustainability officers, policymakers, urban designers, and social entrepreneurs
Using the city as a classroom is an integral element of education abroad, and this course will include several field visits, as well as assignments that prompt students to engage actively with their host context. Field visits vary across terms, but examples include those listed above.
Readings & Resources
Books
Articles and Reports
Multimedia
Webster, Ken. The Circular Economy: A Wealth of Flows. Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017.
Stahel, Walter R. The Circular Economy: A User's Guide. Routledge, 2019.
Kirchherr, Julian, ed. Circular Economy and Sustainability: Volume 1. Springer, 2021.
Murray, Alan, et al. The Circular Economy: An Interdisciplinary Exploration of the Concept and Application in a Global Context. Springer, 2017.
Raworth, Kate. Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist. Chelsea Green, 2017.
Braungart, Michael, and William McDonough. Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. North Point Press, 2002.
Kirchherr, J., Reike, D., & Hekkert, M. (2017). "Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions." Resources, Conservation & Recycling.
Geissdoerfer, M., et al. (2017). "The Circular Economy – A new sustainability paradigm?" Journal of Cleaner Production.
Bocken, N. M. P., et al. (2016). "Product design and business model strategies for a circular economy." Journal of Industrial and Production Engineering.
Rizos, V., et al. (2016). "Implementation of circular economy business models by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): Barriers and enablers." Sustainability.
Valenzuela, F., & Böhm, S. (2017). "Against wasted politics: A critique of the circular economy." Ephemera: Theory & Politics in Organization.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation – Leading global research and advocacy organization on the circular economy.
Spain's Circular Economy Strategy (España Circular 2030) – Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition.
European Commission – Circular Economy Action Plan.
Circle Economy – Research and tools on measuring circularity globally.
Acción Circular Barcelona – Municipal initiatives and case studies in Barcelona.
Circular Cities Declaration (ICLEI Europe) – Framework for cities implementing circularity.
"Re-Thinking Progress: The Circular Economy" – Ellen MacArthur Foundation (YouTube, 3:48 min)
"Circular Economy in Barcelona" – City promotional video with case examples
DW Documentary: Circular Economy – Redesigning the Future
"A World Without Waste" – Coca-Cola's Circular Packaging Strategy (for critique and debate)
Podcast: Circular with Katie Treggiden – Stories from circular design practitioners
"How the Circular Economy Can Help Save the World" – TEDx Talk by Leyla Acaroglu