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Adopting a Circular Approach

We are using the equivalent of 1.6 earths to maintain our current way of living. This means we’re using about 60% more of the earth’s resources than it can regenerate every year (World Economic Forum, 2023).

On a planet with finite resources, we must recognise our current system is failing us, and design a new and better one: enter the concept of a circular economy.

The Environment Agency can contribute to and promote a circular approach through three principles:

  • Design out waste and pollution
  • Keep products and materials in use
  • Regenerate natural systems

Through our learning pathways, we aim to support our staff, partners and suppliers: 

  • Understand the basic principles of what a circular approach is and how circular practices can be applied.
  • Encourage learners to become more confident with the cultural and behavioural changes needed to promote a circular approach; including uptake of fresh perspectives, championing innovative products and services, and creating exciting organizational and supply chain partnerships.
  • Enable staff to think and act in a more holistic and circular way; a way that is more in tune with nature, that addresses important social needs, and helps to tackle climate change.

Learning modules available:

  • Introduction to Waste (45 mins)
  • Responsible Waste Management in FM (30 mins)
  • The Circular Economy (45 mins)
  • Circular Economy Indicators (30 mins)
  • Introduction to Materials (60 mins)
  • Sustainable timber and chain of custody (45 mins)
  • Life Cycle Analysis (45 mins)
  • Sustainability in Food, Drink and Catering (45 mins)
  • Sustainable use & management of plastics (45 mins)
Materials

Re-thinking progress - Circular economy

There’s a world of opportunity to re-think and re-design the way we make stuff – learn more in this video from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Re-thinking progress – Circular economy

How to join – Instructions For Environment Agency staff :

To enrol in a pathway:

  1. Create an SCSS personal account
  2. Click on your personal profile. Under the heading ‘My Learning Pathways’, click ‘View available pathways’
  3. Use the search function to locate the relevant pathway, and click ‘Enrol’
  4. Begin your learning through clicking on ‘Enrolled pathways’ under your personal profile

For any questions on accessing the SCSS Learning Pathways, please contact Rosie Watts: [email protected]