Circular Economy and Long-term Impact

Course Type: Applied Blended Challenge (ABC) Program

Duration and Timeline:

Online component: October 2026

On-site component: 26-30 October 2026

 

Award, Credits and Certification

On successful completion of the course, participants will receive 3 ECTS credits and a certificate of attendance

Organized by:

Constantin Brancuși University, Romania

1. Rodica David, dr. Cătălin Șchiopu,

Lietuvos Inzinerijos Kolegija (LIK) | Higher Education Institution (HEI)

Assoc. prof. dr. Raimondas Šadzevičius

 

Carinthia University of Applied Sciences in Austria

Verena Fink and Julian Haupt

 

 

 

 

External stakeholders that will be involved in the course:

MACOFIL SA
CRILELMAR SRL

CEO

 

Course Description and Learning Objectives

This course aims to help students understand how the current linear economic model contributes to environmental challenges and how it can be transformed into a more sustainable, circular system. Students will learn the key principles of the circular economy, including reducing waste, keeping materials in use, and designing products for longevity.

Throughout the course, students will develop a systems perspective, allowing them to analyse how resources flow through production and consumption processes. They will explore how products and services can be redesigned to minimize environmental impact and how businesses can adopt circular models that are both sustainable and economically viable.

The course also introduces tools for evaluating environmental performance, as well as the role of policies in supporting circular practices. In addition, students will reflect on the social and behavioural aspects of sustainability.

 

Course Description:

Online sessions: October 2026 • Synchronous & independent learning activities

The online component combines expert-led lectures, interactive discussions, and independent learning activities designed to introduce participants to the principles of circular economy and sustainable development.

Learning activities include:

• Introduction to circular economy concepts, sustainable resource management, and long-term environmental impact
• Interactive lectures on mine waste valorisation, industrial symbiosis, resource recovery technologies, and sustainable practices
• Guest speaker sessions exploring innovation, green entrepreneurship, and sustainable solutions
• Collaborative discussions on current environmental challenges and opportunities for circular transition
• Group formation and project preparation for the on-site component
• Independent research activities focused on identifying local sustainability challenges and examples of circular economy practices
• Reflection exercises encouraging participants to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications and their local contexts

Onsite sessions: 26–30 October 2026 • Romania • 40h

Participants will work in interdisciplinary and international teams to explore the topic “Circular Economy and Long-term Impact”, addressing challenges related to sustainable resource management, waste valorisation, industrial symbiosis, green entrepreneurship, and the transition towards more sustainable communities.

Learning activities are experiential, collaborative, and practice-oriented:

• Interactive workshops and expert-led sessions on circular economy principles, sustainable mining, resource recovery technologies, and green innovation
• Stakeholder visits to local industries and enterprises, providing direct insight into real-world sustainability challenges and solutions
• Guest lectures and dialogues with industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and sustainability experts
• Mentored group work focused on analysing real cases and developing innovative circular economy solutions
• Reflection circles and feedback sessions encouraging critical thinking, knowledge exchange, and personal development
• Intercultural and networking activities promoting collaboration, community building, and cultural exchange among participants
• Final project presentations and exhibition, showcasing participants’ ideas and proposals for creating long-term sustainable impact

 

Follow-up & reflection

  Reflection and feedback session on the learning experience and stakeholder visits

  Finalisation and presentation of group project outcomes and sustainability solutions

  Individual reflection on circular economy, sustainable development, and green entrepreneurship

  Evaluation of the long-term impact of proposed solutions and their applicability in local contexts

  Assessment of acquired knowledge, skills, and intercultural learning outcomes

 

Specific learning objectives include:

  Understand the principles and applications of circular economy in addressing environmental and societal challenges

  Explore sustainable resource management, waste valorisation, industrial symbiosis, and green innovation practices

  Develop practical knowledge of sustainable mining, resource recovery technologies, and their contribution to long-term impact

  Strengthen problem-solving, critical thinking, and systems-thinking skills through challenge-based learning

  Connect academic knowledge with real-world sustainability challenges through stakeholder engagement and industry visits

  Foster interdisciplinary collaboration, intercultural communication, and teamwork in an international learning environment

  Promote awareness of sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation as drivers of circular transition

  Encourage reflection on the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability and their relevance to local and global contexts

Which students would find this course useful for them?

👥 Who Should Apply?

🎓 Level: Undergraduate and postgraduate students from ACE²-EU partner universities

🌍 Fields: students from ACE²-EU partner universities in ·  Environmental Engineering ·  Engineering and Technology ·  Environmental Sciences ·  Sustainability Studies ·  Natural Sciences ·  Business and Management · Economics ·  Geography and Regional Development· all related fields

🗣️ Language: English B1–B2

Application Process:

Interested applicants should

🔗 Apply here: https://forms.gle/mG2HrjGhJzk2BCAy7

Deadline for receipt of applications: 20 July 2026

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee a place on the programme. Participating institutions apply their own internal selection procedures.

Prior to the start of the course, selected participants will receive a welcome email from the ACE²-EU Alliance containing detailed information and instructions specific to the programme.

Further Information

For any further information or queries related to the course, please contact:

Ace-com@e-ucb.ro; ace2eu@ufv.es