Sustainable Development and the Circular Economy

This module covers definitions, meanings, and key principles of the concept of Sustainable Development (Economy, Society and Environment) and the circular economy. The module addresses sustainability issues and the associated policy discussions regarding the increasing pressure on firms to embed sustainability to increase competitiveness and profits. This module aims to give students the opportunity to learn about key sustainability factors that are changing the business environment such as increasing populations, resource depletion, food shortages, and climate change, and to discuss the broad range of government initiatives to tackle these challenges. Attention will be given to the design and implementation of sustainable development policies and solutions involving the circular economy, with a holistic approach from a technical, social, and economic perspectives. The examination of a broad range of global challenges will further enable students to grasp and discuss key issues that will dominate global finance, international economic development, and policy design. The module aligns well with the UN Sustainable Development Goals along with the EU policy on building a circular economy and Ireland’s Circular Economy Programme (2021-2027) to facilitate the transition towards a sustainable economic system.

1. Understand the concept of sustainable development and the circular economy

2. Appraise global sustainability challenges, and to assess the impact on firms and consumers

3. Assess the role of public policy on shifting consumption and production practices from a linear to a circular economy