Meet the Circular Economy 2023

In view of the ecological stress limits of our planet, the consumption of natural resources is still too high, especially in the industrialized countries. Thus, one of the global sustainability goals is to create a shift toward sustainable production and consumption patterns. The circular economy offers a great opportunity to achieve this goal. Its innovative approaches are already being implemented in companies.

Content and objective of the module

As part of the lecture, we invite companies (global players, medium-sized companies, but also SMEs and start-ups from the region) to discuss innovative sustainability concepts in corporate and product development together with the students. They will hear first-hand about the opportunities and challenges in developing and establishing circular or bio-based processes. The main aim is to look from theory into practice. Students and university staff from all faculties as well as all those interested are welcome. The event is supported by the Center for Circular Economy (CCE) of the RWTH, the Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC) and the coordination office BioeconomyREVIER Rheinland. During the exercise, the respective topics and presentations of the lecture will be embedded in the theoretical context of innovation and technology management.

After a successful completion of the lecture, the students have an overview of current developments in the implementation of innovative sustainability concepts in the economy. They are able to analyze the specific opportunities and challenges in different contexts (e.g. start-ups, substitution of fossil resources in established products, energy- or resource-intensive industries) using methods of innovation and technology management. Furthermore, students are able to reflect on and controversially discuss current trends in the sustainability transformation of the economy.

Following the lectures, there is always the possibility of an informal exchange.

Organizational procedure and dates

Exercise

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in room E1 (1090|301) (Schinkelstr. 2) on the following dates: 17.05., 24.05., 07.06., 14.06., 21.06., 28.06. and 05.07. (DD.MM)

Kick-off:

Information about the general procedure and the examination
(Only relevant for students who want to take an examination)

Monday, 03.04.2023 12:00-13.30, R 140 in Reiff-Museum Fak. for Architecture Schinkelstr. 1, Templergraben 51 – 1. Upper floor possibly also digitally via zoom.

Presentations

(Presenting companies will be announced as the semester progresses)

Introduction: Sustainable innovation in practice

Topic: Circular economy in the chemical industry

• Nova Institut
• Covestro

Monday, 24.04.2023 16.15 – 19.15 at TEMP2, Republikplatz 6

Circular economy as a new business modell

• Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation
• Remondis

Monday, 08.05.2023 16.15 – 19.15 at TEMP2, Republikplatz 6

Start-ups in the circular economy

• keep it grün
• Circular Ventures

Monday, 15.05.2023 16.15 – 19.15 at TEMP2, Republikplatz 6

Sustainability in construction

• Evoyo (formerly Econic)
• Schüco

Monday, 22.05.2023 16.15 – 19.15 at TEMP2, Republikplatz 6

Social innovations in the circular economy

• Sommerrust
• Ohemaa Green Housing

Monday, 05.06.2023 16.15 – 19.15 at TEMP2, Republikplatz 6

Sustainability in mobility

• E&Y
• Mercedes

Monday, 12.06.2023 16.15 – 19.15 at TEMP2, Republikplatz 6

Policy and capital for the circular economy

• Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Industrie, Klimaschutz und Energie
• NRW.BANK

Monday, 19.06.2023 16.15 – 19.15 at TEMP2, Republikplatz 6

Participation and registration

Students and university staff from all faculties as well as all those interested are welcome. Registration for the event via RWTHonline or by mail to: sebastian.lubjuhn@socecon.rwth-aachen.de