Developing Local Capacity for Climate Economy: Sustainability School Lagos in Partnership with Arizona State University to deliver first ever Circular Economy Certificate Program in Nigeria

Executive Certificate in the Ethical Circular Economy

Online course and in-person workshop in Lagos, Nigeria March-April, 2016 “Circular Economy” models, which minimize resource and energy use and maximize recycling, could add up to US$1 trillion to the global economy by 2025. It is a new approach to transitioning product and service development, urban infrastructure building and economic development around maximum resource efficiency and effectiveness. For developing economies of sub-Saharan Africa, the term may hold a different meaning. For this reason, contextualizing the circular economy concept to align with local conditions becomes a major 21st century imperative for businesses, policy planners and other relevant stakeholders, and therefore an important component of this course. This certificate course, offered through Arizona State University, the largest and most innovative university in the United States and a global leader in sustainability education, in partnership with Sustainability School, Lagos, consists of two sections: a four-week online introduction to ethical circular economy followed by a three-day face-to-face interactive workshop in Lagos

General Description

Prior to the in-person workshop, students will participate in a 4-week online instructor-led Introduction to Ethical Circular Economy. The online modules will focus on defining circular economy, understanding the current state of circular economy and the associated industry terminology. Topics will include the history of circular economy, systems thinking, net positive impact, open vs. closed loop systems, sustainable supply chain management and urban metabolism. Participants will have the opportunity to meet others in the course, discuss common interests, and begin to form project groups prior to the first face-to-face meeting. During the three day face-to face-workshops, students will work in groups to design closed-loop solutions to product and service designs and challenges within the built environment.

During the course, students will:

  • Learn what circular economy is, how it works and the schools of thought that formed its foundation including net positive, biomimicry and life cycle analysis.
  • Work individually or in groups to redesign a marketable product or service based on circular economy principles and models, and/or design a closed loop built environment.
  • Apply newly acquired knowledge to define applicability to their local environment using three themes: rapid urbanization, clean energy and technology, and food systems.
  • Complete a broad cost-benefit analysis for a circular economy project.

Certificate format

The course consists of:

  • Online preparation work (approximately four weeks)
    • Video lectures o Group activities
    • Case studies
    • Interactive, multimedia activities
    • Facilitated discussion forums and review sessions
  • Three days of face-to-face sessions in Lagos
    • Content review, discussion
    • Project work with course instructors
    • End-of-course assessment

The certificate faculty are global sustainability thought and practice leaders:

  • Dr. Olufemi Olarewaju, PhD is Co-Founder of the Sustainability School, Lagos and founding executive director of the Resource Innovation and Solutions Network Nigeria. He is also an Associate Lecturer at the Center for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law, University of Ibadan
  • Dan O’Neill is General Manager of the Global Sustainability Solutions Services at Arizona State University, has worked at ASU for 12 years starting and managing several initiatives focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and sustainable development, which are the foci of his research, education, and practice.
  • Dr. Raj Buch, PhD is Practice Lead with the Global Sustainability Solutions Services at Arizona State University, drives circular economy efforts at ASU on international projects that create social and environmental impact for developing economies in Africa and Asia, such as piloting sustainable food systems, livestock management, irrigation systems development and “circular cities.”

Registration deadline, Course Dates

  • Detailed syllabus/agenda to be provided by February 1, 2016
  • Registration by March 15, 2016
  • Online work from March 15 to April 15, 2016
  • Face-to-face sessions in Lagos: Monday, April 18 through Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Certificate

  • ₦299,000.00 tuition fee
  • Scholarship to offset all or part of the tuition may be available through corporate sponsorships
  • Certificate received by each participant upon successful completion of course

To register contact:

olufemi.olarewaju@sustainabilityschool.com.ng
mara.defilippis@asu.edu