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)
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.
How to join – Instructions For Environment Agency staff :
To enrol in a pathway:
- Create an SCSS personal account
- Click on your personal profile. Under the heading ‘My Learning Pathways’, click ‘View available pathways’
- Use the search function to locate the relevant pathway, and click ‘Enrol’
- 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]