In a world of hyper-consumerism and a "take-make-waste linear economy" [1], it is sometimes hard to imagine doing things differently. With revelations of “recycled” waste being shipped overseas and dumped in developing nations and food being wasted before it even hits the shelves due to “commercial beauty standards”, it is clear it is time for change.
The supply chain is by far the largest source of emissions for post-16 education institutions [2], but it also provides the sector with a lot of agency for change. We have created this guide to educate and inspire the next generation of thinkers to deliver solutions that already exist and to develop new ones to pioneer the way forward.
With over a hundred definitions, the Circular Economy can be a complex topic to navigate. At its core, it refers to systems of production based on three main principles:
- Eliminate waste and pollution
- Circulate products and materials
- Regenerate nature
This guide has been developed to enable staff in the UK and Ireland’s post-16 education sector to understand:
- What the circular economy is
- The policy and legislative environment
- The challenges, but also the many opportunities, that circularity can bring
- Inspirational case studies across different departments
- How individuals, teams and whole institutions can take action to become circular in the five key areas of: Leadership and Governance; Teaching, Learning and Research; Estates and Operations; Partnerships and Engagement; Data Collection and Monitoring.
It is hoped that, through this guide and associated action planning section, your institution will be able to enact circular principles, whatever your scale or budget, and reap the many benefits they can bring. Together we can reduce the harm of our current linear economic model.
References
1. What is the linear economy? Ellen MacArthur Foundation
2. 2023/34 EAUC Public Bodies Climate Change Duties
| 30th September 2025 | |
| Resource | |
| EAUC Circular Economy Guide | |
| EAUC Administrator |
