Transforming public-sector operations to embrace circular economy (CE) principles is crucial to unlocking environmental and socioeconomic benefits. As both a policymaker and major player in the economy, the public sector has the potential to spearhead the shift toward a green economy through CE applications. As detailed in the 2022 APO report Green Productivity and Circular Economy: Complementary Approaches to Sustainable Development, the CE takes a targeted approach to sustainability, addressing all economic facets, including green production. However, the public sector has yet to fully harness the CE as a productivity tool for enhancing efficiency, equity, and sustainability.

This e-course on the CE will take learners on a transformative journey toward sustainable economic growth. It will delve into the fundamental principles of circularity, exploring how to redesign products, systems, and business models to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. Through engaging lectures, interactive case studies, and practical exercises, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the CE’s potential to address pressing environmental and social challenges. This e-course will empower learners to become catalysts for change by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to implement circular strategies within their organizations and communities. They will learn how to identify opportunities for circular innovation, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and measure the environmental and economic impacts of their circular initiatives.

Course Objectives:

The main objectives of this course are:

• Present the core principles and concepts of the CE;

• Show how to formulate effective CE strategies tailored to unique sectoral challenges and opportunities; and

• Offer practical insights on integrating CE practices into existing public-sector policies, strategies, and practices.

This e-learning course will cover the following modules:

Module 1: Introduction to CE principles and concepts
Module 2: Analysis of challenges and opportunities in integrating CE practices in the public sector
Module 3: Enabling strategic planning for CE in the public sector
Module 4: Enabling public procurement for circular supply chains
Module 5: Practical insights on integrating CE practices into public-sector operations

Important Notes:

1. Participants who register to take this course and pass the final examination with a score of 70% or higher will be eligible to receive the APO certificate. Please note that the final examination can be taken only once. Therefore, the most appropriate time to take the examination should be chosen carefully. The self-assessment quizzes are for personal evaluation only and are not related to the final examination results.

2. Participants who perform well in this course and receive the APO certificate will be given preference, on a merit basis, for selection to attend follow-up face-to-face multicounty APO projects on similar topics, when nominated by their NPOs and if slots are available.

3. Notes 1 and 2 are applicable only to participants from APO member countries. Participants from nonmember countries are welcome to take the course for self-improvement, although they will not have an opportunity to attend the follow-up face-to-face multicountry APO projects.

4. Each module is in a prerecorded video format in which the expert delivers presentations by explaining each slide. Participants can access the video by clicking on the link provided under the title of each module.