The objective is to build on basic concepts of circular economy as they apply to natural resources with focus on minerals and energy, and related engineering projects towards the achievement of desired SDGs. The overarching framework for this course is sustainable engineering, i.e., the theory and practice of engineering within a complex, interconnected world that faces many economic, environmental and social challenges. The course provides knowledge, competences and skills necessary to understand and evaluate circular economy strategies and their socio-economic-environmental consequences.

The students will be able to understand circular economy strategies and activities, as well as use basic sustainability assessment tools to evaluate the outcomes in terms of resource efficiency. At the end of the course, the student is expected to understand how resources and engineering can contribute (positively or negatively) to sustainable development through a more circular economy. He/she should be able to conduct a Material Flow Analysis and interpret the results using selected Circular Economy indicators.

Introduction: Role of natural resources in the economy, in a circular economy and in a net-zero economy (0.5 cfu); Circular Economy, definitions, basic concepts, strategies (0.5 cfu). Circular Economy indicators, what they measure, what should be measured and what can be measured (0.5 cfu). Circular Economy Action Plans of the EU in the context of the EU Green Deal (0.5 cfu). Critical Raw Materials and the Circular Economy, EU policies on CE and on Raw Materials (0.5 cfu). Sustainable Engineering and Sustainability Assessment tools (2 cfu). Material Flow Analysis and basics of Life Cycle Thinking, Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (0,5 cfu). Corporate Sustainability Management, Carbon Footprinting and Sustainability Reporting (0,5 cfu) Product and Organisation Environmental Footprint (PEF and OEF) in the context of Greening the EU single market (0,5 cfu)

The course is 60 hours long and it is organised as follows: about 40 hours are dedicated to lectures about fundamental and technical knowledge. During lectures students are often involved with questions and exercises carried out individually but discussed with the whole group of students to assess the comprehension of principles and theory. Around 10 hours are dedicated to computer lab individual assignments which are carried out by the students with the supervision of the professor and/or an expert assistant. This activity has the task of developing competence and deepening the understanding of fundamental principles and methods. Circa 10 hours are dedicated to seminars and practical lab with the additional presence of expert instructors from industry. The practical labs are carried out in teams using statistical data (ESTAT, UN-Comtrade, USGS, etc.) or real industry data and are aimed at developing ability and interpretation skills.

Material available on the web (portale della didattica): lecture slides, limited portions of reference books; scientific papers (tutorial and basic papers) as further readings, collection of exercises; homework assignments.

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula);

Exam: Written test;

... The exam is aimed at evaluating knowledge, competences and skills acquired during the course. The final examination consists of a written test (1,5 hours) made of open (essay) questions and short exercises (oral exam not allowed).

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.