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Traditional engineering has focused on designing and building products that are efficient and cost-effective. However, this approach has led to a number of environmental and social problems, such as pollution, resource depletion, and climate change. Circular engineering, also known as circular design or circular economy engineering, is a new and emerging field that focuses on designing and building products and systems that aims to minimize waste and resource consumption while maximizing the longevity and recyclability of products and materials. Circular engineering is closely aligned with sustainability goals and aims to reduce the environmental footprint of products and systems. It also encourages a shift away from the traditional "take-make-waste" linear economy to one that prioritizes the reuse, repair, and recycling of resources, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. It is particularly relevant in addressing issues such as resource scarcity, waste management, and climate change mitigation

Circular engineering focuses on the following key principles:

1. Design for Longevity: Products and systems are designed with durability in mind, so they have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
2. Design for Reuse: The design process considers how components or materials from a product can be repurposed or reused in other applications, promoting a more circular flow of resources.
3. Design for Recycling: Products are designed with materials that can be efficiently recycled at the end of their life cycle. This involves selecting recyclable materials and ensuring they are easy to separate and process.
4. Minimize Resource Consumption: Circular engineering emphasizes resource efficiency, using fewer materials and energy during the manufacturing process.
5. Consider Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of products and systems, including energy usage, emissions, and pollution, is considered throughout the design process.
6. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A life cycle assessment is often conducted to analyze the environmental impact of a product or system at every stage of its life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.

Here are some few examples of the many ways that circular engineering is being used to create a more sustainable future.

1. A company that designs and manufactures modular furniture, so that customers can easily change the configuration of their furniture as their needs change.
2. A company that refurbishes old smartphones and sells them as certified used devices.
3. A company that designs and builds zero-energy buildings, which generate as much energy as they consume.
4. A company that develops biodegradable packaging made from seaweed.
5. A company that uses recycled plastics to manufacture new products, such as car seats and clothing.

The following are some of the best universities to study bachelors/masters programs in circular/sustainability engineering:

• IMT Nord Europe
• Salzburg University of Applied Sciences – FH Salzburg (Austria)
• Maastricht University (Netherlands)
• Montanuniversität Leoben (Austria)
• Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Spain)
• University of Pannonia (Hungary)

Institutions in India offering Circular/Sustainability programs

• University of Petroleum and Energy Studies

These universities offer a variety of undergraduate/graduate programs in circular/sustainability engineering, including:
In addition to offering strong academic programs, these universities also have a strong focus on sustainability and circular economy research providing students the opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field and to participate in cutting-edge research projects.

When choosing a university to study circular engineering, it is important to consider the following factors:

Program reputation: Choose a university with a strong reputation in circular engineering. This will ensure that you are receiving a high-quality education.

Faculty expertise: Make sure that the university has faculty members with expertise in circular engineering. This will give you the opportunity to learn from the best and brightest minds in the field.

Research opportunities: Look for a university that has a strong focus on circular economy research. This will give you the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research projects and to learn from leading experts in the field.

Internship and job opportunities: Choose a university that has strong ties to industry. This will give you the opportunity to find internships and jobs in circular engineering.

Remember that the availability of specific programs and courses may vary from year to year, so it's a good idea to check the university's website and contact the admissions department for the most up-to-date information on circular engineering programs and admissions requirements.

Employability of circular engineers: Circular engineers are in high demand as businesses and governments around the world transition to a circular economy. A recent report by the World Economic Forum found that the circular economy could create 11.5 million new jobs by 2030.

Circular engineers are employed in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, energy, transportation, and waste management. They work for a variety of employers, including private companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Graduates with expertise in circular engineering can pursue a variety of career options in industries and organizations that prioritize sustainability, resource efficiency, and circular economy principles. Here are some career options for circular engineering graduates:

Circular Economy Consultant: Circular engineering graduates can work as consultants, advising businesses and organizations on how to transition to more circular and sustainable practices. This may involve conducting audits, developing strategies, and implementing circular economy principles.

Sustainable Product Designer: These professionals design products with a focus on circular principles, creating items that are durable, repairable, and recyclable. They work in various industries, including fashion, industrial design, and consumer goods.

Materials Engineer: Materials engineers specializing in circular engineering focus on developing new materials or improving existing ones that are more sustainable, recyclable, and have a reduced environmental impact.

Circular manufacturing engineer: Circular manufacturing engineers develop and implement manufacturing processes that minimize waste and pollution. They may work to improve the efficiency of existing processes or to develop new technologies.

Waste Management Specialist: Graduates can work in waste management and recycling companies to optimize waste collection, separation, and recycling processes, helping to reduce the environmental impact of waste.

Sustainability Manager: These professionals are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability initiatives within organizations, ensuring that they adopt circular economy principles and reduce their environmental footprint.

Research and Development (R&D): Circular engineering graduates can work in research and development roles within various industries, developing innovative technologies and solutions that promote circularity and resource efficiency.

Environmental Analyst: Environmental analysts assess the environmental impact of products and processes, helping organizations reduce their carbon footprint and adopt circular practices.

Sustainable Supply Chain Manager: Graduates can work to optimize supply chain processes, ensuring that materials and products are sourced, manufactured, and transported in an environmentally responsible manner.

Government Policy and Regulation: Some circular engineers may find careers in government agencies or non-profit organizations, where they can influence and shape policies related to sustainability, waste management, and circular economy practices.

Non-Profit and NGOs: Many non-profit organizations and NGOs focus on sustainability and circular economy initiatives. Graduates can work in roles related to advocacy, education, and project management.

Entrepreneurship: Circular engineering graduates with entrepreneurial aspirations can start their own businesses focused on sustainable and circular products or services. This may involve creating eco-friendly product lines, recycling services, or sustainability consulting firms.

Academia and Research: Some graduates choose to pursue further education and research in circular engineering and related fields, contributing to the development of new knowledge and solutions.

In addition to these specific roles, circular engineers can also work in a variety of other positions, such as: Research Engineer, Project Manager, Business Development Manager, Sales Engineer, Consultant etc.

The career options for circular engineering graduates are diverse and continue to expand as more businesses and organizations recognize the importance of adopting circular economy principles to address environmental and resource challenges. The demand for professionals with expertise in sustainability and circular engineering is likely to grow in the coming years, making it an exciting field for career opportunities. If you are passionate about sustainability and making a difference in the world, then a career in circular engineering may be the right choice for you.

Article By: Kasim Puthanpuraykal
CIGI Career Team