CBD01 Circular Business and Development

About the workshop

The workshop is on how circular economy approaches can be applied to support business and development. Presentations and exercises are used to show how circular thinking can be used to explore and develop new business and development opportunities that are more resource-efficient, generate less waste, create local jobs and support the local economy.

What the workshop offers

Attending the workshop will enable you to understand more about the circular economy and how you can apply this to business and development.

What you will learn 

The following topics will be addressed in the workshop.

1. What is the circular economy?

Circular economy approaches are changing economic models and revolutionising the way we do business and development. Presentations will discuss circular approaches and principles and show how these draw on nature to develop highly effective and effective systems.

2. What opportunities do circular approaches offer for business? 

Climate change and a shrinking resource base have meant that alternative more sustainable business models are now needed. This has driven the rapid growth of new circular businesses that have identified new opportunities. Examples from a wide range of industries including manufacturing, food, textiles and the built environment will be provided.

3. How can the government support the circular economy and development?

There are many development opportunities that are supported by more circular approaches. These include more efficient systems, less waste, a diverse more resilient economy and new enterprises and jobs. The workshop will show how the government can work with the private sector to develop a circular economy through policy, legislation, standards, capacity development, taxation and incentives.

4. What support, such as technical advice, guidance and financing, is there for circular approaches?

There are an increasing number of resources available to support the identification and development of circular approaches. These include technical guidance and access to financing. The workshop will introduce these resources and describe how they can be accessed.

How you will learn and interact

The workshop is online, and you will be able to learn and interact through:

  • Presentations
  • Interactive exercises
  • Discussions and questions
  • Additional reading and viewing

Structure of the workshop

The workshops run from 13:00 to 16:30, South African Time and consist of presentations and interactive exercises.

Who should attend?

Business owners, entrepreneurs, researchers, teachers, non-government organisations and government officials are interested in understanding the circular economy and its application to business and development.

What do I need to attend the workshop?

You will be given a link to the online workshop and will need a reliable internet connection. Engaging in exercises when invited to do so will ensure that you maximise the value of the training. Accessing references and additional reading materials will also ensure you get the most out of the workshop.

Who will present the workshop?

The workshop will be presented by Jeremy Gibberd and Karin Merle.  

Jeremy has worked with businesses, non-government organisations and governments on circular economy projects in Africa. Recently, he has undertaken projects that apply the circular economy to building materials, construction and the design, operation and reuse of buildings with One Planet Network, UNEP and Africa Rise.

Karin has supported governments, businesses and development partners worldwide to transition to more regenerative and inclusive economic practices. She has worked with several European Commission Facilities (Asia Partnership Facility, SWITCH-Asia, SWITCH to Green, EU Africa Rise) and on a range of German and French-funded projects.

Workshop dates

The next workshop dates are:

  • Wednesday 8 May 13:00 – 16:30, South African Time. Sign up here

Please contact Karin or Jeremy here if you have questions.

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