Courses
Circular Economy Principles for the Built Environment
Certificate
Course Details
| Course Code | GA_ECPBG_N09 |
|---|---|
| Level | 9 |
| Duration | 1 semester |
| Credits | 15 |
| Method of Delivery | Blended |
| Campus Locations | Galway City – Dublin Road |
| Mode of Delivery | Part Time |
Course Overview
This module aims to immerse the student in the principles of the circular economy and how they can be applied across the whole built environment supply chain. The module will explore the challenges and opportunities of embedding circular economy principles during each phase i.e., pre-development decision-making, planning, design, construction, operation, and end-of-life through the lens of stakeholder action.
The learning outcomes enable learners to explore the complexities of sustainability issues within the built environment, including environmental impacts and the need for strong leadership. Learners will use systems thinking to evaluate circular economy principles in a built environment context, and examine planning-led and client-led circular economy actions across the value chain.
They will also look at how design-led circular economy approaches work at different scales, and assess the role of stakeholders in applying these principles during pre-construction planning and construction. In addition, learners will use foresight thinking to explore how waste can be seen as a resource at community and city-wide levels.
Course Details
Year 1
| Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Circular Economy Principles for the Built EnvironmentThis module aims to immerse the student in the principles of the circular economy and how they can be applied across the whole built environment supply chain. The module will explore the challenges and opportunities of embedding circular economy principles during each phase i.e., pre-development decision-making, planning, design, construction, operation, and end-of-life through the lens of stakeholder action. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an ability to critically explorethe complexities of sustainability issues within the built environment, the associated environmental impacts, and the need for leadership. 2. Employ systems thinking to critically evaluatecircular economy principles that apply within a built environment context. 3. Critically evaluate and analyze the application and impact of planning and client-led circular economy interventions across the built environment value chain. 4. Critically evaluate and analyze the application and impact of design-led circular economy interventions at different scales across the built environment value chain. 5. Critically assess and evaluate the role of value chain stakeholders in the implementation of circular economy principles during the pre-construction planning and construction phases. 6. Employ foresight thinking to explore how the reconceptualization of waste as a resource can be applied at community and city-wide scales. |
15 | Mandatory |
Recommended Study Hours per week
4 hours per week online.
Examination and Assessment
This course is 100% continuous assessment via 3 projects.
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
No on-campus attendance required.
Download a prospectus
GRASP is a PEACEPLUS-funded cross-border initiative offering flexible, industry-focused learning opportunities.
Applicants must:
- Be 16 years of age or older
- Live in, or work for an employer based in, Northern Ireland or border counties: Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan or Louth.
For more information visit www.graspproject.com
Further Information
Application Closing Date
This course has now closed for applications for September 2026.
Start Date
September 2026
Contact Information
Online, Flexible and Professional Development, Galway-Mayo
T:+353 91 753 161
E: learn.galwaymayo@atu.ie
