Understanding ISO 59004 (circular economy)

The circular economy is a concept we’re hearing more and more about in both the public and private spheres. As a concrete sustainable development tool for businesses, this model advocates reducing resources, protecting the environment and extending the lifespan of materials. The linear economy model is rapidly reaching its limit.

Quebec’s “Circularity Gap Report”, dated 2021, estimated Quebec’s overall economy was circular at 3.5%, doing poorly compared to a global circular economy of 8.6% in 2022.

Faced with this development, ISO developed a circular economy standardization in spring 2024 via three new standards, ISO 59004 (Circular economy – Vocabulary, principles and recommendations for implementation), ISO 59010 (Circular economy – Recommendations for transition of business models and value networks) and ISO 59020 (Circular economy – Measurement and evaluation of circularity performance).

The course content addresses the ISO 59004 component, i.e. the various principles governing the economy, the actions contributing to a circular economy and the recommendations for implementing this tool for organizations of all types.  These recommendations cover the various stages in the transition, as well as the actions to be used in a circular or transitional business model (e.g., the economy of functionality, the sharing economy, eco-design in conjunction with life-cycle analysis).  They are popularized and illustrated with concrete applications in companies. The use of actions contributing to a circular economy in different business models is explored with participants via workshops.

Following this training, you’ll be able to stand out from your competitors and colleagues, while having a positive economic, social and environmental impact.

The visual support material is highly recognized. It highlights key points, making it easier to understand and retain the information provided. Full documentation is also provided.

Our instructor participated in Quebec’s Circularity Gap Report and in the development of these three standards with the ISO committee. She is also recognized for her competence, her knowledge of standards, her vast practical experience and her teaching skills. She knows how to create a dynamic and convivial atmosphere. She stimulates participants with questions and answers, exercises, examples and discussions.

Target clientele

This course is aimed at anyone who wants to discover, understand and engage with or contribute to this model, or the person who, although already somewhat familiar with the model, nevertheless wants to refresh their understanding and comprehension of ISO 59004. The course is relevant to organizations of all sizes and activities.

Objective

The aim of this course is for participants to develop a good understanding of the circular economy vision and principles.  It aims to provide recommendations for implementation in all types of organization, as well as practical advice on actions (strategy) contributing to the circular economy.

Content

The course is structured into 4 modules covering the following topics:

• Concepts
• Vision and principles
• Actions contributing to a circular economy
• Recommandations for implementation

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Duration

1 day (7 hours)

Evaluation

None

Rates

• 575 $ / participant in virtual class
• 625 $ / participant in classroom
• Request a quote for a private group session