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University Contributions to the Circular Economy: Professing the Hidden Curriculum

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  • Ben Tirone Nunes

    (School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK)

  • Simon J. T. Pollard

    (School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK)

  • Paul J. Burgess

    (School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK)

  • Gareth Ellis

    (Energy and Environment Team, Facilities, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK)

  • Irel Carolina De los Rios

    (School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK)

  • Fiona Charnley

    (Centre for Competitive Creative Design (C4D), Cranfield University, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK)

Abstract

In a world dominated by linear economic systems, the road to improving resource use is multi-faceted. Whilst public and private organisations are making progress in introducing sustainable practices, we ask ourselves the extent to which education providers are contributing to the circular economy. As engines for skills and knowledge, universities play a primary role in propelling circular economy approaches into reality and, as such, hold the potential for raising the bar on sustainable performance. A rapid evidence assessment (REA) was therefore undertaken to examine the interactions between university estate management and the circular economy. This assessment identified six pertinent themes: campus sustainability, the hidden curriculum, environmental governance, local impact, university material flows, and the role of universities as catalysts for business and examined 70 publications. A second part of the study reviewed the environmental activities of 50 universities ranked highly in terms of their environmental credentials or their environmental science courses. The results are presented and then discussed in terms of how universities can affect material flows, promote sustainability outside of the formal curriculum, and act as catalysts with business. The economic significance of universities provides an appreciable demand for circular products and services. Universities should develop “hidden curriculum” plans to promote improved environmental behaviours of staff and students. Universities can also catalyse a circular economy by working with business to improve eco-effectiveness as well as eco-efficiency. For example, projects should extend the focus from decreasing carbon footprint to achieving carbon positivity, from improving water efficiency to treating wastewater, and from recycling to reverse logistics for repurposing. Pilot projects arising from such work could provide valuable research bases and consultancy opportunities.

Suggested Citation

  • Ben Tirone Nunes & Simon J. T. Pollard & Paul J. Burgess & Gareth Ellis & Irel Carolina De los Rios & Fiona Charnley, 2018. "University Contributions to the Circular Economy: Professing the Hidden Curriculum," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-24, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:8:p:2719-:d:161536
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. José Ramón Díez & Iñaki Antigüedad & Elena Agirre & Arantza Rico, 2018. "Perceptions and Consumption of Bottled Water at the University of the Basque Country: Showcasing Tap Water as the Real Alternative towards a Water-Sustainable University," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-15, September.
    3. Natacha Klein & Tomás B. Ramos & Pauline Deutz, 2022. "Factors and strategies for circularity implementation in the public sector: An organisational change management approach for sustainability," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(3), pages 509-523, May.
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    6. Christian Rammel & Oliver Vettori, 2021. "Dealing with the Intangible: Using the Analytical Lens of Hidden Curricula for a Transformative Paradigm of Sustainable Higher Education," Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, , vol. 15(2), pages 234-249, September.
    7. Javier Sierra & Ángela Suárez-Collado, 2021. "Understanding Economic, Social, and Environmental Sustainability Challenges in the Global South," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-17, June.
    8. Sabina Scarpellini, 2022. "Social impacts of a circular business model: An approach from a sustainability accounting and reporting perspective," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(3), pages 646-656, May.
    9. Matei Florin-Bogdan & Nimerenco Ina & Soare Bianca Eugenia & Grădinaru Giani Ionel, 2023. "The Role of Universities in Achieving the Key Objectives of the Circular Economy Strategy," Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, Sciendo, vol. 17(1), pages 512-523, July.
    10. Hinrika Droege & Andrea Raggi & Tomás B. Ramos, 2021. "Co‐development of a framework for circular economy assessment in organisations: Learnings from the public sector," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(6), pages 1715-1729, November.

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