O7IM 2145A - Creating value in a circular, low carbon economy

Sustainability is gaining traction in general and with investors. The concept of circular economy is causing investors and owners to rethink their strategies for the 21st century and to identify new investment opportunities. Step by step, large countries are committing to Net Zero Carbon trajectories and together they are reflecting on pathways and regulations to reach this goal. After a presentation of environmental megatrends and impacts on climate, biodiversity and resources, the course will analyze the growing commitment to sustainability, from civil society to business and finance. The course will then discuss the theory of the Circular Economy concept and the transition in the making in key economic sectors such as energy, mobility or construction. The aim will be to demonstrate how this transition to a low carbon economy will be a source of value creation. In the last part, students will do a case study on sustainable transformation for selected sectors, as well as discuss systemic and technological evolutions in key areas such as plastics, fashion or food.

Henry SAINT-BRIS

Enseignement électif

English

Each course will require preparation ahead by reading the circulated documents and understanding the key concepts, as well as the preparation of the case study group assignment.

Autumn 2024-2025

Course validation will be based on (I) two group work assessments:
- a sector sustainability analysis (40%) (Sectors sustainability Trends, Business Opportunities and Best Practices to be presented to the class)
- an investor company selection where students will identify a leading player leveraging sustainability opportunities (40%);
(II) a personal assessment based on participation and inputs to the class discussion (20%).

The course will be divided into 3 parts and six interactive lectures. Part I will cover physical and economic issues: (1) Climate and Environmental challenges, and (2) Rationale and key enablers of the Circular Economy. Part II will deal with initiatives and new opportunities including how technology and AI will help bring them at scale: (3) History of institutional and private initiatives, and (4) Case studies of sustainability transformations. Part III will focus on practical solutions: (5) Opportunities and solutions in major economic sectors and (6) Systemic evolution of key value chains (plastics, fashion, food).