Circular Value Networks
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
The program
The ability to balance sustainability, agility and resilient value chains is quickly becoming the defining differentiator for business operations professionals. This CAS equips participants to leverage their expertise to build a better future.
Sustainability is a term that has been thrown around organizations for nearly four decades. And yet, it remains a largely untapped potential and term often misunderstood as a state, rather than a mindset that must continuously adjust to changing industry practice and innovation. Get the knowledge and tools you need to accelerate the transition to NET-Zero with people at the center.
Unlocking the opportunity to set growth, innovation and sustainability goals rather than simply managing operations is the great competitive advantage of professionals versed in the science of sustainability.
Our Executive Certificate is for those who want to drive change responsibly within the value chain.
Participant profile
This program is for professionals from 5 to 20+ years of experience from all sectors who want to understand and transform the value chain and bring sustainable solutions to the decision-making table.
Format
The modules consist each of 3 full class days (Thursday, Friday & Saturday), in person at the EPFL Campus, along with remote and blended learning. It is designed to enable you to continue your work and study at the same time.
A Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) is granted by EPFL upon successful completion of all modules in the set duration of three months.
This program is designed for flexibility: Registration for individual modules is also possible (subject to availability).
Module overview
Sustainability & Systems Thinking
April 3-5, 2025
- Developing a systems thinking mindset
- Transitioning from linear to circular value chains
- Comparing complex trade-offs through the science of sustainability
Circular Economy
May 9-10, 2025
- Multi-stakeholder best practice for applied circularity
- Designing & testing circular economy strategies
- Generating circular profitability models
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (Part 1)
May 8 & June 5, 2025
- Assessing products and services over their life cycle
- Initiating and guiding life cycle assessments
- Calculating environmental and social impact to identify hot spots
- Appraising proposed solutions and SDG reports
- Life Cycle Costing (LCC), as well as the valuation of natural, human and social capital
Solutions for Impact Reduction (Part 2)
June 5 – 6, 2025
- Assessing strategies for impact reduction (eco-design, action plans)
- Applying eco-design approaches and evaluating scenarios with LCA
- Integrating the importance of behavioural, business and institutional conditions
Responsible and Traceable Value Chains (Part I & II)
June 7 & 26-28, 2025
- Managing responsible sourcing & suppliers
- Meeting regulatory requirements by focusing on reporting results
- Cultivating collaboration & trust through contracts & negotiation
- Managing product traceability from cradle to grave
Circular Simulation Game (Blue Connection)
- Playing a collaborative and innovative web-based business simulation game on circular economy
- Transforming a virtual manufacturer’s value chain from linear to circular
- Defining and implementing a more circular and profitable strategy circular strategy
What do our participants say?
Ashima Rajput
“I decided to enroll in the CAS in Circular Value Networks to gain specific knowledge on impact analysis and circular economy that were not available elsewhere. As I want to work as a circular economy and impact analyst, the CAS has given me a lot of key skills I need in my career with regard to impact measurement and corporate sustainability. I enjoyed the general atmosphere of the program, which was very positive and insightful.”
Ashima Rajput (2023 Graduate)
Nicolas Basquin
“I decided to pivot my career towards sustainability because as an alpinist I realized how big and fast the climate change is. My first visit in the white valley in Chamonix literally broke my heart and I wanted to do something about it. This, combined with recommendations from previous alumni pushed me to join. It exceeded my expectations as I really learned a lot from the latest IPCC reports, the 9 planetary boundaries and SDG goals but much more to act at a corporate organization level to reach net-zero emissions. Environmental life cycle assessment, responsible value chains from procurement to more circular practices. And finally, I really enjoyed working in cross-functional teams on different cases especially on the simulation game to test and learn circular strategies.”
Nicolas Basquin, previously Head of Marketing L’Oreal, currently traveling the World, before changing the world (Graduate 2023)
Fabio Ferrante
“Throughout the duration of the course, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of experts in the field of sustainability, including scientists, consultants, and representatives from various companies.
The lessons were primarily focused on fostering interaction with teachers and collaboration with participants, allowing us to harness the power of collective intelligence to arrive at meaningful results.”
Fabio Ferrante, (2023 Graduate)
Admissions & tuition
Tuition fee
The fee for the CAS (all modules) is 9’800 CHF.
It is also possible to take individual modules if one only needs to do a deep dive in certain topics.
We also offer multiple module discounts when you register for 2 modules or more. For a detailed price list, please contact us at [email protected]
Please note that priority is given to the applicants for the full CAS. Applications for single modules are subject to availability.
Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree, fluency in English and a minimum of 5 years work experience.
Applications
How to apply?
Applications for the CAS or individual modules are done online. You will need:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certificate/Diploma & transcript for each degree
- A scan of your passport
- One passport photo (minimum 300 dpi – jpg file)
Applications are taken on a rolling basis; it is advisable to apply at least 30 days prior to the start of the module.
Would you like to learn more about the CAS and how to secure your seat?
You’ll find the most common questions about the program listed below. However do not hesitate to get in touch with us at [email protected] if you have further questions. We would be happy to further discuss the program with you.
Our most common questions are listed below, however feel free to get in touch at [email protected] if you have further questions.
FAQ
- All modules (CAS): 9’800 CHF *
- Single modules: from 1’950 CHF
- Multiple modules: discounts when you register for 2 modules or more modules
Request a brochure or contact us at [email protected] for a detailed price list.
* An early bird fee discount of 500 CHF applies (limited and offered on a first come first served basis) if you register by February 10th, 2025.
Priority is given to the applicants for the full CAS. Applications for single modules are subject to availability.
- The program runs over a period of 3 months, with 4 weeks of in-classroom lectures
- In-classroom days are always Thursday + Friday + Saturday, in intervals of 2-3 weeks
- Class days start at 9:15 and finish at 17:15
- Webinars can take place on Wednesday evenings (usually 17:00 – 19:00) on non-classroom weeks
- Each module includes remote and blended learning.
- All modules must be successfully completed in order to obtain the CAS
Yes , we have built a new flexible learning model to cater to busy schedules.
It’s possible to upskill by attending single subjects (modules) of interest or a group of subjects at new special prices (starting at 1’950 CHF) if people are not quite prepared to commit to the full CAS.
We also offer multiple module discounts when you register for 2 modules or more.
Contact us for the full price list at [email protected]
Otherwise it’s possible to experience the first module, and then decide to continue to fill the requirements of the CAS, as long as it is done in order and within one year.
A Bachelor’s degree, fluency in English and a minimum of 5 years work experience.
Applications are done online, on the link below. You will need:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certificate/Diploma & transcript for each degree
- A scan of your passport
- One passport photo (minimum 300 dpi – jpg file)
Online application:
Applications are taken on a rolling basis; it is advisable to apply at least 30 days prior to the start of the module.
The next cohort of the program starts in April 2025.
Pre-work will be expected to be done in the weeks preceding the start of the CAS. Readings will be available on our online platform at least two weeks before the start of the CAS.