Leading Sustainable Business Operations
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Circular Value Networks
The program
The ability to balance sustainability, agility and resilient value chains is quickly becoming the defining differentiator for business operations professionals. This program 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
Each module consists of 3 full class days (Thursday, Friday & Saturday), in person at the EPFL Campus in Lausanne, Switzerland, 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) in Circular Value Networks is granted by EPFL upon successful completion of all modules.
This program is designed for flexibility: Attending individual modules is also possible (subject to availability).
Module overview
Sustainability & Systems Thinking
10 – 12 September 2026
- Developing a systems thinking mindset
- Transitioning from linear to circular value chains
- Comparing complex trade-offs through the science of sustainability
Building the Sustainability Business Case
1 – 3 October 2026
- Multi-stakeholder best practice for applied circularity
- Designing & testing circular economy strategies
- Generating circular profitability models
- Circular Simulation Game (Blue Connection)
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment
29 – 31 October 2026
- 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
- 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 Sourcing
19 – 21 November 2026
- 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
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, Founder of Drive Impact (Graduate 2023)
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, Head of Global Marketing at IRÄYE (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, Managing Director & Board Member at SMS Drever International (Graduate 2023)
Admissions & tuition
Tuition fee
The fee for the full 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 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. Application for individual modules is subject to availability.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum of 5 years work experience
- Fluency in English
Applications
How to apply?
Applications for the CAS or individual modules are submitted online. You will need:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Diploma & transcript for each degree
- A scan of your passport
- One passport photo (jpg file, minimum 300 dpi)
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?
Request a brochure with a full overview of the program. We are happy to answer any questions you would have.
Our most frequent questions are listed below, however feel free to get in touch with us if you have any additional questions.
FAQ
- All modules (full CAS): 9’800 CHF
- Early bird discount applies when applying before 15.07.2026 *
- Individual modules: from 2’990 CHF **
- Module bundles: discounted fees when applying for 2 or more modules **
Request a brochure or contact us at [email protected] for a detailed price list.
* Limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. Not cumulative with other discounts
** Priority is given to applicants for the full CAS. Applications for individual modules are subject to availability
All modules must be successfully completed in order to obtain the CAS
- Each module consists of 3 days of in-person classes, over a period of 3 months
- Class days start at 9:15 and end at 17:15
- Webinars usually take place on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings (usually 17:00 – 19:00) on non-classroom weeks
Each module includes remote and blended learning
Yes, we have built a flexible learning model to cater to busy schedules.
It’s possible to upskill by attending individual modules if participants are not quite prepared to commit to the full CAS. Participants can then decide to continue with the full CAS program, as long as admission requirements are met.
Multiple module discounts are offered when applying for 2 modules or more.
Contact us for the full price list at [email protected]
- Bachelor’s degree
- Fluency in English
- Minimum of 5 years work experience
Applications to the full CAS program or individual modules are submitted online.
You will need:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Diploma & transcript for each degree
- A scan of your passport
- One passport photo (jpg file, minimum 300 dpi)
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 takes place in the Autumn 2026 (10 September – 21 November)
However, please expected preparation work to start in the 2 weeks preceding the start of the first module. Preparation materials (readings, podcasts, videos, …) will be available on our online learning platform before the start of the CAS.
The program is designed to enable you to continue your work and study at the same time. Total required time investment is approximately up to 350 hours.