Circular Design for automotive engineers

About this course

Automotive sustainability is a hot topic. OEMs and suppliers are under pressure to decarbonize and adopt circularity. Engineers are the start point in this journey. Below is the overview of the course content.Disclaimer: This course contains the use of artificial intelligence for audio creation.Section 1: Introduction & The Need for Circular Design This section sets the stage by explaining why circular design is critically important for automotive engineers now, contrasting it with the broken economics of linear design.Introduction to Circular Design:Why Circular Design Matters NOW: Covers the key drivers including Regulatory Pressure (EU ESPR, Right to Repair, EPR), Cost Reality (raw material prices, supply chain disruptions), Market Demand (OEM circularity metrics), Revenue Opportunity (remanufacturing market growth), and Competitive Advantage (early movers).The Problem: Linear Design Economics Are Broken: Highlights the shortcomings of the traditional approach (design for lowest upfront cost, ignoring end-of-life). Discusses Hidden Costs (warranty, disposal, fines, material volatility) and Lost Revenue (95% material value lost in single-use designs). Emphasizes the Engineer's Role in long-term value creation.Section 2: The R-Strategy Hierarchy & Core Principles This section introduces the fundamental framework for circularity – the R-Strategy Hierarchy – and then dives into the five core design principles that engineers can immediately apply.Course Content:The R-Strategy Hierarchy (ISO 59004):Understanding the different R-strategies from R0 (Refuse) to R8 (Recycle), ord

Course objectives

• To provide insight into the regulatory and market pressures influencing automotive design
• To teach practical strategies for integrating circular design principles into engineering projects