Sustainability summer school hosted by Imperial for first time

Postgraduates from across Europe, India and the USA attended a summer school on sustainability in industry, hosted by Imperial College London.

The Summer School was held with the aim of inspiring students to learn about a new type of model for the global economy. The school was organised by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation charity in partnership with the Schmidt Family Foundation.

University postgraduates attending the Summer School learnt more about a new economic principle championed by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, called the ‘circular economy’.

Colin Smith caught up Summer School student Timothy Sadler, who is also studying the Innovation Design Engineering (IDE) MSc course at Imperial, to learn more about circular economy principle and how it could help put the planet on a more sustainable path. 

What does the term ‘circular economy’ mean?

The circular economy is one where we produce, consume and then re-use our goods. Imagine at the end of a mobile phone's life, we send it back to the manufacturer where it is refurbished and then re-sold again. This effectively keeps the materials and components that make up the phone in continual use, which is much more sustainable.

How does this help society in general?

There a number of benefits to society. For example, the cost of goods and services could be reduced. Recycling components may also encourage consumers to lease rather than own their products. In the long run, this could significantly lessen the amount of material required by companies to make products.

What do you think the main aim of the Summer School was?

The summer school furthered our understanding of circular economy principles from a design, engineering and economic perspective. 

We also got involved in debates and discussions with academic and business leaders. As part of the school we attended a summit that included speakers such as Eric Schmidt who is the Chairman of Google. It was an amazing opportunity to learn from these leaders about how our economy will develop in the future. 

What did you gain from taking part in the Summer School?

I now have a network of useful contacts to talk to about future projects. The school also gave me insights into how business and our economy are benefitting from shifting to a circular economy. Attending the School also helped me to learn more about how I can apply these circular principles in my future career.

You are currently doing the IDE course. What are your career plans for the future?

I came to IDE after studying engineering and working in finance. After graduating I plan to either pursue my own venture or re-enter the business world in a position where I can combine my creative, analytical, finance and business skills in one role.