Program Overview

Program Overview

The Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Circular Value Networks is designed for professionals who want to drive change responsibly within the value chain. This program equips participants with the knowledge and tools needed to accelerate the transition to a net-zero future with people at the center.

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 participants to continue their work and study at the same time.

Certificate

A Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Circular Value Networks is granted by EPFL upon successful completion of all modules.

Module Overview

The program consists of the following modules:

• Sustainability & Systems Thinking
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Testimonials

Participants have praised the program for providing them with key skills in impact measurement and corporate sustainability, and for its positive and insightful atmosphere.

Admissions & Tuition

• Tuition fee: The fee for the full CAS (all modules) is 9,800 CHF.
• Requirements:
  • A Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum of 5 years work experience
  • Fluency in English
• Applications are submitted online and are taken on a rolling basis.

Applications

Applications for the CAS or individual modules are submitted online. Required documents include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Diploma & transcript for each degree
• A scan of the passport
• One passport photo (jpg file, minimum 300 dpi)

FAQ

• How much does the program cost?
  • All modules (full CAS): 9,800 CHF
  • Individual modules: from 2,990 CHF
  • Module bundles: discounted fees when applying for 2 or more modules
• What is the format of the program?
  • 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
• Can I attend one or more modules?
  • Yes, it’s possible to upskill by attending individual modules if participants are not quite prepared to commit to the full CAS.
• What are the admissions criteria?
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Fluency in English
  • Minimum of 5 years work experience
• How do I apply?
  • Applications to the full CAS program or individual modules are submitted online.
• When does the CAS program start?
  • The next cohort of the program takes place in the Autumn 2026 (10 September – 21 November)
• Can I work and study at the same time?
  • The program is designed to enable participants to continue their work and study at the same time. Total required time investment is approximately up to 350 hours.