Course overview
The ISO 59004 Lead Assessor Course is designed to equip professionals with the expertise to assess circular economy performance within organizations. Unlike accreditation assessments, this course focuses on evaluating an organization’s alignment with circular economy principles, resource efficiency, sustainability strategies, and lifecycle management. Participants will learn how to apply ISO 59004:2024 standards to conduct comprehensive circular economy performance assessments, identify areas for improvement, and support organizations in their transition to circular business models.
Course objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the principles, framework, and requirements of ISO 59004:2024 for circular economy performance.
- Develop the skills necessary to conduct circular economy performance assessments within various industries.
- Evaluate organizations' circular economy strategies, resource utilization, and sustainability initiatives.
- Identify gaps, risks, and opportunities in circular economy implementation.
- Guide organizations in improving circularity practices based on assessment findings.
- Utilize tools and methodologies to measure and verify circular economy performance.
- Prepare structured assessment reports and provide constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Understand the broader role of circular economy assessments in sustainable business practices.
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, participants will:
- Be proficient in conducting circular economy performance assessments based on ISO 59004:2024.
- Understand how to analyze and evaluate an organization’s circular economy performance using qualitative and quantitative indicators.
- Have the ability to develop and implement circular economy assessment frameworks.
- Provide organizations with actionable recommendations to enhance resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainability.
- Be capable of effectively leading an assessment team and managing the assessment process.
Target audience
- Sustainability professionals and environmental managers.
- Circular economy consultants and advisors.
- Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) professionals.
- Supply chain and procurement managers focusing on sustainable sourcing.
- Quality and environmental management system auditors seeking expertise in circular economy assessment.
- Policy makers and regulatory officials involved in sustainability initiatives.
- Professionals responsible for corporate sustainability reporting and strategy.
Reference standards
- ISO 59004:2024 – Circular Economy – Framework and Principles for Implementation
Course content
- Introduction to ISO 59004:2024 and Circular Economy
- Overview of circular economy principles and concepts.
- Key objectives and benefits of circular economy practices.
- Understanding the scope and structure of ISO 59004:2024.
- Circular Economy Performance Assessment Framework
- Assessment principles, criteria, and methodologies.
- Circular economy maturity levels and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Lifecycle thinking and material flow analysis.
- Conducting Circular Economy Performance Assessments
- Planning and preparing for an assessment.
- Data collection, stakeholder engagement, and evidence gathering.
- Tools and techniques for evaluating circular economy performance.
- Key Areas of Circular Economy Performance Evaluation
- Resource efficiency and sustainable material use.
- Waste minimization and closed-loop systems.
- Product lifecycle management and design for circularity.
- Business model innovation for circular economy.
- Supply chain and logistics circularity.
- Gap Analysis, Risk Identification, and Improvement Opportunities
- Identifying barriers and challenges to circularity.
- Risk-based thinking in circular economy assessments.
- Developing recommendations for improvement.
- Reporting and Communicating Assessment Findings
- Structuring and writing assessment reports.
- Presenting findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
- Using assessment results for continuous improvement and strategic decision-making.
- Leading Circular Economy Assessments
- Roles and responsibilities of a circular economy performance assessor.
- Managing an assessment team and ensuring objective evaluations.
- Ethical considerations and impartiality in assessments.
Training methodologies
- Instructor-led training (ILT): Interactive lectures by experts in circular economy and sustainability.
- Case studies: Real-world examples of circular economy performance assessments.
- Group discussions: Exchange of ideas and best practices among participants.
- Workshops and exercises: Hands-on application of assessment tools and methodologies.
- Role-playing exercises: Simulated circular economy assessment scenarios.
- Assessment report development: Practical exercises in structuring and presenting findings.
- Quizzes and knowledge checks: Reinforcement of key learning points.