Work

Schools That Educate Students Who Transform Businesses and Change the World: The Transformative Role of Education for the Circular Economy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The linear economic model continues to intensify environmental degradation and resource depletion, yet education for the circular economy (ECE) remains underdeveloped, particularly within basic education and in the Global South. This study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of an ECE Programme grounded in active learning methodologies, implemented in four schools in Brazil. The findings indicate a significant improvement in students' knowledge, increased interest in learning about and applying Circular Economy (CE) practices, and high levels of programme acceptance. The activities proved flexible and replicable across diverse educational contexts and age groups. However, deeper attitudinal change also depends on cultural and political factors, as well as sustained teacher and institutional engagement to ensure scalability. The study provides rare empirical evidence from the Global South and proposes an integrative ECE framework aligned with SDGs 4 and 12, contributing to the development of green skills and to organisational practices more closely aligned with CE principles.

Source: Sustainable Development

DOI: 10.1002/sd.71496

Authors: Maiara Lais Marcon, Simone Sehnem

Institutions: Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Santa Catarina, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina

Language: English

Topic: Environmental and sustainability education

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,250