The Circular Environmental Technology course consists of 4 parts:

(1) Techniques for waste/residue treatment and strategies for safe landfill management

(2) Sustainable energy and materials management: options for implementing a circular economy, cradle to cradle

(3) Sustainable materials management (reuse, recycling,...) applied to industries impacted by naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM)

(4) Circularity applied in the nuclear sector (nuclear dismantling / prevention and approach to radioactive waste...)

Part 1 Waste/residue handling techniques and strategies for safe landfill management

In particular, the usability of available treatment techniques for different waste types is assessed. When choosing a suitable processing technique, a trade-off is made between various technological, legislative and economic factors. In addition, the course o.a. also deals with the construction, impact and management of landfills. Throughout the course, consequences of environmental policies are examined.

The following aspects are discussed:

1. Methods of waste processing

   1. Pyrolysis, gasification and combustion

   2. Biological conversion methods

2. Construction, impact and management of landfills

Part 2 sustainable materials and energy management (cradle to cradle) 

Within the waste policies, the emphasis is slowly shifting from waste processing to sustainable materials management. Potential waste prevention measures and strategies for sustainable materials management have a special place in this course. In the context of sustainable materials management, the concept of 'Cradle to Cradle' (waste = food) is discussed in detail. In addition, the necessary attention is paid to the energy transition and the application of sustainable energy techniques.

The following aspects are discussed:

1. Sustainable materials management and Circular economy (Cradle to cradle)

2. Energy transition & sustainable energy techniques (incl. regulations)

Part 3 Sustainable materials management applied to NORM

The 3rd part specifically looks at the recycling and reuse options of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). In particular, the options for reusing NORM residues in construction materials (cement binders, concrete, etc.) are discussed in detail. 

The following aspects are discussed:

1. Reuse and recycling of NORM residues in several industrial sectors

   1. Recycling in construction materials

   2. Recycling in agriculture and related applications

   3. Extraction of metals and rare earths

Part 4 Sustainable materials management applied to the Nuclear sector

The 4th part deals with options for sustainable materials management in the nuclear sector (including nuclear decommissioning and tackling radioactive waste).

The following aspects are discussed:

1. Nuclear dismantling
2. Prevention and tackling of radioactive waste...)