Overview
This introductory webinar provides engineers with an understanding of the circular economy and its relevance to sustainable design, material efficiency, and waste reduction. Engineers play a critical role in transitioning to circular systems by influencing design, resource use, and project lifecycles.
This session will introduce key circular economy principles and showcase practical strategies engineers can apply to reduce waste, optimize material use, and design for longevity. Through real-world examples, attendees will gain insights into how to begin integrating circular practices into their projects, and understand key business models and enablers for circular economy success.
This webinar is delivered in collaboration with Circular Australia and Engineers Australia. It will be suitable to all engineers across all disciplines. To further develop you ability to embed circular economy thinking into your engineering projects and strategies, we encourage you to register for the Engineering Education Australia short course Circular Economy for Engineers.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental principles of the circular economy and why they are relevant to engineering.
- Identify key circular strategies such as designing out waste, extending product lifespans, and maximising reuse.
- Understand real-world applications of circularity in engineering projects.
- Recognise the first steps engineers can take to integrate circular economy thinking into their work.
Speakers:
Lisa McLean
Chief Executive Officer, Circular Australia
Lisa McLean is a leader in circular economy and zero-carbon business transformation, with 14 years of experience advising industry and governments in the UK and Australia. She has worked across energy, water, waste, and mobility sectors, developing policies for market change.
Lisa founded the Open Cities Alliance, advocating for circular economy principles, prosumer rights, and new utility approaches. In Australia, she initiated the Australian Solar Thermal Association (AUSTELA) and supported electric mobility and sustainable water initiatives. Lisa's career began as a political journalist, later advising on climate policy and helping establish the Clinton Climate Initiative in the UK.
Jo Taranto
Educator in Residence, Circular Australia
Jo Taranto is a Sydney-based sustainability educator, communicator and advocate for grassroots environmental change. As the Managing Director of Good for the Hood, she has spent over six years empowering communities, councils and corporations to adopt circular economy principles and drive local action.
Jo is also the Educator in Residence at Circular Australia and co-host of Channel 10’s Planet Shapers, where she explores innovative sustainability solutions across Australia.
With a background in health science and more than 20 years of experience in behaviour change, Jo specialises in translating complex environmental issues into accessible, actionable insights. She has contributed to national programs like War on Waste and Fight for Planet A, and regularly facilitates workshops and panels on waste reduction, climate resilience and community engagement.
Pricing
Online
Member: FreeTechnical Society Member: Free
Student: Free
Non-Member: Free