The circular economy is a paradigm that is committed to eliminating the production of waste materials in the production process of goods and services, as well as the use of renewable energies that do not have a negative impact on the environment. From the point of view of the circular economy, the focus is on the re-use of the resources used in the production process, minimising the production of waste that finally falls out of the production process.

These professionals work to create value in the production chain by extending the useful life of products and moving waste from the end of the chain to the beginning, as well as to use resources more efficiently. They also seek to encourage long-lasting designs, as well as the maintenance, repair, reuse, recycling and renewal of existing materials and products in order to minimise the resources used, waste production and pollution. In short, their job is to convert waste into raw materials.

Consequently, when these professionals join a company or organisation, they must implement the processes of change in the production, material supply, distribution and marketing systems (generally through the development of new plant projects) to extend the useful life of products, minimise energy and other costs in the production process and reduce waste generation as much as possible.

The circular economy paradigm is in the process of being implemented in companies and organisations. Circular models allow a more sustainable management of the stages of the life cycle of resources, materials used and the company's products and services (period and processes that extend the useful life of materials and other resources used in the production process). The aim is to extend the useful life of products and services (e.g., by eliminating practices such as planned obsolescence) and to manage waste more efficiently through reuse and recycling.

• Design and develop specific circular economy projects in the industrial and commercial sectors. Coordinate multidisciplinary work teams (engineering, commercial, logistics professionals, business management, etc.) in projects linked to product design, savings, energy efficiency and renewable energies, as well as in projects for recycling solid urban waste.
• Advise companies on the valuation of their waste.
• Carry out the calculation of savings, emissions and returns on investment of the actions and projects developed and analyse data and indicators of energy accounting and consumption monitoring programmes.
• Prepare feasibility studies for renewable energy investments in industrial and commercial buildings.
• Carry out or execute energy audits of industries and businesses and also advise and monitor energy and bill saving measures for companies and in public facilities and equipment.
• Analyse the life cycle of products, also selecting those with zero or minimum impact on the environment and applying strategies to return to production cycles or usability.
• Join multidisciplinary research teams to develop projects aimed at analysing the circularity and sustainability of industrial technologies. Also collaborate in the generation of solutions in eco-design, industrial ecology, clean production, environmental technologies, innovation for the circular economy and sustainable development.
  

Regulated training and graduates

• Grau: Ciències ambientals
• Grau: Biologia
• Grau: Enginyeria agroambiental i del paisatge
• Grau: Biologia ambiental
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes biològics
• Grau: Geografia
• Grau: Enginyeria de l'energia

Complementary training

A Master's degree in one of the following fields may be an asset:

• Master in Sustainability Science and Technology

• Master's degree in Environmental Engineering

• Master's degree in Industrial Design Engineering

• Master's degree in Environmental Engineering

• Master's degree in Biological and Environmental Engineering

• Postgraduate degree in Circular Economy
  

Other specific skills

People management: Level 2

Strategic orientation: Level 3

Analytical thought: Level 3

Planning and organisation: Level 3

Team work and cooperation: Level 2

Environment

People who work in this field focus their professional interests on the preservation, improvement or restoration of the environment (vegetation, fauna, flora) in both built-up areas and natural spaces. Some of the activities that represent this field are the detection, analysis and control of pollutants, the carrying out of measurements and tests in relation to climatic or environmental variables and the reduction of the harmful effects of human activity on the environment. The carrying out of these activities requires knowledge of the environment, for its planning and use, and of environmental regulations.

Responsible for aquaculture operations

Municipal environmental management and energy efficiency technician

Fish pathologist

Integral pest control system technician

Environmental auditor

• Work hours

  The working hours can vary from a full time of 40 or 37 hours per week to part-time work of 30 hours per week. This occupation can be found in local councils, county councils, consultancies and companies, hence the variation in working hours.
  
  

• Salary

  The gross annual salary ranges from 21,000 to 35,000 euros gross per year.
  
  

• Professional category

  Technician