Embracing Sustainability: My Journey Through the Circular Economy MOOC

Completing the MOOC II on Circular Economy: An Introduction has deepened my understanding of sustainable economic models and the importance of transitioning from a linear economy to a circular one. The course provided valuable insights into the principles of the circular economy, particularly focusing on how businesses can reduce waste, conserve resources, and reintroduce materials into the production cycle through processes like remanufacturing and refurbishment. The butterfly diagram, a key theme throughout the course, helped me visualize how businesses can create value through reuse, repair, and redistribution of products, thus extending their lifecycle and minimizing waste.

The course also highlighted the significant role of design for remanufacturing, ensuring that products are designed with their end-of-life in mind, enabling them to be easily repaired and reused. The real-world examples and case studies, like Coolrec’s recycling process for electrical and electronic waste, made the circular economy more tangible and demonstrated how industries can generate value while protecting the environment.

Moreover, the course introduced the concept of thinking in systems, offering a broader, long-term perspective on how the circular economy can be applied globally. By considering the environmental, economic, and social impacts of production and consumption, the course reinforced the need for a holistic approach to sustainability.

Updating my Personal Learning Environment (PLE) with these insights has been instrumental in shaping my approach to sustainability. I now include tools and strategies to apply circular economy principles in both my personal and professional life, such as promoting sustainable practices in my work and considering the lifecycle of products I use. The course has not only expanded my knowledge of circular economy but also empowered me to become an advocate for sustainability in my community and network. Through this learning experience, I feel better equipped to contribute to building a more sustainable future by adopting circular economy practices.

About ENES SAMED KURT

Enes Samed Kurt is a Turkish civil engineer and an Erasmus Mundus scholar currently pursuing a double master’s degree in Advanced Materials: Innovative Recycling (AMIR) and Circular Economy of Construction Products and Minerals. With extensive experience in sustainable construction, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and environmental impact analysis, he is focused on integrating eco-friendly practices in industrial operations, especially in demolition and recycling. Enes has held research internships in France, specializing in materials LCA, and has a solid background in interdisciplinary projects aimed at promoting the circular economy and sustainability within construction.

Building My Personal Brand: Key Learnings from My MOOC Experience

Completing MOOC I on personal branding has been a transformative experience, equipping me with valuable insights and practical tools to refine and maintain a strong personal brand. Through the course, I gained a deeper understanding of what personal branding truly entails—it’s not just about self-promotion but about aligning my professional values, goals, and personality into a cohesive and authentic identity. One of the key takeaways was the importance of creating a brand mission statement to define my purpose and communicate my unique value proposition. Additionally, I learned how crucial it is to establish a consistent and professional presence on LinkedIn, where I can engage with my network, share my expertise, and position myself as a thought leader in my field.

The course also introduced the concept of a personal board of directors, a group of trusted advisors who provide diverse perspectives and valuable feedback to help guide my career and personal growth. This was a pivotal idea that encouraged me to think about mentorship and the importance of surrounding myself with individuals who can challenge my thinking and help me make better decisions. Another critical aspect of the course was digital security and reputation management, teaching me how to protect my online presence by being mindful of the content I share and using tools like strong passwords and privacy settings to safeguard my reputation.

To put all of these learnings into practice, I’ve updated my Personal Learning Environment (PLE), which now includes tools and strategies that help me stay organized and focused on my personal branding efforts. My PLE now incorporates platforms like Canva for creating visually engaging content, and social listening tools to monitor and manage my online presence. Additionally, I’ve made space for continuous learning through MOOCs, articles, and podcasts that support my growth as a personal brand strategist.

This course has empowered me with the knowledge to strategically build and maintain my personal brand while staying authentic to my values. It has also given me a clear roadmap for ongoing development, ensuring that I’m consistently evolving and adapting in an ever-changing digital world. With these tools and insights, I feel better equipped to navigate the complexities of personal branding and establish a long-lasting, positive online reputation.

About ENES SAMED KURT

Enes Samed Kurt is a Turkish civil engineer and an Erasmus Mundus scholar currently pursuing a double master’s degree in Advanced Materials: Innovative Recycling (AMIR) and Circular Economy of Construction Products and Minerals. With extensive experience in sustainable construction, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and environmental impact analysis, he is focused on integrating eco-friendly practices in industrial operations, especially in demolition and recycling. Enes has held research internships in France, specializing in materials LCA, and has a solid background in interdisciplinary projects aimed at promoting the circular economy and sustainability within construction.

Explore Enes’ Digital Identity Plan

Developing my digital identity is key to advancing my career as a civil engineer and Erasmus Mundus scholar specializing in circular economy and advanced materials. By regularly updating platforms like LinkedIn and Google Scholar, I aim to showcase my expertise in sustainable construction, Life Cycle Assessment, and green innovation. My plan focuses on growing my professional network, learning new languages, and engaging with sustainability advocates, researchers, and startups. Through strategic online presence and active participation in sustainability forums, I seek to align my digital footprint with my commitment to creating eco-friendly solutions in engineering.

To access my Digital Identity Plan, please click this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qJFGxkKI-tGTQZIv6QF9h8mLJWHnr_l8/view?usp=sharing

About ENES SAMED KURT

Enes Samed Kurt is a Turkish civil engineer and an Erasmus Mundus scholar currently pursuing a double master’s degree in Advanced Materials: Innovative Recycling (AMIR) and Circular Economy of Construction Products and Minerals. With extensive experience in sustainable construction, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and environmental impact analysis, he is focused on integrating eco-friendly practices in industrial operations, especially in demolition and recycling. Enes has held research internships in France, specializing in materials LCA, and has a solid background in interdisciplinary projects aimed at promoting the circular economy and sustainability within construction.

Enes’ Personal Learning Environment

I recently reflected on my Personal Learning Environment (PLE) and identified areas for enhancement. The process inspired me to redesign my PLE to better align with my academic and professional goals.

Here I share the link for both current and improved version. I could not upload here because the file exceeds the maximum upload size for this site.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGWRj0aqjs/P3gu36Cw6Ju8faRbDMh3gA/view?utm_content=DAGWRj0aqjs&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

What Changed?

Enhanced Visualization Capabilities: I incorporated Tableau and Adobe Express to create visually compelling presentations and data-driven insights.

Expanded Sustainability Tools: As part of my academic focus on circular economy and life cycle analysis, I added OneClick LCA, SimaPro, and Revit to support more advanced and professional sustainability assessments.

Reference Manager: To streamline my research process, I adopted Mendeley for efficient citation and reference management.

Improved Accessibility: I introduced QR codes linked to my contact information (including LinkedIn and Instagram), making networking and collaboration more accessible.

My PLE now supports my personal and professional growth more effectively, creating a seamless ecosystem for learning and collaboration.

About ENES SAMED KURT

Enes Samed Kurt is a Turkish civil engineer and an Erasmus Mundus scholar currently pursuing a double master’s degree in Advanced Materials: Innovative Recycling (AMIR) and Circular Economy of Construction Products and Minerals. With extensive experience in sustainable construction, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and environmental impact analysis, he is focused on integrating eco-friendly practices in industrial operations, especially in demolition and recycling. Enes has held research internships in France, specializing in materials LCA, and has a solid background in interdisciplinary projects aimed at promoting the circular economy and sustainability within construction.

Reflections on The Week: A Journey into Climate Awareness and Personal Purpose

Reflecting on my experience with The Week, I feel that it profoundly shifted my perspective on both my personal life and the world’s direction. Ten years from now, I want to remember the sense of urgency and clarity that this experience brought into my life, especially around the climate crisis. More than just facts or figures, The Week made me see climate change in a deeply personal light—not as something abstract, but as a future that will impact me, the people I love, and the world I’m building my life in. It has motivated me to act not out of fear, but out of hope for a better world and a desire to live responsibly.

The “U-shaped” journey of The Week was a unique emotional experience. In the first episode, I was confronted with the gravity of the crisis, and I felt the weight of the challenges ahead. This wasn’t easy to digest, but it grounded me in reality. The second episode gave me the chance to process those heavy truths and discuss them with people I trust. By the final episode, I felt a newfound sense of empowerment; I walked away with a belief that we can make a difference, that our actions do matter.

On a personal level, this experience pushed me to reflect on my own “inner compass.” Today, it’s so easy to get swept up in career goals, financial aspirations, or superficial achievements. But The Week reminded me that a meaningful life is about something deeper: it’s about resilience, connection, and accountability to the planet and each other. I now realize that health, gratitude, and living authentically should guide my decisions. Ten years from now, I hope I’ll remember these values as the foundation for my choices.

This journey reminded me of the importance of creating a story that feels real and aligned with who I am. I don’t want to look back with regrets about missed opportunities to be present, to help, and to value what truly matters. More than ever, I feel a responsibility to contribute to a healthier, safer world for future generations. If I can look back and know I made decisions that honored this vision, I’ll feel fulfilled.

About ENES SAMED KURT

Enes Samed Kurt is a Turkish civil engineer and an Erasmus Mundus scholar currently pursuing a double master’s degree in Advanced Materials: Innovative Recycling (AMIR) and Circular Economy of Construction Products and Minerals. With extensive experience in sustainable construction, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and environmental impact analysis, he is focused on integrating eco-friendly practices in industrial operations, especially in demolition and recycling. Enes has held research internships in France, specializing in materials LCA, and has a solid background in interdisciplinary projects aimed at promoting the circular economy and sustainability within construction.

 A personal reflection on my professional future

After watching Yuval Noah Harari’s documentary, “The 2 Most Important Skills for the Rest of Your Life”, I found his insights incredibly relevant to my professional journey and personal growth. He emphasizes the profound influence of technology on our lives and the importance of two key skills: self-reinvention and self-understanding. These ideas resonate deeply with me, particularly as I work in the field of sustainability, recycling, and the circular economy.

“We Are Now Hackable Animals”

Yuval Noah Harari

Harari’s perspective on continuous self-reinvention is especially pertinent. With AI and data-driven systems transforming every sector, including sustainability, it’s clear that staying adaptable is essential. I realize that embracing AI tools in my work could significantly enhance the impact of my sustainability initiatives. Leveraging AI for lifecycle analysis or optimizing circular economy models, for example, could improve the accuracy, efficiency, and scope of my work in sustainable construction and recycling. This approach aligns perfectly with my goal of integrating environmental considerations into industrial operations.

Moreover, Harari’s point about the importance of self-understanding amidst rapid technological change struck a chord. As algorithms grow more capable of analyzing our behaviors, I feel it’s vital to remain clear about my own values and objectives. In my work, this means balancing technological advancement with a steadfast commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices. It’s a reminder to stay grounded in my purpose even as I adapt to new technologies.

Moving forward, I am motivated to explore AI-driven methods to strengthen my skills in predictive analysis and efficiency modeling. This will allow me to make an even greater impact in my field, and it’s an exciting step toward ensuring my work remains relevant and effective in a world increasingly shaped by technology.

About ENES SAMED KURT

Enes Samed Kurt is a Turkish civil engineer and an Erasmus Mundus scholar currently pursuing a double master’s degree in Advanced Materials: Innovative Recycling (AMIR) and Circular Economy of Construction Products and Minerals. With extensive experience in sustainable construction, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and environmental impact analysis, he is focused on integrating eco-friendly practices in industrial operations, especially in demolition and recycling. Enes has held research internships in France, specializing in materials LCA, and has a solid background in interdisciplinary projects aimed at promoting the circular economy and sustainability within construction.

Brief Introduction: Enes Samed Kurt

Hello everyone! My name is Enes Samed Kurt, and I’m from Türkiye. I have a background in Civil Engineering, and I’m currently in the final year of my master’s program in Advanced Materials and Circular Economy as an Erasmus Mundus scholar. My academic journey has taken me to the University of Bordeaux for my first year, and I am now studying at the Technical University of Madrid. I am deeply passionate about developing sustainable practices within the construction industry.

During my bachelor’s studies, I had the opportunity to study in Poland as an Erasmus+ exchange student, an experience that significantly shaped my path. It not only sparked my interest in returning to Europe but also motivated me to pursue further studies here. After graduating, I spent a year working in the construction sector in Türkiye. During this time, I noticed a clear gap in implementing sustainability metrics, which inspired me to pursue a master’s focused on sustainable approaches.

At the University of Bordeaux, I gained valuable knowledge in assessing environmental impacts through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and explored a variety of recycling technologies. I also participated in several LCA projects, where I developed a strong foundation in evaluating environmental impacts. Now, I’m eager to apply my skills to the construction sector, with a particular focus on green building standards like LEED and BREEAM, energy efficiency, and integrating circular economy principles. I’m also highly interested in the role of renewable energy solutions in buildings, as I believe they are crucial for building more sustainable and resilient structures.

My goal is to contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable future in the construction industry, bringing innovative, eco-conscious practices to the forefront.

About ENES SAMED KURT

Enes Samed Kurt is a Turkish civil engineer and an Erasmus Mundus scholar currently pursuing a double master’s degree in Advanced Materials: Innovative Recycling (AMIR) and Circular Economy of Construction Products and Minerals. With extensive experience in sustainable construction, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and environmental impact analysis, he is focused on integrating eco-friendly practices in industrial operations, especially in demolition and recycling. Enes has held research internships in France, specializing in materials LCA, and has a solid background in interdisciplinary projects aimed at promoting the circular economy and sustainability within construction.