Sustainable Innovation
Integrating Circular Economy and Biomimicry into Climate Action
An experiential, impact-focused training program
We are proud to work with Canadore College to create a unique in-person, impact-focused learning experience in Northern Ontario.
Course Overview
In-person
Spring/Summer 2025
North Bay (ON), Canada
$1500 CDN (see details below)
Nestled in the 460-acre forest at Canadore College's main campus in North Bay, Ontario - this course offers a unique experience to learn about the emerging topics of circular economy and biomimicry. The course focuses on practical applications of circular economy and biomimicry to address climate change from the perspectives of mitigation, sequestration, and adaptation. Dividing their time between the classroom and the various outdoor learning environments, students learn from academic and industry experts with practical applications that are transferrable to entrepreneurship, corporate strategy, and public policy.
This course is uniquely structured for learners to engage in experiential, impact-focused education. As part of the course, you will contribute to the carbon uptake of the Canadore forest through strategic planning, planting and monitoring of the lands.
At the end of the course, you will have highly sought-after knowledge and hands-on experience…and you will have created a positive climate-impact!
Course Topics
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Circular Economy Principles and Application
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Circular Economy Strategies towards Net-Zero Carbon Targets
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Biomimicry Principles and Design Approach
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Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience through Biomimicry
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Climate Solutions in Action (field application)
Experiential, Impact-Focused Approach
Nestled in the 460-acres FSC Certified forest at Canadore College's College Drive campus in North Bay, Ontario - we have created an unforgettable learning experience while positively impacting the community and the environment. This program includes classroom instruction, experiential learning on-site and the opportunity to leave a lasting impact!
What's Included
All course costs and materials for the 3-day training program to earn a Beyond21 Academy Certificate plus:
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3-nights accommodation at the Canadore College campus*
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Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee/snacks
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Class Dinner
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Tools necessary for outdoor activities
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Free evenings to explore the campus and local areas
*Private accommodation with bathroom and kitchenette
**Proper attire, including footwear, is required.
Program Schedule 2024
June 11
Course and Lodging Check-in (4:00 - 9:00 pm)
June 12
Breakfast (8:00 - 9:00 am)
Session 1 (9:00 - 10:45 pm) - G. Zilberbrant
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Key Concepts of Circular Economy: Foundational Knowledge
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Emerging Trends in Circular Economy: Design, Engineering, and Business Models
Coffee & Networking (10:45 - 11:00 am)
Session 2 (11:00 - 12:00 pm) - G. Zilberbrant
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Climate Action through a Circular Economy
Lunch (12:00 - 1:00 pm)
Session 3 (1:00 - 3:30 pm) - L. James
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Biomimicry Concepts: A Functional Approach
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Learning from Nature's Genius (Field Activity)
Coffee & Networking (3:30 - 3:45 pm)
Session 4 (3:45 - 4:30 pm) - G. Zilberbrant/L. James
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Circular Economy & Biomimicry Applied: Case Studies
Class Dinner (6:30 pm - 8:00 pm)
June 13
Breakfast (8:00 - 9:00 am)
Session 5 (9:00 - 10:45 pm) - L. James/N. Ficzkowski
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The Biomimicry Design Process: Introduction to the Biomimicry Challenge
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Applying Design Thinking in a Biomimicry Context
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Understanding Function (Field Activity)
Coffee & Networking (10:45 - 11:00 am)
Session 6 (11:00 - 12:00 pm) - L. James/N. Ficzkowski
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Biomimicry Challenge: Applying Biomimicry Design (Group Design Challenge)
Lunch (12:00 - 1:00 pm)
Session 7 (1:00 - 2:30 pm) - G. Prevost
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Resilience through Nature (Field Activity)
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Case Study: Resilience and Climate Action through Nature
Coffee & Networking (2:30 - 2:45 pm)
Session 8 (2:45 - 4:00 pm) - G. Zilberbrant
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Principals of a Circular Bio-economy
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Moving towards Regenerative Design
June 14
Breakfast (8:00 - 9:00 am)
Session 9 (9:00 - 10:30 pm) - N. Ficzkowski
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Resilience and the Role of Biodiversity
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Principles of Miyawaki Forest
Session 10 (10:30 - 11:30 pm) - N. Ficzkowski/G. Zilberbrant
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Design & Planning for Carbon Uptake (Group Design Challenge)
Lunch (11:30 am - 12:30 pm)
Session 11 (12:30 - 2:30 pm) - N. Ficzkowski
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Climate Action: Implementing the Design (Field Work - Planting)
Coffee & Check (2:30 - 3:15 pm)
Session 12 (3:15 - 4:00 pm) - Canadore College/Beyond21 Academy Team/Special Guest(s)
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Course Closing Event
Our Instructors
Who Should Attend
Participants must hold or be completing a degree or diploma from a recognized university or college, hold a relevant certificate in sustainability from a recognized university, or have equivalent professional experience.
Past Attendees
Educational Background
(completed or in-progress)
Sector
Bachelor of Commerce, College Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Environment Studies, Bachelor of Engineering, Master's in Engineering, Master's in Business Administration, Master's in Chemistry.
Renewable Energy, Fashion, Architecture, Agriculture, Aerospace, Automotive, Chemical, Steel, Cement, Construction, Higher Education, Environmental Consulting, Municipal Gov't, Provincial Gov't. Federal Gov't, Standards Development, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG).
Total Fees*
$1500
CAD +HST
*please see available subsidies above for Canadian learners
Positions/Titles
Process Engineer, Continuous Improvement Manager, Engineering Project Coordinator, Director of Capital Projects & Strategic Services, Project Manager, VP Sourcing Operations, Director of Environment and Business Excellence, Marketing Manager, Product Development Manager, Sustainability Consultant.
