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Recognition and validation test

(1/36) What is a core aspect of circular economy?

There is no specific aspect at its core.

Recycling, reuse, and re-manufacturing of products which would end up in the waste, minimising waste.

It is the ‘take-make-dispose’ business model.

The core aspect is using recycled and refurbished products for a limited amount of time.

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is b) because circular economy is based on decreasing waste and reuse of products for as long as possible.

Your answer is not correct

The correct answer is b) because circular economy is based on decreasing waste and reuse of products for as long as possible.

(2/36) Please indicate which of the following plastic type is hazardous and can release toxins if it's termically recycled?

PVC;

HDPE (High densitypolyethylene);

PET;

Styrofoam™.

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is a) because PVC can release dioxins, highly toxic persistent organic pollutants that take long time to break, making PVC impossible to recycle.

Your answer is not correct

The correct answer is a) because PVC can release dioxins, highly toxic persistent organic pollutants that take long time to break, making PVC impossible to recycle.

(3/36) To monitor waste generation and treatment, the EU provides statistics and definitions with legal requirements on waste generation, treatment and management. Which of them are of special interest for start-uppers looking for a job in the waste management industry?

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, Directive 2008/98/EC on waste and repealing certain Directives

The Eurostat Waste Data 2021 and “Guidance on classification of waste according to EWC-Stat categories” 2021

Eurostat, Manual on waste statistics - A handbook for data collection on waste generation and treatment 2013

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is b) because The Eurostat Waste Data provides information about the regulations and legal requirements of waste treatment and management. The “Guidance on classification of waste according to EWC-Stat categories" provides a good overview of the waste categorisation.

Your answer is not correct

(4/36) Please indicate the correct definition of waste used by the EU authorities.

Waste is any substance or object which the holder discards or intends to or is required to discard

Waste includes substances and materials, which are residues of production or consumption processes.

Waste is defined as residue left after waste treatment process.

Waste represents consumption and production residues in private households and businesses.

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is a) because waste represents all discarded materials that have not undergone recycling or other processes.

Your answer is not correct

The correct answer is a) because waste represents all discarded materials that have not undergone recycling or other processes.

(5/36) How is upcycling defined?

The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects.

Process of decreasing the amount of waste being generated.

Reuse of discarded objects or material in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original.

Purchasing recycled and environmentally preferable products.

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is c) because upcycling is a process of refurbishing discarded products and adding extra value to them.

Your answer is not correct

The correct answer is c) because upcycling is a process of refurbishing discarded products and adding extra value to them.

(6/36) Is it possible to generate any benefits with circular economy?

The process of decreasing the amount of generated waste, purchasing recycled and environmentally preferable products is too expensive for Europe.

Besides cost savings in the consumer goods industry and estimates on increased income per EU household, circular economy can create new jobs and job opportunities, bring innovation and resource efficiency.

It is not yet clear if there will be any benefits from circular economy because the concept is still discussed in Europe, be it for cost savings, increase in income or any other economic growth related aspect.

It is only our environment that will benefit from it.

Your answer is correct!

Although starting the change in an economic system (answer a) might cost at first a lot, the correct answer is b) as studies from e.g. the Ellen MacArthur Foundation have highlighted many different advantages and benefits in the circular economy; certainly, our planet can benefit from it (answer d) but also individuals, organisations and bigger entities like regions and nations can gain added value from it as question (b) indicates.

Your answer is not correct

(7/36) Which of the following sentences about Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is correct?

WWTPs can be an important part of circular economy

WWTPs cannot be considered as a part of circular economy because the only goal of a WWTP is to improve the water quality

WWTPs cannot be considered as a part of circular economy because the only objective of a WWTP is to preserve and avoid the impact of polluted water on ecosystems

WWTPs cannot be considered as a part of circular economy because the only purpose WWTP is removing contaminants from the water

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is a) because WWTPs can integrate the energy production and resource recovery during clean water production. The other 3 options do not include circularity in their objectives.

Your answer is not correct

The correct answer is a) because WWTPs can integrate the energy production and resource recovery during clean water production. The other 3 options do not include circularity in their objectives.

(8/36) Indicate which of the following sentences is FALSE regarding water reuse:

Water reuse is a top priority in the Strategic Implementation Plan of the European Innovation Partnership on Water

Reuse of treated wastewater can provide only environmental benefits

The use of treated wastewater for irrigation in agriculture has been known for many years and can provide water supply to replace of the agriculture demand and reduction of local water stress

The reuse of treated wastewater from WWTPs for agriculture and land irrigation, industrial purposes, toilet flushing, and groundwater replenishing is key element of currently implemented strategy focused on releasing freshwater for domestic use

Your answer is correct!

The FALSE sentence is b) because the reuse of treated wastewater can provide not only environmental but also social, and economic benefits. For example, water reuse has significant potential in terms of the creation of green jobs in the water-related industry, and it is estimated that EU water industry could create up to 20.000 new jobs.

Your answer is not correct

(9/36) Which of the following answers IS NOT a main driver for developing wastewater industry?

Nutrient needs

Recovery of water

Renewing aging sewer systems

Need of energy

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is c) Renewing aging sewer systems is not a driver for developing wastewater industry. All the other 3 answers are real drivers

Your answer is not correct

The correct answer is c) Renewing aging sewer systems is not a driver for developing wastewater industry. All the other 3 answers are real drivers

(10/36) Indicate which of the following sentences is FALSE regarding WWTPs and nutrient recovery:

From used water streams, it is possible to recover nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

Nutrient recycling from WWTPs has positive impact on the environment.

From used water streams, it is possible to recover nutrients such as heavy metals.

Nutrient recovery reduces the concentration of ammonium and phosphate in the discharge generated by a wastewater treatment plant, which prevents eutrophication in aquatic environments.

Your answer is correct!

The FALSE sentence is c) Heavy metals are not nutrients that can recovered as fertilizers but pollutants from wastewater streams

Your answer is not correct

The FALSE sentence is c) Heavy metals are not nutrients that can recovered as fertilizers but pollutants from wastewater streams

(11/36) Which of the following technologies CANNOT be considered as a method of "Advanced Water Purification" in WWTPs?

Forward osmosis

Electro-deionisation

Ozone disinfection

Energy recovery through the production of biogas

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is d) because it is not an advanced water purification but and energy recovery technology. The other 3 options are advanced water purification technologies.

Your answer is not correct

The correct answer is d) because it is not an advanced water purification but and energy recovery technology. The other 3 options are advanced water purification technologies.

(12/36) Select the CORRECT sentence. In WWTPs, energy recovery can be done:

Through biogas production. The biogas can be used for heating and/or electricity generation.

Through heat pumps in treatment plant effluents

Through various high temperature streams by heat exchanger

All the above answers are correct

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is d) All those three technologies can be used for energy recovery in WWTPs

Your answer is not correct

The correct answer is d) All those three technologies can be used for energy recovery in WWTPs

(13/36) What are energy-neutral buildings?

Buildings that produce more energy than they consume

Buildings that have a net zero energy consumption

Buildings made with minimum effort

Buildings with a lot of indoor plants

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is b), because energy-neutral buildings are represented by a method of construction and design that has as an end goal to be able to generate its own energy to compensate for the energy demand it creates. This means that the total energy required on a yearly basis is nearly equal to the amount of renewable energy generated.

Your answer is not correct

(14/36) What does a heat pump do?

Ensures that people in remote areas have access to hot water

Makes sure a car remains heated before starting it, in order to prevent the engine from freezing

Pumps hot water from the ground to residential buildings

Takes the heat from the cold air outside and transfers it inside the house

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is d) because heat pumps are designed to absorb heat from the cold air outside and transfer it inside the house in the winter, and to remove heat from inside the house and transfer it outside in the summer.

Your answer is not correct

(15/36) What is the Internet of Things?

The new version of the internet

Billions of devices that exchange data via the internet

The act of designing new physical objects via the internet

The official name of the Metaverse

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is b), because the Internet of Things is a recent paradigm that refers to the billions of physical objects linked to the internet that collect and exchange data all over the world. This allows devices to communicate with each other as well as with the user.

Your answer is not correct

(16/36) What are Smart Grids?

Systems that can adapt and respond to changes in energy demands

Networks of smartphones that constantly share their location with each other

Efficient method for search and rescue operations with a 98% success rate

A set of methods for managing and planning a project, similar to the agile methodology

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is a), because the Smart Grid is made up of interconnected equipment, automated technologies and computers that interact on the electrical grid to adapt and respond to the demands in energy.

Your answer is not correct

(17/36) What are the pillars that have a crucial role in the transition towards a sustainable urban lifestyle?

Internationalisation, Governance, Economy and Education

Education, Adaptability, Energy and Family

Governance, Transportation, Economy and Energy

Economy, Governance, Family and Religion

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is c), because the City of the Future is built on top of multiple pillars that have a crucial role in the transition towards a sustainable urban lifestyle, the most important being strong governance, accessible transportation, powerful economy and sustainable energy infrastructure.

Your answer is not correct

(18/36) What is the focus of the Cradle-to-Cradle circular paradigm?

Sustainable circular development focused on the design of products and systems

Helping babies sleep better in their cradles through the use of advanced psychology

Raising awareness on the importance of nurturing the planet for future generations

Providing medical aid to people in remote areas and teach them how to help others

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is a), because it is a concept of total recycling through design, which came as a solution of the transformation of human industry through ecologically intelligent design aimed to significantly reduce negative environmental impacts.

Your answer is not correct

(19/36) What is focused on circular economy?

focused on minimizing interruptions while maximizing resource utilization;

focuses on producing the best possible quality products;

focused on “take-make-dispose” step-by-step plan;

focused on reusing, constantly rebuilding and using what is renewable.

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is d) because circular economy focused on resolving the conflict related to the excessive consumption of resources, and the emphasis is on reusing, constantly rebuilding and using what is renewable.

Your answer is not correct

(20/36) What was the negative impulse for the vision of the circular economy?

depletion of natural resources, reduction of biodiversity or the generation of growing waste streams;

the will to produce as much as possible at the lowest possible cost;

the work of child in poor countries;

big amount of immigrants coming to Europe.

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is a) because negative impulse for the create a circular economy the increasing depletion of natural resources, the reduction in biodiversity and the production of increasing amounts of waste.

Your answer is not correct

(21/36) Who is the author of the Business Model that defines how the organisation creates, communicates and captures value through internal activities and relationships with stakeholders, including suppliers and customers?

T. Gołębiowski;

T.W. Malone, P. Weill;

Osterwalder and Pigneur;

H. Chesbrough, R.S. Rosenbloom.

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is c) because Osterwalder and Pigneur are the authors of this Business Model.

Your answer is not correct

The correct answer is c) because Osterwalder and Pigneur are the authors of this Business Model.

(22/36) The ReSOLVE scheme distinguishes six main areas which?

Regenerate, Share, Optimize, Loop, View, Exchange;

Regenerate, Share, Optimize, Loop, Virtualise, Exchange;

Renew, Share, Overcome, Loop, Virtualise, Evaluate;

Repair, Seat, Optimize, Look, Virtualise, Exchange.

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is b) because ReSOLVE have includes six main : Regeneration is an action aimed at switching to renewable materials and energy sources (Regenerate), Sharing with co-users is a fantastic way to maximize the use of a product or service (Share), Optimization activities focus primarily on increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the product (Optimize), Keeping components and materials circulating closed (Loop), model of operation that assumes the provision of specific utility virtually instead of materially (Virtulise), applying modern technologies and choosing modern products (Exchange).

Your answer is not correct

(23/36) What is one of the most inspiring ways to manage waste generated by businesses?

Recycling;

Upcycling;

Downcycling;

Environmental Collection.

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is b) because Upcycling is currently one of the most inspiring methods for managing waste generated by companies. IT is a process of creative recycling, which consists in adding a higher value to seemingly used objects and materials.

Your answer is not correct

(24/36) Which technology has characterized by high economic efficiency?

The PROTE-MOS technology;

The ReSOLVE;

RotoSTERIL technology;

AI Recycling Robots technology.

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is c) because RotoSTERIL technology is characterized by high economic efficiency. At the same time, the costs of waste disposal are eliminated. The innovation of this solution lies behind the following parameters: recycling at the level of 65%, no odors, minimal landfilling, simple waste collection.

Your answer is not correct

(25/36) What are digital technologies?

New and innovative business models that are driven by new technology solutions

They are technologies that exploit digital technology and information systems

I don't know

Social media

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is b) because digital technologies exploit innovations in information systems. They can enable new business models and effectively combine physical and digital channels through solutions such as social media, cloud computing, Machine to Machine (M2M) communication, data analytics, etc.

Your answer is not correct

(26/36) Are social media included among the digital solutions useful for the circular economy?

Online platforms make it possible to share and receive feedback from customers and to promote the guiding principles of a business based on the circular economy.

Yes, but it is very expensive

Facebook is not a tool for working, it wastes a lot of time

They are useful at most for selling

Your answer is correct!

Social media are online platforms that allow people to share and receive feedback from customers. Taking advantage of these channels reduces marketing costs and allows you to stay in touch with a wide audience.

Your answer is not correct

(27/36) Do employees of companies introducing digital solutions for the circular economy need to have digital skills?

Only basic ones

No need, everything is now very simple

The digital skills of employees are fundamental and must be developed

The circular economy excludes digital skills

Your answer is correct!

The circular economy is an opportunity that allows economic growth by reducing and optimising the consumption of resources, as well as designing new and innovative business models based on digital technologies that change customer relations and waste management. This also entails the development of employees, who need to significantly expand their digital skills.

Your answer is not correct

(28/36) What are EAM systems?

EAM (Ending And Moving)

I don't have an unequivocal answer

EAM (Enterprise Automation Machine)

EAM (Enterprise Asset Management)

Your answer is correct!

EAM is a combination of software, systems and services used to maintain and control operational equipment and assets. The introduction of innovation and digital transformation enables quality control and risk prediction. EAM helps enterprises to prepare appropriate strategies for crisis management.

Your answer is not correct

(29/36) Why are digital technologies useful in the circular economy?

Not fundamental but they make companies attractive.

They are useful for speeding up production and improving the product

They enable the introduction of new business models that are based on the sharing and collaboration economy

Not useful at all

Your answer is correct!

The circular economy is one of the main elements of the European Green Deal, which is why it is so important for companies to introduce new business models that are based on digital technologies such as the internet, artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies.

Your answer is not correct

(30/36) Digital campaigns serve to... ?

Encourage the community to live a sustainable lifestyle.

Spreading the culture of the circular economy.

Avoiding the use of paper

All of the above

Your answer is correct!

Digital campaigns have the advantage of reaching a wide audience and encouraging virtuous and environmentally friendly behaviour.

Your answer is not correct

Digital campaigns have the advantage of reaching a wide audience and encouraging virtuous and environmentally friendly behaviour.

(31/36) What are the smart product labels?

I don’t know

Product labels that incorporate technology, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags, QR codes, etc.

Labels of smart products, such as smart watches, smartphones, etc.

Product labels with intelligent and creative design

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is b) because a smart label is a label able to interact with a consumer device (e.g., smartphone) to facilitate an interaction. RFID tags and QR codes incorporated on product labels allow for this interaction.

Your answer is not correct

(32/36) Please indicate which of the following is NOT a way to improve the effectiveness of a product label design.

Use of creative barcodes or QR-codes

Use of product label in conjunction with social media

Use of RFID technology

Use of carefully selected label material and finish

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is c) because RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is used to transmit digital data when interrogated from a nearby RFID reader device. Even if RFID has many applications (e.g., product identification and tracking, speeding up the checkout process in shops and theft prevention) it is not really helping to increase the effectiveness of a product label design.

Your answer is not correct

(33/36) Which of the following is a voluntary label in EU?

Energy Label

EU Ecolabel

CE marking

Footwear Label

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is b) because EU Ecolabel is a voluntary label that can be affixed to various products that are environmentally friendly and respect rigorous ecological criteria. All the other 3 answers indicate mandatory labels in EU.

Your answer is not correct

(34/36) Which of the following product labels indicates that the product must be sent to separate collection facilities for recovery and recycling?

WEEE Label

EU Ecolabel

Textile Label

e-mark Label

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is a) because WEEE label indicates that the product should not be discarded as unsorted waste but must be sent to separate collection facilities for recovery and recycling. The other 3 options have different purposes.

Your answer is not correct

(35/36) What is an ecolabel:

A mandatory label showing that a start-up is making sustainable products

A voluntary label showing that a start-up is making efforts to reduce its environmental impact

A label demonstrating that the products of a start-up are ecological

A label showing that a start-up complies with ISO 14024

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is b) because ecolabels, also known as environmental or green labels, are means for a company to show that it is making efforts to reduce its environmental impact.

Your answer is not correct

The correct answer is b) because ecolabels, also known as environmental or green labels, are means for a company to show that it is making efforts to reduce its environmental impact.

(36/36) Can product labelling facilitate the transition to the Circular Economy?

Yes, by encouraging more sustainable use of resources, increased recycling and reuse, energy savings, etc.

No, the product labels have no impact on the transition to the Circular Economy

Not really, as customers are willing to pay relatively less for reused, refurbished, or recycled products

Yes, but start-ups should stay away from the Circular Economy because is too risky to shift production toward more circular products

Your answer is correct!

The correct answer is a) because product labels can play an important role in encouraging more sustainable use of resources, increased recycling and reuse, energy savings, etc. by providing customers with relevant information. The answer d) includes a false statement: start-ups should take into consideration the risks of shifting production toward more circular products but they definitely should not stay away from the Circular Economy as this can offer huge opportunities.

Your answer is not correct

Case study 1

You own a company that provides cost-effective lighting solutions to office buildings and you were recently hired by a large corporation.

They want to reduce the costs of lighting in their office buildings, as the current incandescent light bulbs they use have a high cost and need to be changed every few months. Also, they promised their stakeholders that they will become more environmentally-friendly so they came to you to find a long lasting solution.

What would you do?

Advise them to buy the same incandescent light bulbs, but in bulk from a foreign supplier with lower prices.

Advise them to re-configure their office buildings to maximise the use of natural light.

Advise them to invest in LED lights, even though a LED bulb is a bit more expensive than the current incandescent bulb they use.

Feedback

This is not a solution, because the company hired you to find a long-lasting solution for their lighting problem. Therefore, buying more incandescent lightbulbs is not environmentally-friendly.

Feedback

This could be a good solution, however it all depends on the location of the building and the purposes for which it is used. For some buildings, the cost of re-configuring everything may be too high, making it a non-feasible solution.

Feedback

This is the best choice, because – even though a LED light bulb is slightly more expensive than an incandescent light bulb – they are the most energy-efficient lighting technology available at the moment and can last up to 100000 hours more, which means they will not need replacing for at least 11 years. This, in the long run, immensely reduces the cost.

Case study 2

Your start-up company is committed to the principles of Circular Economy, with a mission to produce shoes that have a very low environmental impact and sell them all over European Union. The company is preparing the new collection and you are in charge with the product labelling. You have to decide if you should include a product label created by the marketing department and/or another product labels.

What would you do?

I would include only the marketing label as there is no point to spend more on additional labels.

I would include only CE marking and footwear labels because they are mandatory for the shoes sold in the EU. I don’t find it worth spending money to put another label on the shoes, the guys from the marketing department are just wasting time with their label.

I would include both the marketing label, CE marking and footwear labels.

Feedback

This is not a solution, because the footwear labels are mandatory in the EU so your company cannot sell its shoes in the EU if they don’t bear a footwear label. Also, the CE marking is mandatory for the shoes sold in the EU.

Feedback

This might be OK as it allows your company to sell the shoes on the EU market. However, as a product label can be a very effective communication mean and a key feature in marketing, it is a lost opportunity to not include also the marketing label.

Feedback

This is the best choice, given the fact that it allows your company to sell the shoes on the EU market while also providing opportunities for increasing brand visibility and brand loyalty, improving communication with the customers and helping them to decide on buying the shoes.

Results

Module	Score
Use waste as a resource	%
The reuse of water (agriculture, industry, etc.) from wastewater treatment plants	%
Design for the future	%
Rethink the business model for sustainable development	%
Incorporate digital technology for sustainable development	%
Effective and sustainable product labelling	%

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