Fireside Chat: The Founding of the Circular Industrial Economy

Join us on Wednesday afternoon for an enlightening fireside chat with two architects and educators dedicated to promoting the circular economy movement in the building industry—John Cays and Walter Stahel. Walter Stahel, often referred to as the "father of the circular economy," has been instrumental in developing the concept of extending product life cycles to enhance resource efficiency and sustainability. John Cays, Professor of Practice at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), is a recognized expert in design education and sustainable practices within the built environment.

In this intimate conversation, they will discuss the genesis and evolution of the circular industrial economy, sharing personal anecdotes and professional insights. The dialogue will explore how circular principles have shifted paradigms in industry and design, the challenges faced in promoting circularity, and the future prospects of embedding these principles on a global scale. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the circular economy's role in fostering sustainability and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.