Module shortlisted for AMBA CSR and Sustainability Award
A University of Bradford module on sustainability has been shortlisted for a prestigious international award.
The Circular Design for the Real World module is a finalist in the Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability Initiative category at the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and Business Graduates Association (BGA) Excellence Awards 2026.
Dr Farzaneh Fakhredin, Lecturer in Circular Economy and Innovation at the University of Bradford’s School of Management, said: “I’m thrilled that the module has been recognised by AMBA, as it demonstrates the real-world impact it can have.
“Seeing it drive innovative changes to bring sustainable and circular products to market and implement sustainable practices is incredibly rewarding.”
Dr Farzaneh Fakhredin, Lecturer in Circular Economy and Innovation at the University of Bradford’s School of Management, who set up the Circular Design for the Real World MBA module. Images credit: University of Bradford
More on the module
Circular Design for the Real World is an innovative online module, part of the University’s three Masters of Business Administration (MBA) programmes: MBA Distance Learning, Executive MBA in Dubai and the Innovation, Enterprise and Circular Economy MBA, giving students practical experience in Circular and Sustainable Design.
Dr Fakhredin said: “With this module, we go to the heart of companies’ sustainability agendas and design briefs, applying life cycle thinking and circular design principles to bring circular, sustainable products to life, co-creating and experimenting with stakeholders.
“This makes the module highly innovative, with the potential for systemic impact across industries.”
Students from around the world bring real products from their workplaces to explore how they can be redesigned for reuse, repair, remanufacturing and recycling.
The module covers global regulations, Life Cycle Assessment, emerging materials and renewable energies, and commodity prices, helping students to create redesign proposals that often lead to pilot projects and influence product development.
Covering industries including electronics, furniture, cosmetics and aviation, the module empowers students to reduce waste and environmental impact while driving meaningful change within their organisations.
The module is inspired by designer and educator Victor Papanek’s 1971 book, Design for the Real World, which said design should address real-world problems and human challenges rather than only existing to sell for profit.
Students’ views
Pascal Dekoninck, Global Account Manager at Sherwin-Williams, a US-based paints and coatings company, says after studying the module, the firm shifted from energy-intensive coating materials to coatings which cure at ambient temperatures, reducing the global warming potential by more than 50 per cent in CO₂-equivalents.
‘Module was pivotal’
Leandro Santiago, Founder of Péthalo, a Philippine fragrance company, said: “The module was pivotal in bringing circularity into the launch of my own fragrance brand.
“We implemented feasible sustainability and circular features including highly-recyclable packaging such as glass bottles and aluminium caps, and minimal decoration to reduce chemical use.”
Restore for resale
Heather Johnson, Business Development Manager, RenEnergy UK, said: “I used my learnings to implement new stages into our business operations, enabling customers to have their old furniture removed at the time of delivery, and for the company to develop a reliable feed stock of furniture to either restore for resale, or disassemble for reuse of the materials.
“In my current role in renewable energy sector, I am working with CE companies on the reuse of EV batteries into industrial BESS systems, and solar panels that can be reused at a different scale to their original use phase, both in the UK and South Africa.”
More on the awards
The AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate excellence among business schools, students and graduates.
The Circular Design module is shortlisted alongside: Goa Institute of Management for Roots to Results: GIM’s Integrated CSR and Sustainability Approach; Mannheim Business School for 1,000 Tree Project; CENTRUM Católica for Prosperity Lab (ProLab); Rajagiri Business School for Social Sensitisation Camp; Universidad Externado de Colombia for Responsible Supply Chain Network and Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham Business School for Global Responsibility Week.
The award recognises business schools taking the initiative in creating a sustainable future and teaching students about social values and making a positive impact in practical and measurable ways.
The winners will be announced on Friday 23 January 2026 at the Royal Garden Hotel, London.
This module supports the University of Bradford’s strategic plan by equipping students to create real-world sustainability solutions, directly contributing to the University’s goals of social and environmental impact. Its international recognition highlights Bradford’s leadership in responsible management education and commitment to making a positive difference for people, place, and planet.