Blueprint for impact
Get a look at the pillars shaping this course.
While development is still underway, these highlights offer an early look at the skills and outcomes you’ll be working toward:
"This course bridges the gap between circular economy goals and operational reality. From developing MFA models for textile waste in Jordan to implementing cost-saving sustainability projects at major manufacturers, I've seen how tracking material flows transforms abstract goals into concrete improvements. As global pressure mounts to reduce waste, manage supply chain disruptions, and meet rising demand for sustainable products, every sector needs professionals skilled in identifying material flow challenges and creating value from waste streams."
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Flexible. Applied. Built for business.
Exploring this for your team, not just yourself? You’re in the right place. This course is still in development, making it an ideal time to explore how it could support your workforce goals. Whether you're planning ahead or seeking a strategic fit, we’ll help tailor the experience so it delivers value for your team from day one.
Material Flow Analysis (MFA)
Map material flows, spot inefficiencies, and apply circular design principles to real-world systems using Material Flow Analysis tools.
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Course description
In this applied training course, you'll gain hands-on experience using Material Flow Analysis (MFA) to systematically quantify the flows and stocks of materials moving in a defined system. MFA applies the Law of Conservation of Mass to track how materials are circulated, making it a powerful decision-support tool in resource and waste management.
Throughout this course, you'll explore how MFA integrates with circular economy principles, examining connections to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), systems thinking, and U.S. industrial contexts including EPA regulations. The course emphasizes practical application through case studies from key U.S. sectors including automotive, electronics, construction, and packaging.
By the end of this course, you'll produce a comprehensive Material Flow Analysis project that demonstrates your ability to develop actionable plans to significantly improve circularity performance. This project will showcase your capacity to strategically communicate complex sustainability initiatives for real-world operational implementation.
Course outcomes
- Define MFA system boundaries
Establish clear goals, scope, and system boundaries for a material flow analysis. - Develop and quantify flow models
Build material flow models using valid data and mass balance principles. - Interpret and visualize MFA results
Transform complex data into clear visualizations including Sankey diagrams to communicate findings. - Apply circularity metrics and measures
Analyze material systems using key circularity indicators to identify inefficiencies and opportunities. - Integrate policy and regulations
Understand how laws, regulations, and policies shape material flows and circular practices. - Communicate sustainability insights
Package technical analysis into compelling messages for different audiences—executives, policymakers, and the public.
The learning experience
This course is designed for mid-to-senior professionals in sustainability management, environmental engineering, product design, supply chain management, and operations, especially those working in sectors like automotive, electronics, or manufacturing. While no specific degree is required, a background in engineering, environmental science, business, or related technical fields is beneficial. Practical experience in industrial settings or resource management is highly recommended.
This is an 6-week instructor-led online synchronous course requiring 10-12 hours of time dedicated to coursework each week. You'll engage in project-based assessments, graded discussions, and hands-on MFA applications. The required tools for this course include access to STAN software (free), word processing software (Microsoft Word or Google Docs), and presentation software (Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Canva Pro).
Cost
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This course is designed by RIT and delivered on the edX platform. Enrollment is available exclusively at edx.org. Please visit the edX website to explore more detailed information about pricing options, start dates, time commitment and more.
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Ready when you are
This course is not currently open for enrollment, but that doesn’t mean the opportunity has to wait.
If this course aligns with your goals or your team’s needs, let us know. Your interest helps us plan future sessions and may even accelerate the timeline. We also offer custom options for organizations looking to run tailored versions of this experience.
Hear from the experts
Watch an introduction by the creator of this course, [name]
Insight
"This course bridges the gap between circular economy goals and operational reality. From developing MFA models for textile waste in Jordan to implementing cost-saving sustainability projects at major manufacturers, I've seen how tracking material flows transforms abstract goals into concrete improvements. As global pressure mounts to reduce waste, manage supply chain disruptions, and meet rising demand for sustainable products, every sector needs professionals skilled in identifying material flow challenges and creating value from waste streams."
Value
"You'll learn to see material flows as strategic opportunities. Master MFA techniques, from system diagrams to Sankey visualizations, and translate analysis into actionable recommendations. Whether optimizing manufacturing, informing policy, or developing circular business models, you'll graduate ready to quantify impacts, identify cost savings, and drive change. Your capstone project will demonstrate to employers your ability to solve real sustainability challenges with data-driven solutions that create business and environmental value."
Flexible. Applied. Built for business.
Exploring this for your team, not just yourself? You're in the right place. RIT Certified courses and certificates deliver high-impact ROI whether used off the shelf or tailored with our team to align with your workforce strategy. Each offering builds in-demand skills that help teams grow, retain talent, and stay ahead in a world of constant change. We don’t just deliver training. We help you plan for what’s next.
Pathways and certificates
This course is part of a broader mastery certificate.
Explore how it fits into a full learning journey.
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