DIRECTOR of The Centre for Sustainable Design at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), Professor Martin Charter, has been appointed to Renmin University of China’s prestigious Foreign Experts Project.

The Foreign Experts Project brings together global leaders in the fields of technology, economy, management and innovation to focus on high-tech industries and emerging disciplines of the future.

Renmin University of China is an elite research university located in the Haidian District of Beijing. Professor Charter will be employed for three years, working with teachers from the resource, environment and economics departments to explore his work on the circular economy and eco-innovation.

Professor Charter said: “This is a tremendous opportunity to further contribute to improved mutual understanding of circular economy and eco-innovation between Europe and China.”

Professor Charter has worked at Director level in business sustainability issues for more than 30 years. He was the launch Director of Greenleaf Publishing, Marketing Director at the Earth Centre and former Director of Business Networks focused on sustainable business, green electronics and eco-innovation.

Professor Charter is also chairman, board of trustees for the Farnham Repair Centre, the first charity in the UK of its kind which focuses on educating people about the importance of reducing waste and the benefits that can be seen by moving towards a circular economy.

Professor Charter continues this discussion alongside global policy, business, design and development in his most recent book, ‘Designing for the Circular Economy’.

“Designing for the Circular Economy brings together a comprehensive series of contributions from leading thinkers and practitioners from business and academia worldwide,” Professor Charter continued.

“Increased knowledge and understanding on product circularity and innovation is emerging fast and I hope that the book will lead to an acceleration of well-informed discussion and decision-making.”

UCA would like to congratulate Professor Martin Charter for this fantastic achievement and look forward to seeing his work come to life in China.