TU Delft Introduces Course on Sustainable Electronics
Eindhoven, Wednesday, 21 May 2025.
Lorenzo Ceccarelli from TU Eindhoven has developed a course on circular electronics, winning the TU/e Sustainability in Education Award, to reduce electronic waste and enhance sustainability in technology.
Award-Winning Innovation in Sustainability Education
On May 19, 2025, Lorenzo Ceccarelli received the TU/e Sustainability in Education Award for his groundbreaking course on circular electronics [1]. The recognition comes with a €2,500 prize, which Ceccarelli plans to invest in materials and tools for the course, along with organizing workshops featuring external experts [1]. The award ceremony took place during TU/e’s Green Week opening, which features a comprehensive program of sustainability-focused events running through May 23, 2025 [4].
Addressing the Growing E-Waste Crisis
The initiative tackles one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges: electronic waste represents the fastest-growing waste stream globally [1]. According to Ceccarelli, approximately 80% of discarded electronic devices currently end up in landfills or are shipped to Global South countries, where they are dismantled under hazardous conditions, causing significant harm to both human health and the environment [1]. The course represents a collaborative effort between multiple institutions, with similar initiatives being undertaken by Leiden University, TU Delft, and Erasmus University Rotterdam [3].
Impact and Future Prospects
The course has already demonstrated significant appeal, with student applications exceeding available places [1]. ‘Sustainability is a high priority at TU/e. Many lecturers are working daily to integrate it as much as possible into education,’ explains Tommaso Mondovì, sustainability education developer at TU/e [1]. The initiative aligns with broader institutional commitments to sustainability, as universities recognize their role in shaping future technological development [1][6].