What we aim for!

“Education has a key role to play in achieving the Green Deal’s objective. It is key to changing mindsets and empowering pupils, students, and adults to take concrete actions, individually and collectively.”

Mariya Gabriel, former European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth

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WHAT WE AIM FOR!

The European Green Deal is a set of policy initiatives that aim to effect the European Union's climate neutrality until 2050, turning the European into the first net-zero emitting continent of greenhouse gases. For the European member states to achieve this objective, all areas of society have to set new priorities and align towards sustainable development.

The need for a green mindset is even more prevalent in vocational education and training (VET). VET-students, as starting and future performers in all economic sectors, will have to be behind the transformation. In fact, they can become drivers of change and carry innovation and higher sustainability standards into their (training) companies. At the same time, developing green competencies will benefit them in their careers.

How can VET-schools support their students in being early adopters of the Green Transition?

Instead of following a wait-and-see strategy, VET-actors should take agency in supporting green skills development and give orientation to their students in a changing world (of work). The most promising way of doing so is to embed sustainability in the institution's values, actions, and teaching, reaching far into the school community. This Whole Institution Approach has transformative potential for shifting mindsets, as sustainability is not only taught but experienced and can thus be internalized by students, teachers, management, and administration alike.

Join us in practicing a Whole Institution Approach to sustainability

The GreenVET Pathway project will support you and your VET-school in various ways:


  • GreenVET Framework ›› will familiarize VET-teachers and VET-administration with the intersections of vocational education and training and the Green Transition, giving you a compact overview of the uropean Green Deal, the Whole Institution Approach, Education for Sustainable Development, and the GreenComp Framework. It will be available in English and all partner languages by summer 2024.

  • GreenVET Database ›› is an interactive link collection that provides you with resources that will inspire the green transformation of your VET-school's values, actions, and teaching. The database is fed by our community of practice of VET-actors, but can also be enrichened by the resources you find valuable and would like to share. The database will be online by spring 2024.

  • Online GreenVET Path ›› is an interactive online platform that will guide your VET-school through a Whole Institution Approach to sustainability, providing self-reflection opportunities, assessment tools, and easy-to-apply material to engage the school community. The tools and strategies have been approved by our GreenVET community of practice of VET-schools. The platform will be available by 2025.

PARTNERSHIP

Find out more about the seven European organisations that joined forces to support you in greening VET.
Wisamar non-profit Educational Institute, Germany

Wisamar Educational Institute is a non-profit organisation located in Leipzig, Germany, that aims to promote education, tolerance and international understanding. Since its foundation, Wisamar has been committed to cooperation and exchange at European and international level.

We consider ecological sustainability a transversal issue that belongs in all educational sectors, from early school education to vocational and adult education. In our projects, we develop resources and tools that empower people of all ages to be part of sustainable solutions. By working with playful, learner-centered methodologies rooted in people’s everyday lives and actions, our target groups can explore their potential to achieve a more sustainable future.

Our project Think Twice! ››, promoting sustainable project management, was awarded best practice by the German National Agency.

To the website ››


Omnia Educational Partnerships, Finland

Omnia Education Partnerships Ltd. (OEP), a distinguished member of the Omnia Group, possesses a decade-long legacy in national and international Vocational Education and Training (VET) development. With a commitment to sustainable training solutions, OEP's programs are designed to secure future-proof careers by providing paths to lifelong learning, job creation, and professional development. OEP extends global support to public and private sector organisations, enabling them to effectively address the challenges of the global economy and contribute to building a sustainable future.

Established in 2010 under the auspices of Omnia, the Joint Authority of Education in the Espoo Region, OEP is strategically situated in the City of Espoo, a municipality deeply committed to becoming a pioneering force in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2025. Espoo's comprehensive objective is to establish financial, ecological, social, and cultural sustainability. Given that the City of Espoo holds the majority stake in Omnia, The Joint Authority of Education in the Espoo Region, sustainable Vocational Education and Training (VET) holds a central position in Omnia's overall strategy. This commitment extends to Omnia Education Partnerships Ltd. (OEP), both in strategic planning and practical implementation, with our office located at the heart of the Omnia campus. For us, the integration of environmental considerations is intrinsic to VET studies and mindsets.

OEP's ownership structure reflects a robust foundation, with 80% ownership held by three licensed Finnish vocational education providers, and the remaining 20% under the stewardship of FCA, a prominent Finnish humanitarian and development aid organisation. Beyond its international partnership endeavors, OEP maintains close collaboration with key stakeholders such as the Finnish National Agency, Ministry of Education and Culture, and the Foreign Ministry. This collaboration is geared towards enhancing the international and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) competencies of Finnish VET providers.
Demonstrating leadership in the field, OEP leads the Finnish National Agency International VET Quality Assurance Committee. Simultaneously, it is an active member of Education Finland and the Global Learning Crisis group. Through these affiliations and its diverse array of activities, OEP stands as a beacon of excellence in the dynamic landscape of vocational education and training, both nationally and on the global stage.
OEP has vast international experience having implemented professional development, reform consultancy and localized versions of Finnish VET qualifications globally, partnering with NGOs, UN organisations as well as public and private organisations. OEP was contracted as a technical partner by the European Training Foundation to support the ENE network in ppp’s and UNEVOC to develop and implement entrepreneurial mindset training for VET staff. OEP is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and actively supports Lifelong Learning.

To the website ››


SYNTHESIS Center for Research and Education, Cyprus

SYNTHESIS Center for Research and Education is at the forefront of impactful research and education projects with a focus on social innovation and entrepreneurship in Cyprus. The organization's commitment to improving lives, fostering social inclusion, and contributing to a green and sustainable future is evident in its diverse initiatives.

Notably, SYNTHESIS has been a key player in driving sustainability projects, championing the green transition. The organization actively engages in promoting ecological practices and enhancing environmental responsibility. One significant contribution involves assisting individuals, companies, and educational institutions in embracing sustainability.

SYNTHESIS collaborates closely with businesses, providing expertise and support to implement eco-friendly measures. The center guides companies in reducing their ecological footprint, fostering environmentally conscious operations, and aligning with sustainable standards.

In the educational sector, SYNTHESIS has played a pivotal role in encouraging schools and educational organizations to adopt eco-friendly practices. This includes integrating green initiatives within educational facilities, developing sustainable curricula, and instilling a culture of environmental responsibility among students and staff.

In essence, SYNTHESIS goes beyond its role as a social innovation hub, actively contributing to sustainability projects. From empowering companies to embrace eco-friendly practices to influencing educational institutions towards greener approaches, SYNTHESIS is making significant strides in building a more sustainable future for both individuals and the planet.



To the website ››

Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Slovenia

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (CCIS) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation representing more than 6,000 member companies, mainly SMEs, from various sectors and regions of Slovenia. CCIS unites 26 branch associations covering the most important industrial sectors with 13 regional offices. As a representative chamber of commerce, CCIS co-operates with the government on legislation and policy and participates in government bodies and committees dealing with education and training.

Networking is essential for business success, and CCIS is actively involved in projects, often co-funded by the European Union, linking businesses, industry organisations, research institutes, and policy makers across Europe. Through international collaboration in interdisciplinary teams, CCIS works with other partners to develop and implement new knowledge, test services/products, and create valuable content for its members. The organisation is a dynamic force shaping the business landscape, fostering collaboration across geographical boundaries and focusing on connecting businesses and stakeholders in an ever-evolving European context.



To the website ››

Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Latvia

Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the biggest association of entrepreneurs in Latvia uniting 6000 members – micro, small, medium and large enterprises of all regions and industries, associations, city business clubs and other unions of entrepreneurs. The association represents entrepreneurs' interests and provides services for excellent enterprises in an excellent business environment. The main sectors are business environment, competitiveness of enterprises and export.
LCCI was founded on 21 December 1934 and is a member of the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry (EUROCHAMBRES) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

Mission: Voice and support of Latvian entrepreneurs since 1934.
Vision: Latvia has one of the EU’s TOP 10 business environments, which develops many competitive and able-to-export enterprises. Offer of the LCCI services ensures that membership in the LCCI is an economically favourable decision encouraging more rapid growth of the enterprise.
Main Values: National economy of the Republic of Latvia, Initiative, Political neutrality, Fair competition and Private capital.

To the website ››


p-consulting, Greece

p-consulting is an IT consulting company focused on training, established in 2012 and located in Patras, Greece. Its main aim is the digital transformation of businesses and organizations through the innovative exploitation of existing tools, guaranteeing a swift, sustainable, and effective process.

The main objectives of the company include:

  • Providing quality IT and consulting services in business terms to companies and enterprises in all sectors of the economy.
  • Offering training services that address the needs of various target groups.
  • Delivering IT services with a focus on web development and the creation of online educational platforms.
  • Managing and developing project services, primarily oriented towards improving the quality of life for people, especially those from socially vulnerable groups.
Additionally, the company has a well-established network, having implemented over 40 European projects with the collaboration of more than 180 partners across 24 EU countries. It has also executed hundreds of national projects and serves over 250 clients in the fields of IT and business support. Notably, p-consulting.gr has numerous collaborations in projects extending beyond Europe. Furthermore, it has been an active member of EfVET since 2012.
p-consulting.gr combines training and IT services by focusing on digital interactive training. This involves developing and creating online training courses, educational games, gamification tools, web and mobile applications, using new and innovative technologies while fully respecting WCAG2.0 accessibility protocols.
The company holds six European awards for best practices.

To the website ››

Polygonal, Italy

Polygonal is an association distinguished by its commitment to the community and environmental sustainability. We are an autonomous and democratic community, composed of educators, developers, designers, activists, and culture enthusiasts. Our headquarters is in the small rural village of Cori, one hour south of Rome.

Who we are

  • Diverse expertise: Our association reflects a wide range of skills and interests. From technology to art, we are united by a passion for positive change.
  • Transformative education: We believe in the transformative power of education and digital technology. We engage people of all ages in continuous learning.
  • Name and traditions: Our name, Polygonal, pays homage to the rich ancient history and traditions of our town. It also reflects our commitment to activism.
  • Inclusivity: All our efforts are open, free, and accessible to everyone. We aim to involve the community and enhance the lives of those who live here.
What we do:
  • Cultural management: As municipal contractors, we manage the public library and historical archive in our area. We also organize workshops and international activities.
  • Environmental education:We support environmental education, promoting critical thinking, preserving local heritage, and innovation in rural areas.
  • Digital transformation: We collaborate with local entities and businesses to reduce environmental impact through digital transformation. We teach younger generations sustainable resource use.
  • Digital literacy: We teach programming and digital literacy to children and adults in the community. We use robots, Scratch, and unplugged activities.
  • Family support: We help parents transfer digital education to their children. We create free digital tools and games for the community.
In summary, we bridge tradition and innovation, committed to improving people’s lives and safeguarding our environment

To the website ››