Reflecting on six months of our sustainability journey
To sum up: We have learned a lot and now we are ready to put it into action!
The way there was marked by discussions, information, reorientation, reading and learning.
Perhaps it was the scale of the issue, the multitude of possibilities for action and the knowledge of the widespread interest in the issue through various channels that made us hesitant to start in plain action.
We decided to invest time in developing our ideas and exploring what others had already accomplished. Now we know more about sustainability dimensions, the European Green Deal, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and sustainable competences and their assessment. In the following time we will incorporate these concepts into our Lifehacks, serving as microlearning units.
During our journey, we discovered fascinating projects that had already taken steps in the direction we desired. We will compile and disseminate their findings as part of our resource collection. Furthermore, our project -teams initiated experiments and actions, such as embracing plastic-free and environmentally friendly cleaning products, opting for public transportation during business appointments, and even planting a flower meadow in front of their educational institution.
Each country team has set specific goals to pursue in the coming months:
- the German team aims to make their ERASMUS+ mobility activities greener,
- our Finnish colleagues are undergoing training to become sustainability teachers
- the Spanish team is developing a comprehensive handout on “Assessment of Sustainable Competences” for schools
- the Austrian team is actively seeking simple solutions for creating a greener workplace.
And then there is a new way of working, Working Out Loud (WOL), we are getting familiar with. To report on our work in progress is still unusual, but we enjoy to exchange ideas with others, and learn collectively, even before achieving tangible results. Through open collaboration and knowledge sharing, we gain fresh perspectives, expand our skills, and draw inspiration from each other’s.
The journey ahead remains exciting and challenging, and we invite you to join us on this process.
What does our learning journey so far actually have to do with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals?
We think that it aligns closely with several of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), since different aspects of the G2VET Learning Journey (learning, collaboration, and practical action) connect to specific SDGs, particulary:
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
How do you see sustainability being integrated into your own work or educational environment, and what actions have you taken or plan to contribute to a greener working environment?
What we achieved during the past 17 months
The G2VET project exemplifies a multi-faceted approach to sustainability in vocational education and training across the different partner institutions. Each country team has made steps towards their unique goals:
Germany: Greening ERASMUS+ Mobility
The German team has digitized their processes, preapred a new webpage, and introduced electronic signatures. They’re also providing green mobility consultations for participants, effectively reducing paper waste and promoting eco-friendly travel.
Finland: Empowering Sustainability Educators
Congratulations to our Finnish colleagues who earned their sustainability teacher certifications in May 2024! This achievement will undoubtedly enhance the quality of sustainability education in their school. They have realised exciting projects along the way. Lesen Sie beispielsweise https://g2vet.eu/recommended-by-us/ecosocially-educated-professionals-for-a-sustainable-future/ oder https://g2vet.eu/uncategorized/lets-go-to-the-flea-market/
Spain: Assessing Sustainable Competences
The Spanish team has successfully developed and printed a comprehensive handout on “Assessment of Sustainable Competences” for schools. This valuable resource is now available on the G2VET webpage in three languages (German, English, and Spanish), ensuring wide accessibility.
Austria: Creating a Greener Workplace
The Austrian team has taken an innovative approach by incorporating G2VET content into their company’s communication platform. This integration ensures that sustainability resources are readily available to all staff members, fostering a culture of environmental awareness.
Is there a project at your organisation that you could implement as part of a sustainability initiative? Perhaps it could be combined with a special environmental day?
See also our Lifehack No. 13 “It’s time to act”.