Education Pathways for Circular Economy and ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) Upskilling (ECOPATH)
Timeframe: 01.11.2024-30.04.2027
The ECOPATH project highlights the potential of Circular Economy in supporting companies to implement Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) principles. It equips staff members of SMEs with the knowledge and skills to improve their companies’ environmental impact through circular approaches, and prepares educators and trainers to transfer relevant green skills and knowledge on Circular Economy and ESG to adult learners.
Project Background
The project is rooted in the need to support efforts against increasing climate adversities by building pathways for European enterprises to become more sustainable. This need has become a priority under the EU Green Deal. In this context, the European Commission is establishing stricter reporting requirements for companies in EU Member States through the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
One of the approaches that emerge to enable companies to assess their impact are Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks. In relation to these frameworks, Circular Economy plays a crucial role, and is one of the six environmental objectives under the EU Taxonomy.
ECOPATH creates education opportunities for SME professionals and adult learners to build their sustainability skills including ESG and circularity. The project further supports SMEs in navigating efforts to improve their environmental impact through the development of a Circular Economy ESG Gamebook training.
Main Objectives
Objective 1
Support SMEs to be better prepared for improving their environmental impact, and build SME professionals’ understanding of the growing demand for transitions towards increased environmental sustainability.
Objective 2
Improve the knowledge and skills of current and future SME professionals and adult learners who wish to work within sustainability and management to better place them in the labour market.
Objective 3
Build the capacity of adult educators and trainers to better integrate knowledge related to Circular Economy, ESG frameworks and hands-on methodologies in adult learning opportunities.
Planned Project Results
A curriculum for adult educators and trainers.
A Circular Economy ESG Gamebook which supports in contributing to the EU Green Deal targets, encourages SME professionals to adopt circular and green behaviours and make more socially conscious decisions, and develops a learning experience that allows SME professionals and adult learners to understand ESG frameworks and their relevance to Circular Economy.
A Gamebook Facilitation Guide for adult educators and trainers which provides an overview and guidelines on how to use the Circular Economy ESG Gamebook.
Videos and multimedia materials to raise awareness.
Events including Open House Events, a Hackathon during which the Gamebook will be implemented, and a transnational web conference.
Project: 2024-1-SE01-KA220-ADU-000244589
