Erasmus+ projects on environmental sustainability: new study report takes the long view

According to the study report Data collection and analysis of Erasmus+ projects. Focus on education for environmental sustainability, there have been thousands of Erasmus+ projects on this topic since 2014. Transnational teams come together to explore environmental challenges of common European and global concern, applying a variety of innovative, interdisciplinary, hands-on methods: from simulation games and science-technology-society education models, to GPS-based scavenger hunt apps.

But there is a need to do more: to move from awareness to action and from individual undertakings to making a difference in the local community. There are many examples of follow-up activities that have emerged from Erasmus+ projects. The report points out that small bottom-up actions matter, too, and being integrated into a group leads individuals to take such actions. Positive communication can also inspire and motivate, and a long-term perspective triggers behavioural change.

The study report summarises the main findings of 15 case studies carried out as part of the research. The case studies were selected from the inventory of 120 good practices representing different Erasmus+ programme types and sectors in all 33 programme countries and beyond. Dozens of stakeholders were consulted through individual interviews and focus groups as well as an online workshop. The purpose of the research was to identify and showcase successful educational approaches to support EU policy and programme development in this particular field (e.g., the planned Council recommendation on learning for environmental sustainability).

The project was commissioned by the European Commission and implemented by a consortium consisting of 3s Unternehmensberatung (Austria), Danish Technological Institute (Denmark) and Ecorys Europe.