GreenEURproject

In recent years, the European Union has prioritized sustainable development, with ambitious goals to integrate environmental responsibility across all its initiatives. These priorities are embedded in EU policies that increasingly seek to address the environmental impact of projects funded under Erasmus+ and beyond. While many EU-funded projects contribute positively to education, research, and innovation, they also generate an ecological footprint—from travel and materials to energy consumption and waste. However, without a standardised framework for assessing their impact, the environmental risks linked to these activities remain unaddressed.

The GreenEURproject sets out to change this by creating a green label that evaluates the environmental impact of EU-funded projects, providing a first-of-its-kind approach for sustainability in project planning and implementation. This label, alongside tools such as a user-friendly impact calculator and detailed assessment guidelines, will empower project leaders to minimize ecological impact from the outset. Through these resources, the GreenEURproject aims to support and motivate project leaders, EU institutions, and evaluators to adopt eco-conscious practices, contributing to a collective effort for a greener future.

Key Outputs of the Project:

• Environmental Impact Calculator: A quantitative tool for assessing projects’ sustainability metrics, helping stakeholders pinpoint and mitigate environmental risks.
• Green Label: A clear and accessible label awarded to projects based on their environmental performance, enhancing transparency and promoting best practices.
• Guidelines and Handbook: A comprehensive handbook tailored for various stakeholders—project leaders, EU institutions, and national agencies—covering eco-friendly practices and key indicators for ranking projects.
• Policy Recommendations: A set of recommendations aimed at EU policymakers to encourage eco-conscious practices and embed sustainability in project evaluation processes.

With its practical tools and long-term vision, the GreenEURproject aspires to become a benchmark for environmental transparency, helping projects demonstrate their commitment to sustainable goals.

Project consortium: University of Lorraine (coordinator), Eskişehir Technical University, University of Vigo, Vytautas Magnus University, and the European University Foundation (EUF).