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ECOPATH: Education Pathways for Circular Economy and ESG Upskilling

ECOPATH: Education Pathways for Circular Economy and ESG Upskilling

CIRCULAR SOLUTIONS FOR THE WATER, ENERGY, AND FOOD NEXUS IN WATER-STRESSED REGIONS

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.

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.

ObjeCtivEs

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.

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.

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.