The Erasmus+ project GREENEUR has been launched, in which scientists from the VMU AA will develop an environmental impact calculator for EU-funded projects
The GreenEUR project was launched on 1 October 2024. The project is coordinated by the University of Lorraine (France) and partnered by Eskişehir Technical University (Turkey), the University of Vigo (Spain), the European University Foundation (EUF) and Vytautas Magnus University.
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.
Project title: Assess and label the environmental sustainability of European projects.
Period: 2024-2026
Funding: Erasmus+ Key Action 2, total budget: 300790 EUR
Key project results:
Environmental Impact Calculator: a quantitative tool to assess the sustainability performance of projects, helping stakeholders to identify and mitigate environmental risks.
Green Label: a clear and accessible label awarded to projects based on their environmental performance, increasing transparency and promoting best practice.
Guidelines and Handbook: A comprehensive guide tailored for a wide range of stakeholders – project managers, EU institutions and national agencies – describing environmentally friendly practices and key indicators for project evaluation.
Policy Guidance: A set of recommendations for EU policy makers to promote green practices and integrate sustainability into project appraisal processes.
With practical tools and a long-term vision, GreenEURproject aims to become a benchmark for environmental transparency, helping projects to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable objectives.
