The project

Aligning chemistry education with the green and digital transitions

Project description

Building a platform of vocational excellence in sustainable chemistry

GreenChem establishes a Platform of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in sustainable chemistry that supports existing regional skills ecosystems through curriculum reform, open and flexible training, and applied research — while bridging the gap between the chemical industry and VET education.

The project brings together industry representatives, VET providers, higher-education and research institutions, and policymaking agents from ten countries. Its first goal is to update job profiles and reform VET chemistry curricula for the green and digital transitions, fostering green-chemistry competences while leveraging digital technologies.

It also drives flexible, market-adapted VET and upskilling through open educational materials, strengthens the knowledge triangle with applied-research modules, and fosters green entrepreneurship through start-up incubation and coaching. The result is a system-level influence through transferable curricula, policy frameworks and stakeholder dialogue.

At a glance

Project ID
101259580
Programme
Erasmus+ CoVE
Duration
48 months
Partners
22 organisations
Countries
10
EQF levels
3–8

Main deliverables

The outcomes the network will deliver

Seven concrete results — from curricula and an LMS to pilot-plant toolkits, lab frameworks and policy guidance — built for re-use across European VET.

01

New VET Curriculum (EQF 4–5)

A modernised educational framework for chemistry, defining core subjects and practical components aligned with sustainability and the green transition.

02

Seven Specialised Training Modules

Interactive packages covering high-demand topics: Sustainable Synthesis, Green Extraction, Bioeconomy, Digitisation, PFAS Regulation and Green Analytical Chemistry.

03

GreenChem MOODLE LMS

A dedicated Learning Management System hosting multilingual, SCORM-compliant interactive materials for students and professionals across Europe.

04

Pilot-Plant Recycling Toolkit

Technical guidelines and safety protocols for polymer recycling at pilot-plant scale, designed for replication in VET centres.

05

Lab Audit & Design Framework

A structured methodology for transforming traditional chemistry labs into sustainable facilities, based on the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry.

06

Start-up Incubation Framework

A practical model for green-chemistry entrepreneurship, with methodologies for product development and business growth.

07

Guide to EU VET Policies

A practical manual on applying European frameworks — ECVET, EQAVET and micro-credentials — to harmonise chemistry training.

Key targets

Our objectives in numbers

Measurable goals across mobility, enterprise support, curriculum design and applied research over the lifetime of the project.

10
Regional Skills Ecosystems
Strategic networks across 10 European regions linking education, industry and public authorities.
280
International Mobilities
Practical learning and company visits for 240 students and 40 teachers/trainers across partner countries.
20+
Enterprises Supported
Tailored coaching to help companies integrate green-chemistry processes into their operations.
2
International Summer Campuses
Intensive cross-border skills competitions and training events for learners and educators.
20
Updated Job Profiles
Chemistry roles aligned to the ESCO classification to reflect green and digital requirements.
100+
Degrees Analysed
National desk research mapping and aligning chemistry qualifications across European systems.
100+
Learning Outcomes
Specific, stackable competencies defined for the new green and digital chemistry curriculum.
20+
Pilot Experiments
Applied demonstrations in modernised labs across pharma, plastics, textiles and other sectors.

Relevance

A socially inclusive, equitable approach to green chemistry

GreenChem ensures sustainability transitions benefit all citizens, integrating ethical, regulatory and community perspectives so professionals understand the impact of chemical innovation on public health, environmental justice and society.

Interdisciplinary

Connecting green chemistry with its societal and ethical dimensions.

Inclusive outreach

Accessible VET for low-skilled workers and those facing job insecurity, with accessibility for people with disabilities.

Open resources

E-learning modules, guides and a tailored MOOC, plus micro-credentials aligned with the ELM and EQAVET.

Relevance

A socially inclusive, equitable approach to green chemistry

GreenChem ensures sustainability transitions benefit all citizens, integrating ethical, regulatory and community perspectives so professionals understand the impact of chemical innovation on public health, environmental justice and society.

Interdisciplinary

Connecting green chemistry with its societal and ethical dimensions.

Inclusive outreach

Accessible VET for low-skilled workers and those facing job insecurity, with accessibility for people with disabilities.

Open resources

E-learning modules, guides and a tailored MOOC, plus micro-credentials aligned with the ELM and EQAVET.

The need

Closing the gap between VET and industry

Green chemistry is still rarely taught in undergraduate programs, and the chemical industry is ahead of academia in adopting it — creating a real skills mismatch.

  • Update curricula to emphasise green-chemistry principles and replace outdated methods.
  • More time and support for faculty to redesign courses, plus affordable lab equipment and training.
  • Collaborations with research and industry labs to bridge gaps until commercial solutions exist.
  • Project-based learning and labs that teach real-world sustainability.
  • Upskilling VET teachers, with policy involvement to align education with sustainability goals.

European added value

A transnational consortium driving systemic change

GreenChem unites 22 partners from 10 European countries to embed green-chemistry principles into VET and higher education (EQF 3–8). It complements initiatives such as ChemSkills, DigiChem and GREENOVET, and contributes to the European Education Area and the Pact for Skills.

Network of Centres of Vocational Excellence in Green and Digital Chemistry.

Project Number: 101259580

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