The GreenEURproject consortium has published two methodology reports, which are foundational resources powering the Environmental Impact Calculator—one of the project’s main tools to help project leaders measure and reduce the environmental footprint of their Erasmus+ KA2 projects.
Why two methodologies?
Numbers alone don’t tell the full story. The quantitative methodology uses Life Cycle Assessment to calculate the environmental impact of project activities such as travel, meetings, equipment, digital work, and materials. It turns everyday project actions into measurable indicators like carbon footprint, resource use, water consumption, and human toxicity. This approach highlights high-impact activities, enabling project leaders to identify and prioritise sustainable alternatives.
But impact is not only about numbers. The qualitative methodology captures the sustainability efforts that data may miss. A structured survey assesses projects across five areas: general strategy, mobility, communication, ICT, and materials. Questions are weighted and scored to reflect how well circular economy principles—such as reducing waste, reusing materials, sustainable mobility, and eco-friendly communication—are embedded. This ensures projects are evaluated not just for inherent resource use, but for the steps they take to actively minimise environmental impacts.
Together, these methodologies offer a balanced, practical, and adaptable framework that combines measurable data with contextual understanding. They help project leaders embed sustainability from planning to implementation, supporting informed decisions and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
The reports and full methodologies are available for download here:
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