The Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes are the EU’s key tools for creating knowledge, skills and attitudes concerning climate change and sustainable development. The programmes encourage participants to choose low emissions means of travel and to make environmentally responsible choices in all the activities. They also support the dissemination and development of information and competence related to environmental and climate issues. (The European Green Deal Striving to be the first climate-neutral continent and GreenComp: the European sustainability competence framework)
As universities, we have a responsibility to support and promote the global sustainability goals. Through our membership in the CHARM-EU university alliance, we are also working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a European level. Going on an exchange period, the knowledge of cultures, political systems and operating environments improves. Green choices in projects and mobilities may permanently change participants’ habits and make them greener as well as helping them to spread into the immediate environment and to the participating organisations.
CHARM-EU stands for a sustainable future. The alliance offers, among other things, a Master’s in Global Challenges for Sustainability, with unique hybrid program which spans nine European universities and connects students with international organizations to solve real-world issues in Water, Food, Health, and Energy. The different sustainable living web pages and online guides of the alliance universities give lots of tips and ideas. The guides refer to local organisations, web pages, apps and further sources of information.
The alliance universities have gathered general useful tips for sustainable travelling and living for both incoming and outgoing students, as well as for mobile staff.
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The CHARM-EU Live Sustainably Guide provides a short overview of practical measures suitable for all kinds of mobility activities. A sustainable living guide adds value by translating overwhelming global environmental issues into actionable, everyday habits. It provides a roadmap for saving money, improving personal health, and building community resilience, proving that green living is less about sacrifice and more about making smarter, highly impactful choices.
The Live sustainable Guide provides tips on
- Sustainable travel
- Sustainable living
- Sustainable eating
- Step-by-step guide for sustainable exchange
SOMETHING FOR YOU TOO? EXPLORE THE OPPORTUNITIES!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO CARRY OUT A SIMILAR PROCESS YOURSELF? SEE OUR GUIDES!
| Step | Action | Who Should Be Involved? | Resources / Support |
| Step 1 | Review the European and university-level policies and frameworks supporting sustainable living | The European Green Deal Striving to be the first climate-neutral continent GreenComp: the European sustainability competence framework Priorities of the Erasmus+ Programme | |
| Step 2 | Review your university guide to sustainable living | IRO, sustainability units | Åbo Akademi University Eötvös Loránd University Hochschule Ruhr-West Trinity College Dublin University of Barcelona University of Bergen University of Montpellier University of Würzburg Utrecht University |
| Step 3 | Use, adapt or produce an alliance wide Guide to sustainable living | Mobility work package | Live Sustainably Guide |
| Step 4 | Promote the guide | IRO, communication units | Ways to promote the guide: A. E-mails to the students B. Information material for exchange students C. Information material for staff D. Information material for international degree students |
