D-GREEN - Digital sustainability

Context

Digital transformation is at the core of Europe’s economic growth and competitiveness. However, while Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) enable innovation and efficiency, their widespread adoption also contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. The ICT sector is currently responsible for approximately 4% of global CO₂ emissions, a percentage expected to rise as digitalisation accelerates.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), representing 99% of European businesses and employing over 65% of the workforce, play a crucial role in this context. Their combined environmental footprint accounts for around 70% of industrial pollution in Europe. Despite their importance, most SMEs lack the tools, skills and knowledge to integrate sustainable ICT practices into their business models. D-GREEN seeks to reduce the environmental and social footprint of information and communication technologies (ICT) used by SMEs in partner countries. The project enhances the sustainability of ICT implementation strategies by providing competencies for VET professionals and SMEs, developing practical resources and online training to foster eco-friendly digital transitions.

Objectives

The general objective of D-GREEN is to reduce the environmental and social footprint of ICTs used by SMEs in partner countries by strengthening the digital and green competences of VET professionals, trainers, SME managers, and workers. The project supports VET systems in providing relevant, forward-looking training that aligns with the twin transitions — digital and green — promoted by the European Union. To this end, the following specific objectives have been established:

• To equip VET trainers with the tools and resources needed to design and deliver training courses on ICT sustainability tailored to SMEs.
• To enhance SME managers’ and workers’ competences in applying sustainable ICT practices that optimise energy consumption, reduce digital waste, and improve efficiency.
• To create innovative educational materials and digital tools that promote the integration of green and digital strategies in SMEs.
• To establish a transnational community of practice connecting VET providers, sustainability experts and SMEs to exchange knowledge and ensure long-term impact.
• To raise awareness about the environmental implications of ICT use and the opportunities for sustainable digital transformation at the European level.

Project target groups

The project has two main target groups. The first one includes VET professionals, consultants and trainers working with SMEs in partner countries. In particular, the project activities are addressed to VET professionals working in the following three areas:

• a) e-skills: supporting companies implementing digital transition;
• b) management systems: making internal processes more effective and efficient;
• c) green practices: implementing sustainability strategies for ICT and energy use, consumption and disposal.

The second includes SME managers and workers in partner countries who deal with ICTbased services, infrastructure, and processes—such as cloud computing, enterprise IT systems, and digital manufacturing—for their business operations. It also targets businesses at the early stages of digital transformation, supporting those seeking to integrate sustainable and efficient digital practices into their operations.

Project results

The project will produce a set of interlinked outputs that collectively strengthen the capacity of VET systems and SMEs to implement sustainable ICT strategies:

• Result 1: D-GREEN Handbook A comprehensive practical guide for VET trainers, educators and experts. It includes methodologies, case studies and ready-to-use materials for delivering training on ICT sustainability for SMEs. Available in English and all partners’ languages (PDF and e-book formats).
• Result 2: D-GREEN Transnational Training Course A 5-day face-to-face course hosted in Sweden, designed to train VET professionals in applying the D-GREEN Handbook and fostering peer learning between countries.
• Result 3: D-GREEN MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) A modular, 32-hour open-access online course for SME managers and workers, providing flexible training opportunities aligned with EQF and ECVET standards.
• Result 4: D-GREEN Self-Evaluation Tool An interactive digital tool that allows SMEs to assess their ICT sustainability maturity, identify improvement areas, and receive tailored recommendations, including a savings calculator for environmental and economic impact.
• Result 5: D-GREEN Community of Practice (CoP) A virtual network hosted on ePale that connects VET professionals, SMEs, and sustainability experts to share experiences, discuss challenges and promote the continuous use of project results.
• Result 6: Dissemination and Exploitation Actions Including a multilingual website, newsletters, social media channels, and two multiplier events per partner country to maximise outreach, ensure visibility, and foster adoption of results across Europe.