Page 97 - UPthEM_Program_Final_December 2020

UPthEM – Upskilling Pathways for Employability
№ 2019-1-BG01-KA204-062299

General information

Aim - Thematic area description

Reports produced by European Commission, United Nations and World Bank over the last years
have suggested that there is an urgent need to green our economies and that “sustainability and
the green economy is the next transformational business mega-trend comparable to mass
production, manufacturing quality movement, IT revolution, and globalization” (Harvard
Business Review, 2012).

The persons using this Module will have an increased capacity to identify and build on
opportunities for the promotion of a socially inclusive green economy and a low-carbon,
resource efficient and socially inclusive development, as well as they will begin to develop
basic skills for applying the green economy concept in a real world, in professional and personal
context.

The Module is explaining why is important to balance our economic, environmental and social
needs in order to allow the prosperity for now and future generations, to conserve and enhance
our resource base, by gradually changing the ways in which we conduct our professional and
personal activities.

The Module starts from the climate changes effects we all are facing and their main cause, as
well as the approaches we are having for responding to the climate changes. It continues by
showing the Sustainable Development Goals and their role in demonstrating that the economic
progress and environmental sustainability can be mutually reinforced. The green economy, its
characteristics and principles are presented further on, as well as the ways a business can
become greener or ideas of eco-friendly businesses. A valuable tool for planning new or
documenting existing green businesses is described. The Module continues with a powerful
presentation of methods for greening a business given by its visionary founder. Ideas of
practicing activities to enhance the knowledge of the topics displayed in the Module are also
offered.

Learning objectives and results

Understand the need for green economy and sustainable development
Understand how the current business environment may impact on business
opportunities in the green economy
Define the concept of a green economy and explain its value
Understand the different types of businesses started by green entrepreneurs
Be able to make business decisions using knowledge of the green economy

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The European Commission support for the production of this publication [document] does not constitute an endorsement of the contents
which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the
information contained therein.