Through the GREEN TRACE project, we aimed to develop a culture of sustainability across the partner schools by turning environmental awareness into concrete and lasting behaviour. Our main objectives were to improve students’ and teachers’ knowledge of climate change, water and energy saving, recycling, waste reduction and responsible consumption. We also aimed to strengthen digital, language and intercultural competences through European cooperation and practical activities. Another objective was to integrate environmental education into curricular and extracurricular activities through reusable teaching resources. We encouraged students to take an active role as promoters of sustainable behaviour within their families and local communities. At the same time, we sought to strengthen cooperation among schools, local authorities, environmental organisations and other stakeholders, creating a European network capable of sharing good practices and ensuring the sustainability of the project results beyond its formal conclusion.
The GREEN TRACE project originated from a need shared by the four partner schools to help students understand the environmental impact of their everyday choices and turn their knowledge of climate change into responsible behaviour. The initial needs analysis, carried out through questionnaires, teachers’ observations and discussions with students, families and school communities, involved approximately 130 students from the four partner countries. The results showed that 75% did not understand how their daily habits could affect the environment, 50% reported frequently wasting food, and 80% did not pay sufficient attention to water and energy consumption. Limited knowledge also emerged regarding plastic reduction, waste separation, carbon footprint and responsible consumption. The schools needed to provide practical, inclusive and international learning experiences capable of motivating students, particularly those with fewer opportunities, while also involving teachers, families and local communities. European cooperation was chosen to compare different contexts and develop shared and transferable educational responses.