Green sustainability
Environmentally sustainable projects is one of the four Erasmus+ priorities for the programme period beginning in 2021. What can you as a student do to make your exchange as green as possible? We’ve gathered information, tips and links to help you.
Means of transport
An important part of an international exchange is travel. However, it’s good to remember the journey has the greatest impact on the environment. To make it easier for you to select a green means of transport, we’ve gathered links to information that can help you.
Links for a green traveller
Ecopassenger
Ecopassenger is a scientifically-based tool for comparing the energy consumption, CO2 emissions and other environmental impacts for travel by air, train and automobile. You’ll even receive suggestions for departures.
Book a train abroad
Booking a trip abroad by train can be a bit tricky the first time. We’ve gathered links to some websites that can help you.
Railtic – book trains in Europe
Rail Planner – Plan your rail trip in Europe
Seat 61 - train travel in UK, Ireland, Europe and Worldwide
What’s your climate footprint?
Climate smart vacation is a collaboration between the West Sweden Tourist Board, University of Gothenburg, Chalmers University of Technology and Gothenburg Municipality. You can use their e-service to calculate the climate footprint of your trip, based on different factors.
Calculate your trip’s climate footprint
Sustainable participation
By participating in an exchange or international collaborative project, you as an individual can make a difference. We’ve gathered information, tips, and links for you to use.
Tips for a sustainable student life
On campus, at home, in town, outdoors:
- Use a bicycle to get around.
- Don't use disposable items.
- Bring lunch from home.
- If you have too much food, invite a neighbour!
- Avoid buying food in plastic packaging.
- Always have your own bag with you when shopping.
- Find out if there's a ”refill-shop” in your new city.
- If possible, drink the tap water. If not, buy large bottles of water and fill up reusable smaller bottles.
- Avoid unnecessarily running the tap.
- Sort your rubbish. Ask someone where you can do this.
- Do you want to work out? Try "plogging" (picking up litter while jobbing).
- Arrange garbage collection events.
- Do you smoke or use oral tobacco (snus)? Don't throw the butts/snus packets on the ground - have a cup with you and dispose later.
- Arrange a yard sale or attend a flea market when you're ready to go home.
Useful links on sustainability
How easy is it to be a more environmentally-friendly student? BBC News investigates.
The Green Office Movement works for sustainability in higher education. Read their 15 tips for a more sustainable lifestyle.
15 tips to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle at your college
Seven ways to live a more sustainable life, according to the website Urbanest.
Living a more sustainable student life
Ten tips for a sustainable student life from Econation.
Virtual mobility
An alternative to a physical exchange is virtual mobility. The advantages aren’t just the lesser impact on the environment, but even factors such as increased availability and lower costs. We’ve compiled a few examples of virtual mobility and tips on how you can pursue your own virtual exchange.
Tips for virtual meetings between students
- Vary the tempo and take frequent breaks.
- Keep talking points short and pause for interactivity in the chat or with the help of tools such as Menti or Padlet.
- Keep the meeting’s focus on the education programme, course, learning objectives, project and assignments.
Work-based learning, placement and traineeships
Work-based learning, placement and traineeships can seem impossible to implement virtually. Nevertheless, many branches have indicated that the workplace of the future, even after the pandemic, will be both digital and physical.
Tips
- Arrange a digital meeting to get to know one another.
- Go on digital job interviews with partner organisations.
- Read about distance learning as well as proper etiquette in the country’s work environment.
- Try digital tourism!
- Arrange suitable equipment, a good connection and support online.