GreenSCENT introduced a significant innovation in the field of environmental education and public engagement by creating a multidisciplinary European Competence Framework tailored to the priorities of the Green Deal. This framework represents a new reference tool for Member States, educational institutions, private sector actors and civil society organisations, supporting the green transition by fostering key knowledge, skills and attitudes among citizens of all ages.
Building on this foundation, the project developed the GreenSCENT Certification for Climate and Environmental Literacy (GreenCert). GreenCert is the first initiative of its kind in Europe to assess and certify environmental and climate-related competences through 24 skill cards and corresponding micro-certificates. Its ambition is to become as widely recognised as the European or International Computer Driving Licence (ECDL/ICDL), making environmental literacy a core component of lifelong learning.
One of the project’s major achievements was the creation and testing of a series of GreenSCENT Demonstrators – digital, participatory and educational tools that brought climate education to life in real-world settings. These tools were piloted in schools, universities, municipalities and training centres across Europe, showing their potential to be scaled up and integrated into formal and informal education systems. The demonstrators promoted a holistic understanding of sustainability and resilience, connecting climate science with daily life and personal responsibility.
GreenSCENT also pioneered new inclusive and accessible approaches to climate education, ensuring that vulnerable groups – such as migrants, refugees and persons with disabilities – were not left behind. Through GreenCert, these groups were empowered to gain recognition for their environmental competences, contributing to both social inclusion and climate action.
The project’s participatory methods, including Youth Design Assemblies, Open Innovation Challenges and intergenerational dialogue formats, activated thousands of young people and educators across Europe. Over 7,000 individuals took part in pilots and co-design activities, engaging with digital platforms, citizen science tools, augmented reality experiences, and multimedia formats such as interactive documentaries and environmental journalism.
In terms of scientific innovation, GreenSCENT opened a new interdisciplinary research pathway combining environmental education, media accessibility, behavioural science, and policy-making. This resulted in a wide array of outputs, including academic publications, a book, a special journal issue, contributions to standardisation efforts, and three international conferences. Several partners have already built on these foundations, securing funding for follow-up projects that will continue the GreenSCENT legacy from 2025 to 2028.
Overall, GreenSCENT has laid the groundwork for long-lasting socio-economic and cultural impact, contributing to a more climate-aware, empowered and environmentally responsible European society.
