Teaching sustainability in marketing

Summary

The project Teaching Sustainability in Marketing addresses the importance of adopting a sustainable approach to running a company. Through cooperation between VET students from two different EU countries, primarily using digital tools, it introduces innovative teaching methodologies with environmental sustainability at their core. In addition to its environmental and educational impact, the project also promotes the EU values of democracy, cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. 

“Before, I knew very little about sustainability, but now I understand how important it is and how small actions can help improve the planet’s health. I also learned how other cultures focus on sustainability, which has inspired me to use these practices in my own life and encourage my family to do the same.”

Topic(s) addressed

• Digital and multilingual skills
• Entrepreneurship
• Collaboration, and cultural awareness through learner-centred and intercultural project activities focusing on local green companies, their production, and sustainability

Target group(s)  

• Managing teams and head teachers of both participating schools 
• Two teams of 30 selected motivated students from various social and cultural backgrounds from the Czech Republic and Italy 

Methodologies used

The project is mostly student-driven and integrates students’ existing knowledge while developing their skills in economics, marketing, the English language and the use of digital tools. Two student teams from two EU countries, including learners from disadvantaged social backgrounds, collaborate with representatives of sustainable companies in their respective home countries at both formal and informal levels. They also monitor, measure and reflect on the level of skills they apply and acquire. Teachers supervise, provide support, analyse students’ work and use students’ experiences to create an innovative methodology for teaching sustainability in marketing. 

Innovation environment

• The schools support innovation by creating space for international cooperation and interdisciplinary teaching in marketing, economics, and English. 
• A positive organisational climate has been built through teamwork, communication, and shared sustainability goals among students and teachers, supported by digital technologies. 
• Available local resources have been used sustainably by connecting existing school expertise with practical activities and company cooperation. 
• A whole-organisation approach has involved management, teachers, and students in planning and implementing the project and promoting it to the public. 
• Cross-sectoral cooperation with sustainable companies has provided students with real business experience and strengthened future partnerships. 

Teachers’ role

Teachers act as facilitators, mentors, coordinators and co-creators of innovative learning, using collaborative, digital, and learner-centred approaches that increase student engagement and inclusion. They promote creativity, critical thinking, wellbeing, and active participation while adapting teaching to diverse learner needs. Through the project, teachers strengthen their digital, intercultural, pedagogical, and communication competences, gaining confidence as innovators and reflective practitioners. Continuous cooperation, peer learning, and the exchange of good practices support professional growth, teamwork, and the development of sustainable and transferable teaching methods.

Impact and output

The questionnaire completed during the final stage of the project showed that, through their work on the Erasmus+ project, students’ language skills, soft skills and creativity, as well as their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in economics and marketing, improved by more than 50%. Students’ ability to deal successfully with cultural differences was also enhanced considerably. Based on the data gathered during and after the dissemination of the project, and on the level of interest in future Erasmus+ projects among students and teachers,  appreciation of Erasmus+ projects in general increased compared with previous years. 

Learn more about the project