The Project
Climate change is reshaping every region of the world, and the transition toward a more sustainable future requires not only technological solutions but a profound cultural shift. Education plays a central role in this transformation. Schools are uniquely positioned to help young people develop the knowledge, skills, and values needed to understand environmental challenges and act responsibly.
UpSpace responds to this need by creating a learning environment where sustainability becomes a practical, creative, and collaborative experience. The project introduces innovative educational pathways that combine upcycling, urban regeneration, and circular economy principles, allowing students to explore how materials can be reused, how spaces can be redesigned, and how everyday actions influence the environment.
Teachers are supported with Future Oriented Curricula, digital tools and practical resources that help them integrate sustainable development into their teaching practices. These tools empower educators to become active agents of change, aligning with UNESCO's Education for Sustainable Development 2030 vision, which highlights the vital role of teachers in preparing new generations for a sustainable lifestyle.
Through hands-on workshops, regeneration labs, stakeholder consultations, and a multilingual e-learning platform, UpSpace encourages students to think critically about consumption, develop green skills, and adopt environmentally responsible behaviors. The project contributes to Europe's broader ambition under the European Green Deal to build a climate-neutral, resource-efficient society—starting with education.
Impact
UpSpace generates meaningful impact at school, community, and policy levels:
teachers trained in sustainable development and efficient resource use, gaining new competences and instructional tools
students engaged in blended learning activities that strengthen their environmental awareness and green skills
teachers and staff participating in an international training event to exchange practices and test the new curricula
students, teachers, and environmental experts involved in Upcycling Workshops that transform waste into useful items
students, teachers, and experts taking part in Urban Regeneration Labs that encourage them to redesign school spaces using sustainable materials
students (aged 12–16) participating in an EU-level contest presenting their regeneration ideas
policy-makers engaged through interviews and roundtables, promoting dialogue on integrating sustainability into education
experts and stakeholders participating in thematic seminars and Social Cafés that deepen community involvement and awareness
Objectives
Train the students and the teachers on sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, increase their awareness on sustainable consumption
Enhance the teachers' and students' green skills and key competences on upcycling and urban regeneration processes
Mainstream sustainable development in secondary schools' curricula boosting policy cooperation
Raise local, national and European awareness about the environment issues and climate change challenges
Activities
Training Courses
Delivery of 2 training courses (for teachers and students) on sustainable development & efficient use of natural resources
Workshops & Labs
Implementation of Upcycling Workshops and Urban Regeneration Labs for students after providing teachers with the right skills to guide them
Stakeholder Consultations
Consultations and events with key stakeholders to promote the involvement of sustainable development in the educational curricula
Awareness Campaign
Transnational raise-awareness campaign
Events & Conference
Final local events and International Conference