Institute for Health and Environment

Assessing the ecological footprint by measuring resources and energy use, along with the resulting GHG emissions and waste, has become crucial in today’s context as reporting the environmental and climate impact of activities is increasingly mandatory and is of great importance for transparency and an enhanced public image. While the ecological footprint helps identify areas within an organization that require sustainable transformation by highlighting unsustainable practices, the handprint approach goes a step further by focusing on the positive environmental impacts an organization can generate. The handprint emphasizes proactive actions that lead to sustainability, showcasing how organizations can not only reduce their negative impact but also actively contribute to environmental well-being. This interactive workshop aims to equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with knowledge and tools necessary to understand and improve both their ecological footprint and handprint. Participants will learn how to implement sustainable practices, expand their positive environmental contributions, and effectively communicate their efforts. By enhancing their public image through demonstrated environmental responsibility, organizations can build trust with stakeholders and attract positive attention, ultimately benefiting both the environment and their business reputation. The workshop is part of the EUKI project Ecofoot Print Romania, which fosters collaboration among partners to train teachers on the topic of ecological footprint and to familiarize and sensitize students to environmental issues and protection. The main goal of the Ecofoot Print Romania project is to raise awareness among educators and their students about the importance of ecological responsibility. Furthermore, participants will be made aware that by modifying some aspects of their current lifestyle, they can actively participate in the long-term protection of the Earth. By making more sustainable decisions from this point forward, they will significantly contribute to the health of the ecosystem. Additionally, during the workshop, participants will be introduced to tools developed under the Erasmus+ project Sustainable NGOs, where we created resources for sustainable operations, green transition, and enhancing the green competencies of young people and youth workers. These tools will help participants better understand the steps needed for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to their work.