Case studies of green transition
The method encourages high school, university students, and adults to explore eco-values and skills through group analysis of sustainability scenarios in various sectors. Participants identify challenges, green skills, and eco-values relevant to each scenario on a specific case study form an industrial sector, considering their impact on career development and sustainable business practices. This method fosters reflection on one’s role in a greener future and encourages participants to integrate sustainability values and skills into their own professional lives.
Inspiration for the tool
Innovation factory from Slovakia
Rationale: Why is this needed?
Reflecting on scenarios in case studies can be an important moment for clients to begin thinking more deeply about sustainability topics in various sectors and potential connections to their personal career paths. The facilitator, as well as mutual discussion with other participants, can bring interesting and valuable information that they will learn.
Objectives
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Think about and discuss current problems and challenges in the field of sustainability and environmental protection.
- Identify and discover (eco)values and (eco)skills, as well as transferable skills to be used at work.
- reflecting on their relevance in the context of career development.
- being aware of their role in creating a more sustainable working environment.
Resources needed
- List of case studies
- Worksheet
- Writing materials
Auxiliary (optional) resources:
- List of values expanded with (eco)values (Working with (eco)values) or Cards with (eco)values
- Skills list expanded to include (eco)skills (Working with (eco)skills)
It is useful to start the group work with a discussion of the need for sustainability, which can be opened with a stimulating video – e.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lrn4CDQZzo – which can then be used to move the discussion towards the importance of (eco)values and (eco)skills in building sustainability.
Eco-values are core beliefs and principles that emphasise environmental protection and sustainable development. These values help us to guide our actions and decisions to contribute to the protection of the planet and ensure its health for future generations.
Green skills are the abilities or competencies that enable us to implement and promote sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. These skills help us to effectively address environmental challenges and contribute to the protection of nature and the improvement of quality of life.
For examples of these values and skills, you can use some of the values and skills listed in the auxiliary (optional resources). You can then move on to the group activity.
Activities
Instructions: Divide the group activity participants into smaller groups (3-5 people). Distribute one case study scenario to each group, with each group receiving a different scenario. There are case studies to choose from in the manufacturing, service and agricultural sectors. The smaller groups are then asked to analyse the situation and answer a few key questions, the answers to which they can record on a worksheet:
- What are the main challenges faced by the company in the process of transforming into a sustainable enterprise? (Challenges)
- What specific (eco)skills do employees need to meet these challenges? (Skills)
- Underline the 3 most crucial ones.
- Which (eco)values should a company adopt to be successful in the transformation? (Values)
- Underline the 3 most crucial ones.
- How can the transformation of a company contribute to sustainability/ sustainability development? (Contribution)
The Values List expanded with (eco)values (Working with (eco)values – Annex 1) and the Skills List expanded with (eco)skills (Working with (eco)skills – Annex 1) may be useful in answering the questions. These tools/resources are recommended to be offered to groups if you find that the group has reached a point where answers are difficult to find, or the discussion has stalled. They can also be helpful in situations where there is room to fill in answers.
After the group work, each group will present their reflections and findings to the whole group (e.g. through a worksheet or presentation, poster, skills/values collage, etc.). The floor is then opened for a whole group discussion led by the counsellor. Questions may include:
- What are the main differences in the approaches/considerations of each group?
- Which skills and values were most frequently identified? Why? / Which skills and values do you perceive to be most key? Why?
- How can these skills and values influence your future?
- How can these skills and values be developed/supported?
Extension activities
The facilitator can encourage participants to consider which values and skills are personally important to them and how they can use them in their future. The activity can thus be directed towards individual work in which the Working with (eco)values and Working with (eco)skills methods and their worksheets can help or brainstorming green jobs.
Reflections/Consolidation of learning
At the end of the activity, the facilitator can reflect with the group on how the activity was beneficial and what they have learnt from it. The facilitator can also prompt them to think about how to utilize these benefits for their own career path.
List of case studies
TRADITIONAL FURNITURE MANUFACTURER
The company, which has been producing traditional wooden furniture for 50 years, has faced criticism for using excessive amounts of wood, high energy consumption in production and low levels of recycling and reuse of materials. In light of the growing emphasis on green practices and strict environmental standards, the company decided to transform to a sustainable model. The company’s management decided to switch to using wood from sustainable and certified sources, introduce energy-efficient technologies and equipment, and implement systems to reduce production waste and ensure the reuse of wood residues and waste
WELL-KNOWN FASHION BRAND
The well-known fashion brand, which specialises in the manufacture and sale of clothing and accessories, has faced criticism for its use of synthetic materials that contribute to water pollution and increasing textile waste. In response to the growing interest in eco-friendly fashion and pressure from environmental organizations, the company decided to transform itself into a sustainable fashion model. The company’s management switched to manufacturing with sustainable materials, implemented techniques to reduce waste during the production process, and established recycling programs to collect and process unsold textile products.
MANUFACTURER OF CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
A major company involved in the manufacture and distribution of consumer electronics, including smartphones, computers and home appliances, is being criticised for high energy consumption in the manufacturing process, low product lifetime and insufficient measures to recycle e-waste. Due to growing concerns about environmental impact and stringent regulations, the company has decided to transform to a sustainable model. The company’s management invested in renewable energy sources (solar panels and wind turbines) and the development of products with longer product lifetimes, the use of more environmentally friendly materials, and implemented recycling programs to collect and process e-waste.
TRADITIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY
The trucking company, which transports goods across the country, has long relied on a fleet of traditional diesel vehicles that contribute significantly to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. In recent years, the company has faced increasing criticism from the public, environmental groups and regulators who have called for a reduction in its carbon footprint. In response to the wave of criticism and stringent regulations, the company’s management decided to switch to using electric or hybrid vehicles in a big way, invest in advanced software solutions to optimize transportation routes, and implement fuel-cutting practices for vehicles that have not yet been replaced.
INTERNATIONAL HOTEL CHAIN
The international hotel chain, which operates hotels and resorts in various destinations, has faced criticism for high energy and water consumption, excessive waste and lack of green initiatives. With the growing demand for sustainable travel options and strict environmental standards, the chain decided to transform to a greener model. Management decided to reduce energy and water consumption by implementing energy-saving technologies, minimizing waste, and using local and organic food in the hotel’s restaurants.
IT SERVICE PROVIDER
An IT company specializing in providing cloud services, software development and IT infrastructure management is facing criticism for high energy consumption in data centers and inefficient use of electronic equipment. In response to growing concerns about the environmental impact of technology and new sustainability regulations, the company decided to transform to an environmentally responsible model. The company’s management invested in renewable energy (solar panels), the development of a software solution focused on resource efficiency, and began promoting the practice of digital documentation and reducing the use of paper in the offices.
LARGE CATTLE FARM
Large-scale cattle and pig farms have traditionally relied on intensive farming methods, including the use of synthetic feed and antibiotics to promote animal growth, raising concerns about water pollution and reduced biodiversity in the surrounding area. The company is facing pressure from consumers demanding more ethical and environmentally friendly practices. In response to these demands, the farm has decided to switch to an organic and sustainable farming model in order to reduce the environmental burden. It has introduced the use of organic feed, prioritised natural methods of disease prevention, expanded the free-range facilities and ensured proper disposal of animal waste.
AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISE
A major agricultural company that specializes in growing crops on large farms is known for its extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides that contribute to soil degradation and water pollution. With increasing pressure from the public and regulators to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable development, the company has decided to transform to a greener model. The company’s management therefore decided to reduce or eliminate the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, implement techniques to improve soil fertility (composting and crop rotation) and improve water management.
Worksheet:
| Challenges | |
| Skills | Values |
| Benefit | |