As the urgency for sustainable and responsible business grows, many enterprises—especially small and medium-sised ones—find themselves stuck between good intentions and practical action. That’s where the IntegratESG project comes in.
This ambitious initiative, driven by a cross-European consortium, set out to answer a critical question: How can we equip both vocational educators and enterprises with the right competencies to embed ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) into their DNA?
The answer? A dynamic, competence-based roadmap grounded in real-world best practices, global standards like the SDGs and GIR, and European frameworks such as ENTRECOMP and GREENCOMP.
What we did:
We analysed 35 ESG case studies across industries—from green mobility and ethical finance to biotech innovation and community-led sustainability. These ranged from large corporations like Mastercard and Enel to agile SMEs like Promed Bioscience. Each case was mapped against core competencies: acting for sustainability, taking initiative, strategic foresight, and stakeholder engagement.
What we found:
- Environmental goals dominate, but governance and social inclusion still lag.
- Real ESG impact thrives when stakeholders—employees, communities, regulators—are actively involved.
- Many SMEs need accessible tools and simplified governance models to move beyond surface-level sustainability.
The roadmap outcome:
The IntegratESG roadmap is more than a guide—it’s a learning journey. It’s structured around progression stages (Awareness, Commitment, Integration, Leadership) and offers dual tracks for:
- VET educators, to integrate ESG into curricula;
- Business leaders, to apply ESG directly into operations, HR, finance, and product design.
Modules include real-world simulations, stakeholder mapping tools, and SDG-aligned planning methods. It’s practical, modular, and adaptable across sectors and geographies.
Why it matters:
With climate goals tightening and ESG regulation expanding, companies need more than policy checklists. They need people with the skills to lead change—and educators who can train them.
IntegratESG closes the gap between theory and practice, enabling sustainable transformation from the inside out.
Ready to lead with purpose? Join us in making ESG a core competence, not just a compliance requirement!
