The IntegratESG project marks a significant step forward in equipping vocational education and training (VET) schools with practical, sector-spanning knowledge on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. With the growing importance of sustainability and responsible business conduct, the project aims to empower future professionals with the skills and awareness necessary to contribute meaningfully to the green transformation of Europe’s economy.
A cornerstone of the project has been the systematic identification and analysis of ESG practices currently implemented by enterprises across the European Union. The project team examined these practices through the lenses of three key frameworks:
- ENTRECOMP (the European Entrepreneurship Competence Framework),
- GREENCOMP (the European sustainability competence framework), and
- The connections of each practice to ESG pillars and relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The diversity of ESG implementation across sectors demonstrates both the universality and adaptability of sustainability principles. Examples collected by the project team illustrate how companies from various industries are embedding ESG at the core of their operations.
Italmatch Chemicals, a leading chemical group, exemplifies ESG integration on multiple levels. Environmentally, the company emphasises sustainable products, energy efficiency, and circular economy principles. On the social front, it prioritises employee welfare, safety, diversity, and active engagement with local communities. In terms of governance, Italmatch is committed to ethical conduct, transparency, and rigorous corporate governance, complemented by regular ESG reporting aligned with global standards. These efforts involve diverse stakeholders – including clients, suppliers, regulators, investors, and NGOs – through ongoing communication, reporting, and partnerships. The company’s initiatives map onto advanced ENTRECOMP and GREENCOMP competencies such as collective action and stakeholder engagement, and directly support SDGs related to responsible consumption, climate action, and industry innovation.
Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft (aws) illustrates how the financial sector drives green transformation by providing funding for green entrepreneurship and eco-innovation. Collaborating with government, startups, investors, and academic partners, aws supports the emergence of sustainable business models and the adoption of labor standards that promote decent work and economic growth. The company’s practices cultivate adaptability, innovation, and sustainable business development, all while contributing to multiple SDGs, including those focused on industry, work, and responsible production.
KGHM Polska Miedź, a major player in the mining sector, has advanced its sustainability agenda through rigorous environmental management, technological innovation to reduce emissions, and a deep commitment to community development. KGHM actively engages local communities, regulators, employees, and environmental organisations to address the complexities of resource management. The company’s efforts focus on minimising environmental impact, promoting recycling and reclamation, and safeguarding biodiversity.
The practices identified by the IntegratESG team span a wide spectrum of industries, including chemicals, finance, mining, and retail, proving that ESG principles are not only broadly applicable but also critical for the future workforce. Through the integration of the ENTRECOMP and GREENCOMP frameworks, the project delivers actionable insights and materials that will prepare VET students to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving, sustainability-driven job market.
