Micro-Credentials and Green Standards – An International Approach of Sustainability Learning

This paper presents the experience gained through the successful implementation of international project B-Green-ED Project (Project No 2022-1-BG01-KA220-HED-000085821) which main objective is to stimulate the European green economy and climate neutrality by developing innovative higher education practices related to the implementation of micro-credential (MC) courses developed in cooperation with European standardization bodies. The developed innovative micro-credential courses have been in line with labor market needs and facilitate the provision of flexible, accessible, and inclusive learning focused on the industry/sector-related environmental, management, and green standards that support the transition to a green and digital economy. The information structure in the micro-credentials template inside the B-GREEN-ED project follows the EU standard for constitutive elements of micro-credentials proposed by the European Commission Consultation Group. During the B-GREEN-ED project, a set of micro-credentials courses have been developed and piloted. Inside the B-GREEN-ED project, micro-credentials have been conceived as stand-alone activities, though the university partners may consider recognizing univocally a specific set of online courses, depending on their own internal education strategy. Different surveys have been done to test and check the student’s opinion about the micro-credential development and organization. Overall, students believed that micro-credentials provided a competitive advantage in the labor market. Job prospects and career opportunities can be improved using these credentials by demonstrating continuous learning and practical skill application. According to the students, micro-credentials were crucial for fostering a more knowledgeable and skilled workforce, leading to societal advancement.