Sustainability
Erasmus+ Project – Bridging Inclusion, Digitalization and Sustainability (BIDS)
Sustainability is the capacity to meet present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to do the same, balancing environmental, social, and economic factors for long-term well-being. Between May 21st and May 31st, a group of 9 teachers and 16 students from Canada, Finland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Denmark visited Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC – www.nscc.ca) as part of the BIDS exchange project and participated in a Sustainability Study Module aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Module promoted climate literacy and sustainable practices through activities centered on climate science, regional risks, and resilience, particularly in Atlantic Canada. It also emphasized forest stewardship with field-based learning and investigated the environmental impact of embodied carbon in the built environment, ensuring accessibility for participants without prior building design experience.
During the first week, students engaged in three main activities: ”Influencing Sustainability,” which explored diverse perspectives on sustainable design; ”Climate Foundations, Literacy & Framing,” focusing on climate literacy and regional risks; and ”Forest Stewardship Essentials,” which taught effective forest management through hands-on learning. Cultural activities were also incorporated to enrich the experience for both students and faculty.
The second week involved more in-depth studies on embodied carbon in the built environment, examining North American design and construction. Participants worked in groups to present environmentally conscious construction solutions and took part in a World Café-style activity with NSCC faculty to exchange experiences. The final day was dedicated to reflecting on the program and celebrating lasting friendships, with a consensus that sustainability should be a global priority and that everyone has a role in fostering a better environment for current and future generations.
