CAVES - Climate Action Academy for higher Vocational Education on Sustainable health care.

The goal of this project was to improve the knowledge of students, teachers and the Health Care sector about the problems regarding waste production and inefficient use of resources. Next to this,...

The goal of this project was to improve the knowledge of students, teachers and the Health Care sector about the problems regarding waste production and inefficient use of resources. Next to this, the goal was to find solutions to these problems through co-creation between students, teachers and the healthcare sector. This has to be done by creating more circular practices in the healthcare sector. Also the plan was to help towards the implementation of more sustainable education in both the Netherlands and Germany, which is obligatory for VET schools in both countries. This is done by implementing the Climate Action Academy and Young Climathon in both countries.

Research Activities: Sectoral Research: Conducted research into the sectoral facts related to sustainability, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for integrating sustainability into different sectors. Curriculum Research: Investigated the current curriculum regarding the lack of sustainability, identifying gaps and areas for improvement in education to better incorporate sustainability principles. Multiplier Events: Toekomstdenken in de Zorg (Netherlands): 25 teachers participated in discussions on sustainable healthcare and the circular healthcare sector, organized by Stichting Technotrend. Berlin Event (Germany): 18 VET teachers learned about 2811's climate change education and social innovation work, with a focus on the connection between VET, climate change, and healthcare. The session included guest speakers and a Q&A about long-term sustainability in VET. Climate Action Academy and Young Climathon: Netherlands: 26 students and 1 teacher participated, with 2 guest speakers. Germany: 23 students, 1 teacher, and 3 guest speakers took part in discussions on climate action and sustainability. Cross-organizational Meetings: Employees from both organizations met to share knowledge, discuss strategies, and collaborate.

Sectoral Facts Research: A study on unsustainable healthcare practices, identifying environmental, economic, and social challenges, and opportunities for improvement in the healthcare sector. Curriculum Research: Research into the current educational materials in the Netherlands and Germany, revealing gaps in sustainability content in VET programs and highlighting areas for improvement. Climate Action Academy Program Development: A Green Skills program was developed for the Netherlands, including a manual for teachers to integrate sustainability into healthcare training. This program is now available to teachers. Climate Action Academy Execution: The Climate Action Academy was executed in both countries, engaging students and educators in sustainability discussions and helping to improve the VET curriculum toward a more sustainable future. In the Netherlands, 26 students and one teacher participated, while in Germany, 23 students and one teacher took part. In both countries, a Young Climathon event was held as a part of the Climate Action Academy.