In November 2022, the implementation of the project “Fostering sustainable ways to work in the new digital era” – SustainABLE began. The project is implemented by the Center for Climate Change, project leader and project partners BICC Sandanski from the Republic of Bulgaria and Geosfera Bitola, and financed by the National Agency for European Educational Programs and Mobility, through the program (Erasmus +).

The goal of the project is the introduction of sustainable work practices, through changing the behavior of people working in civil society organizations (CSOs), but also through raising awareness and developing qualifications for the implementation of sustainable work practices based on the key principles of sustainability (eg. circular economy, energy efficiency, sustainable food and mobility, working from home, etc.). So, through such activities, especially in the new digital era, a green/digital transition will be enabled, which will directly contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and the minimization of the carbon footprint.

At the same time, the goals and project activities according to the SustainABLE project provide a basis for connecting with some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the targets and indicators prescribed for each of the goals for sustainable development, through the implementation of this project there is an opportunity to contribute to the achievement of some of these goals.

Achieved results within the SustainABLE project:

  1. Conducted research on the readiness of NGOs regarding the application of sustainable practices in the workplace, including three aspects (desk research, online survey, focus groups) in order to obtain a detailed picture of the current situation and needs of these organizations as well as the challenges they face face when implementing sustainable practices and what are the opportunities for improvement. Research was conducted in S. Macedonia and Bulgaria and then a comparative analysis and report are prepared.
  2. 2. A self-assessment tool for sustainable practices has been developed, which aims to help any organization assess the implementation of sustainable practices and the level of compliance with the Sustainability Roadmap. This tool is available and applicable to multiple stakeholders, such as businesses, chambers, companies, municipalities, schools and all those who have work space and offices.
  3. Developed Roadmap for sustainable work practices, which aims to motivate and support primarily organizations from the civil sector to implement sustainable measures within the workplace.

4. Developed Guide for sustainable work practices as a continuation of the Roadmap. These documents are closely related, that is, the Guide presents the specific recommendations and steps for implementing the measures for applying sustainable practices from the Roadmap

5. Implemented a Pilot program for organizations to implement the Roadmap for sustainable practices, by adapting the Roadmap to the profile and specific needs of each of the organizations. Within the framework of this activity, Memorandums of cooperation with the piloted organizations are included, they were awarded a Sustainability Policy and Certificates for participation in the program and contribution to the project.

Certified organizations as part of the pilot program for the application of the Roadmap for sustainable practices:

  1. Asotiation for the protection and improvement of the environment – Eco-Life Kavadarci
  2. Center for Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Practices and Rural Development – CeProSARD Skopje
  3. Center for environmental research and information – Eco-Awareness Skopje