GreenComp: The Sustainability Competences Europe Asks of Its Citizens

Sustainability as a competence, not just a value

For years, environmental sustainability was treated as a matter of values. But the complexity of the climate crisis demands specific, measurable competences. This is the challenge GreenComp addresses.

Published in January 2022 by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), GreenComp is the first European framework systematically defining what it means to be competent in sustainability.

The 4 areas and 12 competences

Embodying sustainability values - Valuing sustainability, supporting fairness, promoting nature.

Embracing complexity in sustainability - Systems thinking, critical thinking, problem framing.

Envisioning sustainable futures - Futures literacy, adaptability, exploratory thinking.

Acting for sustainability - Political agency, collective action, individual action.

GreenComp in education

GreenComp integrates naturally with LifeComp for personal and social skills, and DigComp since many sustainability tools require digital competences.

Explore all 12 GreenComp competences on the dedicated portal at ExplorerHub.