Tag: GREENDT

Posted on

GREENDT partners meet in Aveiro to strengthen collaboration and prepare the project’s final phase

From 16 to 18 September, GREENDT partners gathered at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, for the project’s 4th Consortium Meeting. The three-day meeting provided an important opportunity to review the progress achieved so far, discuss the next steps across the different Work Packages and, above all, strengthen the collaboration between partners as GREENDT enters its final stage.

The meeting combined technical and strategic discussions with visits, cultural activities and informal moments, creating an environment that encouraged both effective project coordination and stronger relationships among the consortium members.

From planning to implementation

The first day focused on the overall project status, milestones, deliverables, quality assurance and financial implementation. Partners also reviewed the latest External Evaluation Interim Report, presented by Anastasios Ntabizas, Senior EU Project Manager and Quality Assurance Expert.

The evaluation provided very positive feedback on the progress of GREENDT, with Anastasios delivering a clear message to the consortium: “Good job!”.

The meeting then moved into the implementation of some of the project’s key results. In particular, partners presented important progress on the Environmental Engineering Laboratories (EE-Labs). The procurement process is now moving forward, with the orders for the EE Laboratory Equipment already placed, marking an important step towards the deployment of the laboratories.

Partners also discussed the implementation of the EE Nexus Platform, as well as the development of the project’s digital learning environment. A first version of the EE e-learning platform was presented to the consortium, providing a concrete view of how the digital resources developed through GREENDT will support teaching and learning.

The meeting also included a visit to the Environmental Engineering teaching and research laboratories at the University of Aveiro, offering partners the opportunity to exchange practical experiences and ideas around laboratory-based education.

A major milestone discussed during the meeting was the development of the MSc programme in Environmental Engineering. The didactic contents and training programme have now been developed, representing a significant step towards the implementation of the new Master’s studies. The next key stage will be the accreditation process, with the objective of making the programme available to interested students from the 2027/2028 academic year, starting in September 2027.

This marks an important transition for GREENDT: the project is moving from designing and developing new educational resources towards preparing them for real implementation and use by students and academic institutions.

Putting knowledge into long-term impact

Exploitation and sustainability were also at the centre of the meeting. FEUGA led the first GREENDT Exploitation Workshop, dedicated to analysing how the project’s Key Exploitable Results (KERs) can be further valued, developed and connected with future opportunities beyond the project lifetime.

The workshop provided a space for partners to reflect on the potential of GREENDT’s results and on the actions needed to increase their future uptake and impact. This work will be particularly important as the consortium moves towards the final stage of the project and prepares the ground for the sustainability of its results beyond 2027.

Collaboration beyond the meeting room

The Aveiro meeting was not only about presentations and technical discussions. The programme also included a visit to the University of Aveiro campus, a cultural tour and a social dinner, providing valuable opportunities for partners from Uzbekistan, Portugal and Spain to connect in a more informal setting.

The planned technical visit on Friday afternoon was replaced by a morning programme of technical visits to different areas of Aveiro with environmental relevance for the city, offering partners an additional opportunity to connect the project’s environmental engineering focus with real-world local contexts.

Entering the final stretch

The Aveiro meeting comes at an important moment for GREENDT. With the project approaching its final phase in 2027, several of its most significant results are now taking shape: the EE Laboratory equipment is being procured, the first internal versions of the digital platforms are available, the MSc programme has been developed and is moving towards accreditation, and the consortium is actively working on the exploitation and long-term sustainability of its results.

Beyond these tangible achievements, the meeting demonstrated another essential strength of GREENDT: the ability of partners to work together, exchange knowledge and build the relationships needed to turn the project’s plans into lasting results.

As the consortium looks towards 2027, the focus is now firmly on completing implementation, achieving the expected results and maximising the project’s impact on Environmental Engineering education and the green and digital transition in Uzbekistan.

Posted on

GREENDT completes the internal training sessions to strengthen Environmental Engineering Education in Uzbekistan

The GREENDT project has successfully completed the set of internal training sessions outlined within Work Package 5, marking an important milestone in the project’s capacity-building activities. Building on the Training of Trainers (ToT) programme previously delivered by the European partner institutions, the sessions enabled the trained academic staff from the Uzbek universities to transfer their knowledge and experience to their colleagues within their own institutions.

Building on the Training of Trainers Programme

As planned, each Uzbek partner institution organized at least three internal training sessions during the first half of 2026, ensuring the effective transfer of knowledge acquired through the Training of Trainers programme. Kimyo International University in Tashkent (KIUT) delivered four training sessions in April, including a dedicated session involving external stakeholders. Andijan State Technical Institute (ASTI) and Fergana State Technical University (FSTU) each organised three sessions in March, while Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute (JizPI) conducted its three sessions in February. Central Asian University of Environment and Climate Change Studies (CAGU) completed its three planned sessions in May, bringing the implementation of the training programme to a successful conclusion across all partner institutions.

These training sessions targeted academic staff, researchers, administrative personnel and other stakeholders involved in the development and delivery of the new Master’s programmes in Environmental Engineering. Through this multiplier approach, GREENDT has expanded the impact of the knowledge acquired during the ToT activities, building institutional capacity and promoting the adoption of innovative teaching practices.

The programme covered a wide range of topics related to Environmental Engineering and Sustainability, including:

  • European environmental policy.
  • Engineering diplomacy.
  • Equity and inclusion.
  • Water management.
  • Sustainable energy.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  • Risk assessment.
  • Atmospheric pollution.
  • Air quality monitoring.
  • Climate change.

The training materials developed throughout the project were adapted to the needs of each institution, ensuring their effective integration into local teaching and learning environments.

Beyond the technical content, the sessions promoted active participation, knowledge exchange and the dissemination of European pedagogical approaches. Particular attention was also given to fostering inclusive learning environments by integrating principles of equity, diversity and accessibility into the design and delivery of the training activities.

Strengthening Capacity for Long-Term Impact

The implementation of the internal training sessions was followed by participant feedback and evaluation processes, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of the activities and helping identify lessons learned and recommendations for future capacity-building initiatives. The overall outcomes confirmed the relevance of the training programme in strengthening institutional expertise and supporting the modernisation of Environmental Engineering education in Uzbekistan.

The successful completion of these activities represents another significant achievement for GREENDT, reinforcing the project’s long-term objective of enhancing higher education through international cooperation, knowledge transfer and the adoption of European best practices.

Posted on

GREENDT Team Participated in EU Village 2026

On 2 May 2026, the EU Village 2026 event was held at the Youth Creativity Palace in Tashkent as part of the European Union Festival. 

The event aimed to showcase EU-funded projects, partnerships, educational opportunities, and Erasmus+ initiatives to the wider public, media representatives, students, and stakeholders. 

The GREENDT Erasmus+ CBHE project – “Implementing Environmental Engineering Master Degrees through Sustainable Transition and Societal Change” – was also represented at this important public outreach event. During the festival, GREENDT promotional and communication materials were presented to visitors, highlighting the project’s objectives, partner institutions, key activities, and expected impact on the development of Environmental Engineering education in Uzbekistan. 

GREENDT contributes to the modernization of higher education by supporting the development of Environmental Engineering Master’s programmes, promoting green transition, sustainability, climate awareness, and innovative approaches to environmental education. 

EU Village 2026 provided an excellent platform to promote the achievements of Erasmus+ CBHE projects in Uzbekistan, strengthen visibility, and engage with a broad audience interested in European cooperation and educational opportunities. 

The GREENDT team remains committed to fostering international cooperation for a sustainable future, green education, and the advancement of Environmental Engineering in Uzbekistan. 

Posted on

A Seminar-Training was held at “UzAuto MOTORS” JSC within the GREENDT Project

On 22 April 2026, within the framework of the GREENDT project under the ERASMUS+ programme, and as part of WP5: Dedicated capacity building on European environmental policy and environmental engineering, a seminar-training was organized at UzAuto MOTORS JSC.

The training was devoted to the topic “European Environmental Policy, Climate Action and Sustainable Engineering”, and covered the following areas:

  • An introduction to the GREENDT project and European Environmental and Climate Law.
  • Air Quality Monitoring & Modelling: A Comprehensive Approach.
  • Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, and Water Issues: Engineering Our Future.
  • Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Driving the Future of Climate Action
  • Fossil Fuels vs Renewable Energies.  

During the seminar, managers and specialists from various departments of UzAuto MOTORS JSC took part and gained important knowledge in the fields of environmental safety, sustainable production, and green technologies. 

This event became an important step toward strengthening the integration of education and industry, as well as promoting the wider implementation of environmental responsibility and sustainable development principles within enterprises. 

Such trainings within the GREENDT project contribute to strengthening capacity in environmental engineering in Uzbekistan, promoting the wider introduction of modern green approaches in enterprises, and enhancing practical efforts in environmental protection.

Posted on

Erasmus+ Week 2026 opens registration for a week of opportunities in Uzbekistan

The Erasmus+ Week 2026 has officially opened its registration period, inviting participants to explore the wide range of opportunities and achievements of the Erasmus+ programme. Taking place from 2 to 8 May 2026, this week-long initiative will bring together students, academics, and professionals interested in international cooperation and higher education, with a particular focus on activities across Uzbekistan.

During the week, a total of 11 events will be held, including 8 in-person sessions across different regions of Uzbekistan and 3 online events, allowing flexible participation depending on availability. The programme will feature presentations on Erasmus+ opportunities, showcases of project results, and an online exhibition highlighting Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE), Jean Monnet, and International Credit Mobility (ICM) projects. In addition, participants can attend information seminars, thematic sessions, interviews, and a dedicated session on Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions opportunities.

The registration deadline is 27 April 2026 at 15:00 (Tashkent time). It is important to note that only registered participants will receive official invitations to attend both in-person and online events. From the GreenDT project perspective, Erasmus+ Week 2026 represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen engagement with the Erasmus+ system in Uzbekistan, fostering new collaborations, and continue promoting knowledge exchange in higher education.

REGISTER HERE

Posted on

One Year of the New EU Air Quality Directive – What It Means for Future Environmental Engineers

The EU’s new Ambient Air Quality Directive (EU) 2024/2881 has been in force since December 2024, and it is already reshaping how Europe thinks about pollution, health and urban planning – even though the strict new limit values only become binding in 2030. For GreenDT, which is building innovative Environmental Engineering Master Degrees aligned with the EU Green Deal, this evolving framework is a unique opportunity to connect education, research and real policy change.​

From legal text to real change

Over the past year, EU countries have started translating the directive into national law, updating their rules to reflect tighter standards for pollutants like PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 and to introduce new obligations for planning and enforcement. Authorities are designating responsible bodies, defining zones and agglomerations, and preparing new air quality plans and roadmaps that must show how they will reach the 2030 targets.​

At the same time, EU agencies are publishing guidance and tools to support consistent implementation, from modelling methodologies to reporting formats. This creates a growing demand for professionals able to navigate both the technical and governance dimensions of air quality, exactly where Environmental Engineering graduates can play a leading role.​

Smarter monitoring, stronger rights

The directive is transforming how air quality is measured and communicated. Countries are upgrading monitoring networks, adding more stations in dense urban areas and sensitive sites such as schools and hospitals, and complementing measurements with mandatory atmospheric modelling in hotspots.​

New indicators such as ultrafine particles and black carbon are gaining importance, alongside better data on health impacts, especially for vulnerable groups. Citizens also gain stronger rights to clear, real‑time information and, in certain cases, to seek compensation when authorities fail to respect air quality laws, making clean air not just a goal but an enforceable right.​

Air quality today: progress and gaps

Recent analyses from the European Environment Agency show that air quality in Europe has steadily improved over the last decade, with many monitoring stations now meeting current EU standards for key pollutants. However, exposure to fine particles and ozone still remains above health‑based WHO guidelines for most urban residents, and the new 2030 EU limits will be much harder to meet without additional action.​

This “gap to target” assessment helps cities and regions prioritise interventions in transport, industry, residential heating and port and airport operations, where persistent pollution hotspots remain. In practice, this means more low‑emission zones, cleaner public transport, stricter industrial permits and innovative solutions for heating and cooling – areas where environmental engineers are essential.​

Why this matters for GreenDT

GreenDT’s mission is to empower staff and students in Uzbekistan’s universities by transferring knowledge and best practices from EU Environmental Engineering education, fully aligned with the Green Deal and Europe’s transition policies. The new air quality directive provides a concrete, up‑to‑date policy framework that GreenDT partners can embed in teaching, labs and collaborative projects.​

Master programmes and laboratories developed under GreenDT can use the directive’s standards, monitoring requirements and planning obligations as real case studies: from designing sensor networks and modelling scenarios, to evaluating policy options and communicating risks to communities. In this way, students are not just learning about regulations on paper – they are training to become the engineers who will help cities meet those regulations and protect public health in Europe, Uzbekistan and beyond.​

Posted on

GREENDT Advances with Third Train-the-Trainers Workshop in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Preparation of Didactic Materials on Air Pollution and Climate Change

The GREENDT project continues to advance its mission of transforming environmental and engineering education across Central Asia through its third Train-the-Trainers (ToT) workshop, titled “Preparation of Didactic Materials on Air Pollution and Climate Change.”

Held from 15–17 October 2025 at the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the workshop aimed to strengthen educators’ abilities to design, adapt, and implement effective teaching resources on air pollution, air quality management, and climate change mitigation.

Day 1 – Understanding Atmospheric Emissions and Air Quality Fundamentals

The first day provided a scientific foundation for understanding air pollution dynamics. Participants explored the sources and classifications of atmospheric emissions, the interaction between meteorological conditions and pollutant dispersion, and the principles of air quality assessment.

Hands-on exercises using OpenAir, an open-source analytical tool, enabled participants to visualize and interpret real-world air quality datasets. Through guided practice, they learned to process monitoring data, identify pollution episodes, and generate graphical outputs for teaching and policy discussions. 

Day 2 – Pollutants, Health Impacts, and Atmospheric Chemistry

The second day deepened the focus on the chemical and health dimensions of air pollution. Sessions examined the formation pathways of primary and secondary pollutants, their toxicological effects on human health, and chemical transformation mechanisms occurring in the atmosphere.

Participants engaged with the CLASS model (Chemistry Land-surface Atmosphere Soil Slab) to simulate atmospheric processes such as photochemical reactions and pollutant transport. These simulations served as a basis for developing interactive classroom exercises and case studies that link theory to practical environmental scenarios in Central Asia. 

Day 3 – Monitoring, Modelling, and Climate Interactions

The final day focused on integrating monitoring techniques, modelling tools, and climate change considerations. Participants learned about state-of-the-art air quality monitoring networks, data calibration techniques, and forecasting methods for predicting pollution levels.

Practical sessions on remote sensing and satellite data analysis introduced participants to the use of atmospheric imagery for identifying large-scale pollution patterns and climate feedback loops. Laboratory demonstrations on aerosol sampling and chemical analysis further complemented these digital methods, helping educators translate complex scientific tools into accessible learning experiences.

The day concluded with a collaborative session to review and refine the didactic materials developed throughout the workshop. Participants discussed how to integrate these resources into existing curricula, ensuring that future engineers and environmental scientists gain both theoretical knowledge and practical analytical skills. 

Towards Sustainable Air Quality Education

This third ToT workshop marked a major milestone in GREENDT’s effort to empower educators and researchers with advanced methodologies for teaching air pollution and climate change. By combining scientific depth, data-driven analysis, and applied learning, the workshop equipped participants to produce high-quality educational materials that will enhance environmental education across the region.

Through this initiative, GREENDT continues to build a network of trainers capable of fostering sustainability-focused education and supporting evidence-based decision-making in air quality and climate management — contributing to a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future for Central Asia and beyond.

Posted on

GREENDT advances with Second Train-the-Trainers Workshop in Viana do Castelo, Portugal

The GREENDT project continued its mission to reshape engineering education through sustainability with its second Train-the-Trainers (ToT) workshop, hosted from July 21 to 23, 2025, at the Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo in Portugal. As part of Task 3.3 – Implementation of ToT-Enhanced Training Sessions, the event focused on the capacity building in sustainable energy management, natural radiation, and geospatial technologies for researchers, educators, engineers, and students from across the consortium.

Professors Joana Almeida and Leonel Nunes, both from IPVC, emphasized the relevance of these trainings to capacitate attendees on how to address Uzbekistan’s environmental main issues.

Day 1 – Sustainability, Risk, and Indoor Environmental Quality

Participants explored integrated approaches to sustainability in engineering, covering the following topics:

The sessions reflected the need to address health, safety and sustainability issues, that can be tackled throughout the project.

Day 2 – Renewable Energy, Land Use, and Geospatial Innovation

Building on the first day’s foundations, the second round invited participants to deepen their understanding of sustainability through real-world applications, spatial analysis, and strategic planning tools designed to address complex environmental challenges. Sessions addresed:

  • Fossil vs. Renewable Energies.
  • Technical Visit to the Sustainable Building.
  • Land Management.
  • Practical Geoprocessing and Remote Detection.

Focusing on Uzbekistan’s actual issues, the sessions highlighted the importance of integrated planning for sustainable development.

Day 3 – Field Visits and Final Wrap-Up

On the last training day, participants had the opportunity to connect theoretical learning with real-world practices in renewable energy, water management, and sustainable waste treatment through direct engagement with regional institutions and industry leaders. Visits included:

  • ENERCON (Lanheses): Visit to a major renewable energy manufacturer.
  • Águas do Alto-Minho (Gil Eanes Ship-Museum): Exploration of Portugal’s maritime life and regional water management initiatives.
  • RESULIMA (Vila Fria): Study visit to a waste treatment and sustainability innovation facility.

The day concluded with a final wrap-up session led by IPVC members, reinforcing key takeaways from the training and setting the third workshop to be held later in October, in Uzbekistan.

Towards Sustainable Transformation in Engineering Education

Throughout the three-day workshop, faculty and technical staff from partner institutions engaged in knowledge exchange and co-development of educational materials — also laying the groundwork for sustainable collaboration beyond the GREENDT project.

This second ToT workshop not only delivered specialized technical training, but also reinforced GREENDT’s broader vision: equipping educators to train future engineers capable of addressing global environmental challenges through innovation, equity, and collaboration.

Posted on

GREENDT Kicks Off First Train-the-Trainers Workshop in Ourense, Spain

The GREENDT project successfully launched its first Train-the-Trainers (ToT) workshop from July 16 to 18, 2025, hosted by the Universidade de Vigo (UVigo) at its Ourense Campus. The event marked a significant milestone in Task 3.3 – Implementation of ToT-Enhanced Training Sessions, bringing together researchers, educators, engineers, and students from across the consortium to co-develop and evaluate educational resources on key themes of the project: Engineering Diplomacy, Equity & Inclusion, and Environmental Engineering. 

Professor Maribel Doval, Associate Professor at UVigo’s Faculty of Education and Social Work and the university’s GREENDT coordinator, opened the session by emphasizing UVigo’s commitment to embedding sustainability, equity, and diversity into engineering education: 

“Our goal is to support our partner universities in designing a Master’s course that remains viable and impactful beyond the end of project funding. This means training future engineers to not only understand environmental systems, but to be able to navigate social and legal dimensions through diplomacy and inclusive practices.” 

A Deep Dive into Multidisciplinary Training Topics 

The training was structured around three key thematic pillars, directly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 

  1. Engineering Diplomacy (SDG 13 – Climate Action, SDG 16 – Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions)

Participants explored how engineers can act as mediators and influencers in global sustainability transitions. Topics included: 

  • European Environmental and Climate Law
  • The European Green Deal and Renewable Energy Law
  • Policy Instruments for Global Environmental Governance 

This module introduced the concept of “engineering diplomacy” as an emerging competence that links technical innovation with regulatory, legal, and policy-making processes. 

  1. Equity and Inclusion in Engineering Education (SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities)

Hosted at UVigo’s Faculty of Education and Social Work, this module emphasized redesigning curricula to serve diverse learner populations. Sessions addressed: 

  • Engineering for All: Inclusive approaches to STEM education 
  • Intersectionality and social justice in higher education 
  • Institutional strategies for inclusive excellence 

The module championed values-based teaching as a core component of engineering training, especially in global contexts. 

  1. Environmental Engineering, Sustainability & Water Issues (SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities)

Focusing on practical environmental issues, this segment explored: 

  • Environmental Engineering Curriculum Development 
  • Water Quality, Treatment Technologies, and Ecosystem Health 
  • Integration of Geothermal and Photovoltaic Systems into Education 

Participants also reviewed and provided feedback on Resource Kits developed for each thematic area, supporting the future rollout of the Master’s programme. 

Field Visits and Experiential Learning 

Beyond classroom sessions, participants engaged in hands-on and site-based learning, including visits to: 

  • UVigo’s geothermal and photovoltaic energy systems 
  • The pilot plant, soil, and environmental science labs 
  • The Velle Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), a best practice model for sustainable urban water management 
  • The Botanical Garden and Sil River Canyons, showcasing the region’s ecological and cultural heritage 

These activities highlighted how UVigo’s Ourense Campus operates as a living laboratory aligned with the Agenda 2030 and Spain’s green transition objectives. 

Building Capacity for Long-Term Impact 

Throughout the training, visiting faculty and researchers from partner institutions collaborated with UVigo experts to review, adapt, and co-create teaching and learning materials. The workshop also provided opportunities for cross-institutional networking and interdisciplinary exchange—laying the groundwork for sustainable collaboration beyond the GREENDT project. 

With this first training session completed, GREENDT takes a major step toward institutional transformation in higher education, equipping future engineers with the knowledge and tools to drive systemic change. 

Posted on

Help Shape the Future of Environmental Engineering Education in Uzbekistan

As part of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building project “Implementing Environmental Engineering Master Degrees through Sustainable Transition and Societal Change” (GREENDT), we are conducting a survey to support the development of a new Master’s program in Environmental Engineering in Uzbekistan.

Why This Survey Matters

Uzbekistan faces a range of pressing environmental challenges—from air and water pollution to waste management and soil degradation. The GREENDT project seeks to address these challenges by designing a modern, innovative Master’s program grounded in the expertise of European Union universities. But for the program to be effective and relevant, we need the perspectives of those most connected to the issues: you.

What the Survey Covers

The survey aims to identify:

  • The most critical environmental concerns in Uzbekistan.
  • Gaps in current education and policy.
  • Public awareness of environmental engineering as a profession.
  • Motivations for pursuing a degree in this field.
  • Opportunities for collaboration between universities, industries, and government institutions.
  • The potential for integrating sustainable practices into higher education and beyond.

Who Should Participate

We invite individuals with a connection to Uzbekistan to take part in the survey, including:

  • Students and recent graduates.
  • University faculty and staff.
  • Professionals working in environmental fields.
  • Policy makers and members of civil society.
  • Anyone interested in sustainability and environmental education.

Take the Survey

Your feedback is essential in designing a curriculum that meets both local and global standards. Please choose the language version that suits you best:

Why Participate?

Your insights will directly influence the creation of a high-quality academic program that not only prepares students for future careers but also contributes to environmental protection and sustainable development in Uzbekistan.

 

Facebook Youtube Linkedin