The three tools of the University Greening Toolbox – the Green Self-Assessment Toolkit, Green Training Programmes, and Green Case Studies – were developed through a participatory and theory-based approach. HEIs and stakeholders across Europe were involved throughout the process to ensure that each tool is both academically grounded and practically relevant.
To guarantee quality and usability, the platform was tested in two stages: an external usability review with 19 European universities in spring/summer 2025, and an internal expert review in autumn 2025 by members of the GET-AHED consortium and affiliated experts. These reviews helped refine the platform into a user-friendly, evidence-informed resource designed for and with the higher education community.
Learn more about the methodological approach applied in each tool:
The Green Self-Assessment Toolkit was developed through a rigorous and participatory methodology to help HEIs reflect on and strengthen their role in the green transition. Its design combines theory-driven frameworks, systematic reviews of existing tools, and extensive co-creation with universities and higher education stakeholders across Europe.
The dimensions of the toolkit are grounded in current research and policy, most notably the EUA Roadmap to the Green Deal (2023), complemented by other key studies on sustainability in higher education. This ensures the framework aligns with European policy priorities while being relevant for institutional practice.
Indicators were primarily derived from a meta-study of 75 self-assessment tools (SATs) and related meta-analyses. To select indicators systematically, we applied three criteria:
Using these criteria, a long list of 130 potential indicators was established.
This initial set underwent a three-stage review process:
Following revisions based on expert and pilot HEI feedback, the indicator set was discussed at the GET-AHED associate partner meeting, comprising higher education experts, associations and ministries. This final validation led to minor refinements, resulting in a concise set of 39 indicators across six dimensions: (1) Organisational Management; (2) Operations; (3) Education & Curricula; (4) Research, Development and Innovation; (5) Community and Outreach; (6) Assessment, Reporting and Evaluation.
Each indicator is accompanied by a short description to support interpretation and reflection.
Throughout, the methodology combined desk research, HEI interviews, internal and external expert reviews, and broad pilot testing. This ensured that the toolkit is both theoretically robust and practically grounded – designed with universities, for universities.
The result is a flexible, evidence-based instrument that enables HEIs to assess their current practices, identify strengths and gaps, and plan their next steps in contributing to the green transition.
The Green Training Programmes tool applies a structured and evidence-based methodology to strengthen sustainability competencies across higher education. Designed around the specific knowledge gaps, training needs, and preferred learning styles of HEI students, staff, and management, it builds on the framework provided in the DG REFORM – Technical Support for Implementing the European Green Deal document.
The methodology unfolded in three main phases:
This initial phase involved extensive desk research to identify and map existing Green Transition curricula across Europe. In parallel, HE students, staff, and management were surveyed to assess topical gaps, preferred learning formats, and recognition needs (e.g., micro-credentials).
Using the DG REFORM framework as a guide, the consortium developed a modular, multi-format content structure. This structure ensured coherence with the self-assessment dimensions from WP2, enabling tailored learning pathways aligned with institutional sustainability priorities.
In the final phase, the partnership produced diverse learning materials, including videos, case studies, policy documents, and quizzes, carefully designed to address the identified gaps. These resources underwent partner review, pilot testing, and validation to ensure pedagogical quality, accuracy, and alignment with the objectives of the European Green Deal.
A distinctive feature of the methodology was the dynamic linkage between the self-assessment toolkit and the Green Training resources. To refine this connection, expert reviews were complemented by AI-assisted mapping, ensuring that each dimension considered in the Green Self-Assessment Toolkit is linked to the most relevant training modules.
Through this approach, the Green Training Programmes tool offers a customised, data-driven, and validated learning experience, empowering HEIs to identify and close sustainability knowledge gaps and strengthen their institutional capacities for the Green Transition.
The Green Case Studies tool was developed to showcase practical examples of how HEIs across Europe are advancing sustainability. Its methodology follows a structured, multi-stage approach that combines systematic research, critical evaluation, and peer validation to ensure the quality and relevance of each case.
The process began with a comprehensive collection, analysis, and evaluation (CAE) of existing good practices from project partners. This provided a strong foundation of real-world examples already demonstrating impact within the green transition of HEIs.
Next, a gap analysis (GAP) identified missing areas of practice and uncovered where additional knowledge or action was needed to achieve more sustainable institutional operations. Building on these insights, the consortium conducted a search and discovery (SAD) phase, expanding the collection through networks of associated partners and other European universities to fill the identified gaps.
Finally, all selected examples underwent a peer review (PEER) process involving both project partners and external experts. This ensured that each case study met the standards of relevance, innovation, and transferability across different institutional contexts.
Through this four-step, evidence-based approach, twelve exemplary cases were curated and transformed into six interactive learning formats on the GET-AHED platform. These formats allow users to explore tested solutions and apply them within their own institutions—making the Green Case Studies a dynamic resource for inspiration, benchmarking, and collective learning in higher education sustainability.