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Sustainability by Design: Embedding Environmental and Social Responsibility Across SustainX

As the SustainX project advances its mission to foster green and digital innovation in less developed regions, it is also ensuring that its internal operations and external actions reflect strong sustainability values. To support this ambition, a structured Sustainability Implementation Plan has been developed and integrated into the project’s management framework.

The plan outlines a set of practical environmental and social measures that can be implemented across all partner regions—covering both office practices and the organisation of events, meetings, and trainings. Key actions include efficient use of resources, promotion of hybrid or virtual formats to reduce travel, sustainable catering, responsible material usage, and inclusive communication targeting underrepresented groups.

To ensure consistent application and allow for early adjustments, a series of checklists and tracking tools has been created. These tools help regional partners assess whether minimum sustainability criteria are met, promote accountability, and support data collection for project-wide monitoring. Indicators tied to each measure enable structured follow-up and informed decision-making.

The approach was developed in collaboration with Fundación Santa Cruz Sostenible, whose expertise helped translate sustainability objectives into practical and accessible tools for the consortium. The resulting framework is both realistic and forward-looking—designed not only to reduce the project’s environmental and social footprint, but to foster a culture of responsibility throughout the partnership.

By embedding sustainability directly into its structure and activities, SustainX sets a strong example of how European innovation initiatives can lead by doing—ensuring that their positive impact begins with their own actions.

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