Project Background

The project is rooted in the need to support efforts against increasing climate adversities by building pathways for European enterprises to become more sustainable. This need has become a priority under the EU Green Deal. In this context, the European Commission is establishing stricter reporting requirements for companies in EU Member States through the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

One of the approaches that emerge to enable companies to assess their impact are Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks. In relation to these frameworks, Circular Economy plays a crucial role, and is one of the six environmental objectives under the EU Taxonomy.

ECOPATH creates education opportunities for SME professionals and adult learners to build their sustainability skills including ESG and circularity. The project further supports SMEs in navigating efforts to improve their environmental impact through the development of a Circular Economy ESG Gamebook training.

Main Objectives

Support SMEs in Improving Their Environmental Impact

Support SMEs to be better prepared for improving their environmental impact, and build SME professionals’ understanding of the growing demand for transitions towards increased environmental sustainability.

Develop Sustainability Skills

Improve the knowledge and skills of current and future SME professionals and adult learners who wish to work within sustainability and management to better place them in the labour market.

Build Capacity Among Adult Educators and Trainers

Build the capacity of adult educators and trainers to better integrate knowledge related to Circular Economy, ESG frameworks and hands-on methodologies in adult learning opportunities.

Planned Project Results

• Curriculum for adult educators and trainers.
• Circular Economy ESG Gamebook which supports in contributing to the EU Green Deal targets, encourages SME professionals to adopt circular and green behaviours and make more socially conscious decisions, and develops a learning experience that allows SME professionals and adult learners to understand ESG frameworks and their relevance to Circular Economy.
• Gamebook Facilitation Guide for adult educators and trainers which provides an overview and guidelines on how to use the Circular Economy ESG Gamebook.
• Videos and multimedia materials to raise awareness.
• Events including Open House Events, a Hackathon during which the Gamebook will be implemented, and a transnational web conference.

Publication & Results

In July 2025, the ECOPATH consortium presented its Gamebook curriculum at an international roundtable. Participants had the opportunity to provide feedback on the curriculum which forms the basis of the upcoming Gamebook on ESG and Circular Economy for SMEs.

Are you curious about our plans for the Gamebook but missed the roundtable? Watch the recording here: