18 August, 2025

Munster Technological University's Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship Excellence has been awarded government funding to launch the GreenSTEPS project, an innovative initiative designed to empower second-level students and teachers across Ireland to lead the green transition. The funding, part of the ESD to 2030 – Call for Funding for Organisations, will be used to create a free, open-access digital platform featuring resources, a professional development program, and a collaborative network. The project is inspired by and built on three existing projects: 

The GET-AHED European Erasmus+ project, 

The long-standing and award-winning MTU Enterprise Camp for second-level students funded by the HEA, 

And finally, inspired by the Hincks Centre “Entrepreneurship for Educators” series (1,2 and 3), funded by the National Forum.

The GreenSTEPS (Sustainability Tools and Engagement Platform for Secondary Schools) project is a response to the Department of Education's national strategy, which aims to move from a theoretical understanding of sustainability to an action-oriented approach. The new platform will focus on the environmental pillar of sustainable development while also integrating social and economic considerations. 

"This is about equipping our young people and their educators with the tools they need to make a tangible difference in their schools and communities," said Rebecca Robinson, the project's contact person. "GreenSTEPS will provide a bridge between classroom learning and real-world application."

The project is built on four core components:

• ESD Resources: A toolkit of open-source resources, templates, and case studies linked to the post-primary curriculum, empowering teachers to facilitate hands-on sustainability projects.
• CPD Programme: An accredited Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program for educators, providing training on how to effectively integrate action-oriented ESD into their teaching.
• Collaborative Tool: A digital space to connect schools with local industry and community initiatives, fostering "living-lab" experiences where students can work on real-world sustainability challenges.
• Peer Network: A dedicated online forum for teachers and school leaders to share best practices, exchange ideas, and collaborate on initiatives.

The GreenSTEPS project directly aligns with two of the ESD to 2030 strategy’s key priorities: Building Capacities of Educators and Accelerating Local Level Action. By providing ready-to-use resources and a robust CPD program, the initiative reduces the burden on teachers and helps them embed ESD into their existing subjects rather than treating it as an "add-on."

The platform's collaborative tool will foster strong links between schools and their local communities, encouraging projects that address local sustainability challenges. This approach not only makes learning more impactful but also strengthens community engagement and pride.

The funding will be used for project design, platform development, and staff costs for creating the resources and managing the CPD program. The GreenSTEPS platform is expected to launch in phases, with initial development beginning in the coming months.

If you have any queries, please contact Rebecca Robinson: rebecca.robinson@mtu.ie

Rebecca Robinson
Hincks Centre Researcher