The CircularCityChallenge project would set up a pan-European competition for students aged 14-19. Through the competition, the consortium would collect submissions providing creative and novel ideas for circular city approaches. The challenge invited young people to submit their own ideas for a sustainable future in their own environment while at the same time educating them in the topic of sustainable development. This approach would have a threefold effect: (i) in researching a competition-based approach of educating functional urban design in support of circular systems and the use of nature-based solutions and design curricula for different school types and age groups, the project would improve education in schools and education for sustainable development in particular; (ii) in providing students the possibility to submit ideas on a new approach on circularity, the project would raise awareness on sustainability; and (iii) in providing fresh ideas and approaches, cities would be enabled improve their resource use and waste management strategies, business models and smart city developments for the common good. Cities would further be enabled to build adaptable future visions and adopting a circular economy strategy.

Results

Future generations needs to be equipped with the knowledge and tools to build sustainable, circular
economies. By developing a comprehensive curriculum on sustainability and circularity for high schools across the European Union, the project addressed the urgent need to prepare young citizens for active participation in shaping policies for a greener future.

The curriculum was created in collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders, including teachers, students, educational experts, sustainability advocates, and governmental bodies. The innovative approach ensured that the content is practical, relevant, and accessible. Piloted successfully in Austria, Romania, and the Netherlands, the curriculum includes student-focused guidelines, resources for educators, and an online platform hosting a rich library of materials. Additionally, it offers support from the project’s consortium, ensuring that schools can easily adopt and implement the program.