As nations worldwide work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a growing number of countries, cities, businesses, and institutions are pledging to achieve Net Zero emissions. In Europe, the European Union (EU) has set a bold target through its European Green Deal and Fit for 55 initiatives to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050. European countries have developed climate strategies focused on domestic investments in carbon capture technology, hydrogen projects, energy efficiency initiatives, and the expansion of renewable projects to meet their national goals. Additionally, many companies in Europe have committed to achieving Net Zero in their operations. The European Union's strong focus on energy and climate policies, as demonstrated by initiatives like the European Climate Law and National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs), is driving this collective action towards achieving Net Zero emissions in the region. This gradual but notable progress indicates a positive trajectory towards reaching Net Zero in Europe.

Net0 Manager “Carbon Management Training course for entrepreneurs of a net zero tomorrow”  project funded by the European Union through VET Erasmus Plus Partnerships for Cooperation, aims to provide training for entrepreneurs to effectively implement carbon management and net0 strategies in their businesses. The project focuses on improving the skills and competencies of managers and trainers to achieve the NET0 strategy, thereby supporting climate action and reducing environmental impact. Net0 project involves the following partner countries: Training2000 (Italy-coordinator); Innogestiona Ambiental (Spain), Hétfa Research Institute (Hungary), Sunrise Valley Science and Technology Park (Lithuania), Gebze Technical University (Turkey) and European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME (Belgium) and SUPSI University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (Switzerland- as associated partner). 

Key goals of the project include enhancing EU managers' understanding of carbon management, fostering innovative Net0 approaches and strategies, and up-skilling VET trainers in carbon literacy training using new tools and methods. The project is timely given upcoming EU communications on the 2040 climate target and industrial carbon management strategy. The EU's proposed 2040 target aims for a net 90% reduction in emissions below 1990 levels, falling short of recommendations for a more ambitious 90-95% reduction.

To meet its targets, the EU must cease investing in fossil gas infrastructure, set ambitious 2040 targets, increase climate finance contributions, and update net zero strategies given insufficient progress. Improving carbon management skills among managers, trainers, and adults is crucial in achieving these goals. Adult learning plays a vital role in enabling managers of a net0 future to adopt  innovative technologies, measures  and mindsets within their companies, ultimately contributing to a sustainable environment.

 To accomplish that goal, the project comprises the development of:

1. An innovative 6-fold Net 0 training toolkit offering a modular training path on Understanding of Net Zero concept and acquiring all the necessary skills to truly embrace Net 0;
2. A Carbon Management Online Training Platform to ensure an open-access and flexible training among adults learners;
3. A Net0Manager Policy paper to disseminate relevant information and un turn improve regulation on the carbon manager professional profile and its qualifications The Net0Manager project will create a training toolkit containing a competence map, training path and training methodology together with an online learning platform including open educational resources connected to microcredentials to allow learners to build a personalised learning path for carbon management strategies in enterprises. A policy recommendation will also be created on the integration of Net0Manager competencies and microcredentials in the VET system.

The Net0 Manager Competence Map will serve as the foundation for determining the necessary skills and competencies needed for carbon management and net-zero strategy within the company. This map will be integrated into a comprehensive training program consisting of six modules:

1. Understanding the concept of Net Zero
2. Identifying responses and common measures for achieving Net Zero
3. Developing a Net Zero plan
4. Exploring the benefits of becoming Net Zero
5. Implementing Net Zero practices throughout the value chain
6. Communicating effectively about Net Zero

Each module will be broken down into specific units of learning with clear learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, skills, and autonomy & responsibility. These modules will be easily accessible online through the Carbon Management Online Training Platform to provide flexibility for adult learners.

Additionally, a Net0 Manager Policy paper will be created to disseminate important information and to enhance regulations surrounding the qualifications and professional profile of carbon managers.

To learn more about this project, please visit the project website: https://www.net0manager.eu/ 

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