Final Meeting of the Erasmus+ Project “Zero Waste” Held in Kozani, Greece

The final transnational meeting of the Erasmus+ project “Zero Waste” was successfully held in Kozani, Greece, hosted by Verde Research Center for Innovation and Sustainable Development. The meeting brought together partners from Poland, Estonia, and Greece to celebrate the achievements of this innovative initiative and to reflect on the project’s outcomes, long-term impact, and sustainability. A highlight of the event was the launch of the project’s final results in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kozani, engaging local stakeholders in discussions about sustainability, technology, and training in the construction sector.

The Need for the Project

The Zero Waste project was born out of an urgent need to address the unsustainable levels of construction and demolition (C&D) waste in Europe, which represents nearly one-third of all waste generated in the EU. In many countries, including Poland, the recycling rate for C&D waste remains below 40%, and valuable materials are lost due to poor segregation, lack of planning, or inadequate skills among construction professionals.

At the same time, technological advances such as BIM, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and robotics have the potential to revolutionize how construction waste is prevented, managed, and reused. However, the gap between technological development and vocational training remains wide—particularly for professionals in rural or under-resourced areas, apprentices, migrants, or those without access to continuing education.

The Zero Waste project directly responds to these challenges by:

  • Providing accessible, high-quality training for both early-career and experienced construction professionals;
  • Integrating innovative digital tools into vocational education and training;
  • Promoting sustainable practices that align with the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals;
  • Fostering international collaboration to share knowledge and best practices in construction waste management.

Key Achievements

Throughout its 12-month duration, the project produced two major outputs:

  • E-Learning and Networking Platform – A flexible, multilingual online tool featuring four modules: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rebuy. Participants can engage in interactive learning and receive certification upon completion.
  • Best Practices Guide – A multilingual PDF resource compiling 20 international examples of successful construction waste management, designed to inspire innovation across Europe.

Looking Ahead

The meeting in Kozani concluded with plans to disseminate the platform and guide across educational institutions, local authorities, and industry networks. With the active involvement of the Kozani Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the project is expected to have a lasting impact on regional strategies for sustainable development and vocational training.

“We developed this project not only to provide tools, but to spark a culture change in construction, one that values sustainability, innovation, and shared responsibility,” said a representative of Verde. “This is not the end of the project—it’s the beginning of long-term transformation.”