Danish Model: Environmental, Social, and Economic Sustainability in Practice

Description

Scandinavian countries consistently top global sustainability rankings, and in 2025, Denmark was officially named the most sustainable country in the world.

But why is that? What makes the Danish way so unique – and what can the rest of the world learn from that?

This course offers a deep, hands-on exploration of sustainability through the Danish lens, focusing on the three interconnected pillars: environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

During the course, participants will explore the city of Copenhagen, one of Europe’s most innovative and environmentally conscious cities, and discover how Danish policies, school systems, and urban life reflect sustainability in action.

Furthermore, they will take part in interactive group work, guided walking tours, and on-site visits to schools and organizations leading the way in sustainable innovation.

By the end of the course, participants will leave inspired and equipped with tools to integrate sustainability into their classrooms and school communities.

Concept by Mette Junker, Niklaz Junker, Peter Junker

Learning outcomes

The course will help participants to:

• Understand that schools are a mirror of society;
• Become an expert in the three different areas of sustainability: social, economic, and environmental sustainability;
• Integrate hands-on practices and tools to improve well-being inside and outside the classroom;
• Strengthen the teacher/student relationship by gaining insights from a student’s perspective on how sustainability appeals to young people;
• Foster social sustainability through recognition and Positive Psychology;
• Gain knowledge, ideas, and hands-on tools to integrate sustainability as a culture in the whole school community.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to the course and Danish sustainability

• Welcome and introduction to the course.
• Icebreaker activity: Building connections.
• Exploring what sustainability really means and how it’s defined through the three pillars: Environmental, Social, and Economic.

• Walking tour through Copenhagen, to get a first impression of how sustainability lives in everyday life.

Day 2 – Environmental sustainability

• What are the Nordic countries doing differently – and better – when it comes to being environmental sustainable?;
• Walking tour – introduction to some of the frontrunners in environmental sustainability in the city of Copenhagen – also local school visit;
• School presentations.

Day 3 – Social sustainability

• The theory behind social sustainability and how the Danish model ensures equality, inclusion, and well-being for all;
• Hands-on tools to improve well-being inside and outside the classroom;
• Walking tour – we visit some of the frontrunners in social sustainability in the city of Copenhagen;
• Reflection and discussion – how can we apply those ideas in our own communities?

Day 4 – Economic sustainability and positive psychology

• Positive Psychology and the 24 character strengths;
• How do the Nordic countries balance economic growth with fairness and long-term responsibility?;
• Walking tour – we visit some of the frontrunners in Economic sustainability in the city of Copenhagen. 

Day 5 – Bringing it all together

• Participants design their own program aiming at improving economic, social, and environmental sustainability at their schools.
• Exchanging best practices and insights with peers.
• Concluding thoughts and reflections.

Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.

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