TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR GREEN COMBS

  1. Introduction

    These Terms and Conditions set out the framework and obligations for organisations establishing and operating Green Combs within the Green Hive initiative, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the Europen Union. Green Combs serve as localised hubs within education and training entities dedicated to promoting sustainability education and fostering community engagement. By establishing a Green Comb, the organisation agrees to adhere to these terms and ensure alignment with the broader mission of the Green Hive.

  2. Purpose of the Green Combs

    Green Combs are designed to:
    • Provide insights and resources on sustainability challenges.
    • Facilitate local community building through events and initiatives.
    • Offer learning opportunities for VET students and external stakeholders.
    • Enable innovation through workshops and open challenges.
    The organisations establishing Green Combs are responsible for managing these objectives in line with the Green Hive framework.

  3. Governance and Accountability

    1. Governance Structure:

      Green Combs must establish a core management team, including a Coordinator, to oversee operations, set goals, align activities with institutional policies and communicate with the Green Hive management team. A designated sponsor within the host institution should support and advocate for the Comb’s success.
    2. Compliance: Combs must comply with local, national, and international regulations related to education, sustainability, and ethical conduct. Activities should align with the European Sustainability Competence Framework (Green Comp) and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    3. Decision-Making: All strategic decisions must involve key stakeholders, including institutional leadership, and follow a clear and transparent decision-making process.


  4. Organisational Commitments

    Organisations establishing Green Combs commit to:
    • Ensure strong leadership and integrate the Comb into the institution’s strategic objectives;
    • Oversee and support the Comb’s activities;
    • Ensure the necessary resources are available to facilitate the Comb’s success;
    • Embed the Comb into the institution’s long-term strategic plan.


  5. Activities and Deliverables

    Green Combs are expected to:
    • Design and implement sustainability-focused learning experiences and workshops;
    • Host community events and challenges to address local sustainability issues;
    • Foster partnerships with local businesses, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance impact.
    All activities should contribute to measurable outcomes, such as increased sustainability competences among participants and tangible community impact.

  6. Monitoring and Reporting

    1. Performance Metrics:
      Green Combs must establish and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including the number of activities conducted, participant engagement, and impact outcomes.
    2. Reporting Obligations:
      Green Combs must provide annual progress updates to the Green Hive platform leadership, detailing achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
    3. Continuous Improvement:
      Use feedback mechanisms, including surveys and evaluations, to refine activities and strategies.

  7. Collaboration and Communication

    1. Partnerships:
      Green Combs should actively develop partnerships with external stakeholders, including businesses, NGOs, and community organisations, to enhance their reach and impact. All partnerships should align with the Comb’s sustainability goals and be documented through formal agreements where necessary.
    2. Communication with Green Hive:
      Maintain regular communication with the central Green Hive platform to share resources, best practices, and updates. Participate in cross-Comb collaboration opportunities to strengthen the network.

  8. Compliance and Ethics

    1. Code of Conduct: Combs must operate with integrity, transparency, and inclusivity, upholding high ethical standards in all activities. Discrimination, exploitation, or behaviour undermining the Comb’s mission is strictly prohibited.
    2. Legal Frameworks: Combs must: Comply with applicable regulations, including data protection laws and institutional policies; Integrate sustainability practices in line with EU Green Deal policies and the European Green Comp framework.


  9. Risk Management

    Organisations are responsible for: Identifying and mitigating risks associated with Comb operations; Establishing a conflict resolution mechanism to address disputes among stakeholders.

  10. Intellectual Property and Data Sharing

    Intellectual property created by the Comb within the Hive will be shared for educational and non-commercial purposes only, unless otherwise requested by the Comb. Data collected through Comb activities will comply with applicable privacy laws and regulations.

  11. Amendments

    The Terms and Conditions may be updated periodically to reflect changes in the Green Hive initiative or institutional requirements. Organisations will be notified of significant amendments, and continued operation of the Comb implies acceptance of updated terms.

  12. Termination

    Green Combs may be dissolved under the following circumstances: Failure to meet the outlined objectives or comply with these terms. Decision by the host institution or the Green Hive management team, following consultation and due process. Upon termination, all resources and data related to the Comb must be responsibly transitioned or disposed of in alignment with institutional policies.

  13. Acceptance

    By establishing a Green Comb, the organisation acknowledges and agrees to these Terms and Conditions. This commitment ensures that the Comb contributes meaningfully to the Green Hive’s mission of advancing sustainability education.

Contact Information: For assistance or further clarification, please contact the Green Hive coordination team at https://www.greenhiveproject.eu/en/contacts.