Lessons in Low-Tech: A Handbook for Sustainable Education

LT4SUSTAIN, an Erasmus+ funded transnational project, is at the forefront of responding to the increasing awareness of environmental and climate challenges. This awareness, particularly among youth, has led to a demand for social justice. With the coordinated work among six institutions, ranging from higher education institutions to private companies and associations, LT4SUSTAIN aims to raise awareness of Low-tech across society.

LT4SUSTAIN is pioneering a unique approach to technology design. By developing “hackathons” and other “hands-on” events, we are engaging students and industry in a way that improves inclusiveness. Our objective is to equip individuals with the skills to embark on entrepreneurial ventures that focus on sustainable and valuable solutions using a Low-tech paradigm.

Low-tech, based on the principles of usefulness, sustainability and accessibility, empowers practitioners to implement simple (as needed) technologies that are accessible and easily repairable, using common and locally available means. These solutions lean toward inexpensive technological solutions for fundamental and unsatisfied needs while positively contributing to generating a sustainable environment. This concept favours human know-how and practicality, making it an empowering solution for today’s and tomorrow’s social, cultural, ecological and economic challenges.

This guide presents a series of lessons and frameworks designed to teach Low-tech principles, offering step-by-step instructions for fostering practical and creative skills. From hands-on workshop activities to insights into sustainable design thinking, it equips educators and practitioners with tools to empower individuals and communities. Whether you’re crafting new materials, prototyping resilient solutions, or rethinking design for an era of degrowth, this book provides the knowledge and inspiration to drive meaningful change.