In today’s dynamic social and environmental context, education for sustainable development has become an essential component of quality preparation for young people at all levels of education. The Building Construction Technical School in Zagreb, as an institution focused on educating future construction technicians and potential engineers, recognizes—through the proactive engagement of its teachers—the necessity of changing teaching approaches in order to respond to global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and the need for sustainable construction.

Traditional curricula, under which current generations are educated, increasingly fail to meet fundamental educational objectives and are less aligned with the current needs of the labor market and society. In contrast, modular teaching allows for faster updates and supplementation of learning content, the introduction of micro-qualifications, and a stronger connection to the labor market and rapidly evolving technologies. It offers flexibility in integrating contemporary, green, and interdisciplinary topics while fostering cooperation with employers and linking the content of different subjects. By introducing modules addressing topics such as green construction, energy efficiency, reduction of CO₂ emissions, digitalization in construction practices, and the strengthening of social competencies, students acquire the knowledge, skills, and practical applications needed to respond more effectively to labor market demands.

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the existing curriculum and modular teaching, aiming to highlight the advantages and challenges of the modular approach within the context of sustainable education. The analysis is based on concrete examples from teaching practice, with a focus on the needs of students, teachers, and the labor market.

The paper illustrates an example of implementing a modular approach through the collaboration of teachers, industry experts, and students, with the goal of developing ecological awareness and fostering personal responsibility towards the environment, encouraging its application in their future work. Special emphasis is placed on the message that change does not come from the outside but from within—starting with each individual. Introducing environmental topics through modules in vocational education not only contributes to environmental protection but also increases competitiveness and transforms students into drivers of green and sustainable innovations in the labor market, enabling their active role in the transition towards a green and sustainable future.

Keywords: Modular teaching, vocational education, green construction, green and sustainable competencies.