Vitae Civilis coordinates many programs that aim the promotion of inter-sectoral dialogues regarding politics, economy and individual practices of great importance to social and environmental sustainability; carry out research, preferably with participatory methodologies in order to better underline actions towards the sustainability of development processes; foster and be part of partnerships for the establishment of special actions and initiatives of sustainable development, through the articulation, capacity building and the strenghtening of networks and civil society organizations as well as contributing to enhance public control (governance) over public and private institutions and policies.

Three programs were created in order to coordinate the institution’s activities:

- Climate, Energy and Consumption Program – Due to the intense use of non clean sources of energy and the occurance of global warming we: a) teach and involve citizens and organizations in the implementation of national and local actions, programs and public policies based on the United Nations’ international regime on climate change and b) support programs and public policies as well as economic initiatives for renewables and energy efficiency and conservancy. 

- Water, Cities and Diversity – We accomplish activities concerning research, knowledge dissemination and policy proposals and economic activities that foster the integrity of ecosystems and that provide watershed protection through the recognition of the true value of environmental goods and services, through the adequate support given to social and economic activities so as to foster a lower consumption of superficial and underground water resources, especially in the territories near metropolitan areas or even in relevant forest areas. Within this program, certain activities are included, such as the governance of committees and water resources management tools as well as income generation.

- Governance and Sustainability Program – We perform research, courses, seminars, workshops and initiatives that contribute in terms of improving and creating institutional and political arrangements that allow citizens and civil society organizations to put into practice public and democratic control towards the government and the market at a local, national and global level. These activities are directly accomplished by Vitae Civilis or VC’s participation in various networks. This program also takes into consideration international proceedings whose actions and policies are relevant in terms of achieving the following goals: sustainability, governance and environmental justice.