Energy skills as a driver to sustainable construction: current status, needs and proposed actions

Abstract

During the last two decades, intensified actions toward energy efficiency in construction have provoked the implementation of a significant number of EU-funded and national projects that have developed knowledge in the field of energy-efficient (EE) design and construction of new and refurbished buildings. The current study contributes to state-of-the-art research of the best practices in the field of energy skills at the EU level. The methodology used comprised of desk research on the status of the development of energy skills in construction and business, the status of demand, the level of awareness, and the current training schemes and certifications which are offered. The research is based on published reports, publications, and surveys, resulting in the identification of over 500 sources of information relevant to EE skills. Key findings address the challenges related to the transition of EE skills from the national to the inter-regional level, due to methodological differences, language barriers, and organizational issues. Special attention is given to identifying existing practices for the recognition of previous learning (RPL), and to mitigate barriers to further implementation of this method for upskilling and certification of professionals and workers. In addition, we provide a base that shall allow us to evaluate the impact of existing initiatives on EE and digital skills management in the construction sectors through the survey conducted on an inter-regional level, including five different European countries. The survey results show regional divergence in the adoption of energy skills, but also concentrate on more general conclusions that will pave the way for the creation of upcoming training schemes for upskilling of the construction workforce involving both blue collars and white collars, and noting digital skills, cross-craft competences, and skills in renewable sources as the most in-demand to ensure sustainable construction