The results achieved during the project’s lifetime can be described as follows:
- Ethnographic research on energy efficiency skills in construction was carried out in 6 countries, with valuable insights to guide the project’s implementation.
- A qualification framework for the recognition of energy skills in the building value chain was developed, tested and validated; this qualification framework (comprising 98 tasks and 92 Units of Learning Outcomes) is publicly available and already in use within other projects and for the development of trainings. It focusses on the cross-crafts dimension of renovation or NZEB works, rather than on specific technologies.
- The use of the qualification framework is supported by a broad compilation of relevant training contents and resources (curricula, presentations, handbooks, demos, e-tools, methods etc.) from previous projects, that were identified, assessed and linked with means for recognition. This compilation was used to develop practical training to upskill staff from SMEs for the skills described in the qualification framework. More than 5 600 individuals were upskilled during the project lifetime, either online or onsite. This includes 1200 BAUHAUS employees, and 300 BAUHAUS installers. 13 MoUs with training centers were signed to make the project’s outputs available after the end of the action.
- The project developed several best practice guides, including a guide on how to use public procurement to incentivise energy efficiency upskilling in the construction industry. Specifically, the use of training clauses in procurement was piloted with 6 organisations in Bulgaria, France, Ireland and Spain. At the end of the action 11 commitments from entities (public & private) to introduce a training clause as part of their procurement process were collected. Altogether 77 organisations were made aware of the importance of linking skills and procurement.
- Awareness campaigns and upskilling activities were carried out at do-it-yourself (DIY) stores, in order increase demand for qualitative renovation works and for qualified professionals. 66 agreements with DIY stores, wholesale companies and product suppliers/retailers (including 12 signed MoUs) to use the BUSleague training for their staff and clients were collected and strong collaboration was established with many more.
- 6 National Implementation Plans were developed and implemented, to adapt the project results to the national context. In all countries, the consortium reported that activities outlined in the National Implementation Plans are going on after the project duration, including trainings, promotion of changes in procurement practices, awareness raising, and collaborations with different groups of stakeholders.
- 12 awareness campaigns and 43 events were carried out.
What was also special about this project was the ability to create a genuine learning communities among the project partners, supported by co-designed tools and methods, which notably enabled effective impact monitoring and evaluation of the project’s interventions.
Photo by Jose G. Ortega Castro en Unsplash