Periodic Reporting for period 2 - BUS-GoCircular (Stimulate demand for sustainable energy skills with circularity as a driver and multifunctional green use of roofs, façades and interior elements as focus.)
Reporting period: 2022-12-01 to 2024-02-29
During their lifetime of operation, buildings are responsible for 40% of EU final energy consumption, and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. The embodied emissions from the 5 rest of the building life cycle are estimated to contribute at least a further 10%. Building with, as opposed to over, nature has long been perceived as more of a burden than an opportunity. And this is a shame—because by working smartly together, we can build a better living environment for people, for nature and for the built environment sector itself. A built environment that is less wasteful, more resourceful and that supports nature. A greater uptake of circular approaches means generating less waste, facilitating greater reuse and recycling of products and materials at the end of each service life, and helping to reduce the environmental impacts and life cycle costs.
BUILD UP Skills GoCircular (BUS-GoCircular) is an EU funded project that aims to "stimulate demand for sustainable energy skills with circularity as a driver focusing on multifunctional green use of roofs, façades and interior elements". The project exists under the Horizon 2020 programme. The duration of the project is 30 months, starting from 1st September 2021. The overall aim of BUS-GoCircular is to address and overcome the challenges of the stimulation of demand for green energy skilled workforce, along with hands-on capacity building to increase the number of skilled workforce across the value chain. BUS-GoCircular will achieve this objective by developing and implementing a circular construction skills qualification framework with a focus on multifunctional green roofs, façades and interior elements.
This is worked out in the following five specific qualitative objectives:
— Developing a circular construction skills qualification framework.
— Stimulating market demand for circularity skills.
— Developing recognition schemes and conducting pilot courses.
— Improving the reputation of the construction sector and attracting women and youth to circular skills professions.
— Expanding BUS-GoCircular at national and EU-level by developing and implementing a communication and replication strategy.
The BUS-GoCircular project successfully achieved its intended results, marking a significant advancement in the promotion of circular economy principles within the construction industry. By the project's conclusion, a circular construction skills qualification framework was not only developed and validated but also received widespread acceptance, evidenced by the letters of consent from at least 14 key stakeholders across seven member states. This framework was integrated into at least four existing or new recognitions or certifications, enhancing the industry's accreditation standards. Furthermore, the project catalyzed the adoption of circular procurement procedures through bespoke training materials aimed at public authorities, with at least four leading cities in Europe piloting these innovative practices. Additionally, the project's impact extended to professional development, with 85 trainers forming an EU-wide learning community and delivering training to 414 professionals. This extensive training initiative was complemented by the launch of a skills register, numerous on-site training sessions, and the establishment of mentoring programs, particularly targeting women and youth. The collaboration with various ongoing European projects and the engagement of multiple stakeholders underscored the project's comprehensive approach and its substantial contribution to enhancing circular economy skills within the European construction sector.
BUILD UP Skills GoCircular (BUS-GoCircular) is an EU funded project that aims to "stimulate demand for sustainable energy skills with circularity as a driver focusing on multifunctional green use of roofs, façades and interior elements". The project exists under the Horizon 2020 programme. The duration of the project is 30 months, starting from 1st September 2021. The overall aim of BUS-GoCircular is to address and overcome the challenges of the stimulation of demand for green energy skilled workforce, along with hands-on capacity building to increase the number of skilled workforce across the value chain. BUS-GoCircular will achieve this objective by developing and implementing a circular construction skills qualification framework with a focus on multifunctional green roofs, façades and interior elements.
This is worked out in the following five specific qualitative objectives:
— Developing a circular construction skills qualification framework.
— Stimulating market demand for circularity skills.
— Developing recognition schemes and conducting pilot courses.
— Improving the reputation of the construction sector and attracting women and youth to circular skills professions.
— Expanding BUS-GoCircular at national and EU-level by developing and implementing a communication and replication strategy.
The BUS-GoCircular project successfully achieved its intended results, marking a significant advancement in the promotion of circular economy principles within the construction industry. By the project's conclusion, a circular construction skills qualification framework was not only developed and validated but also received widespread acceptance, evidenced by the letters of consent from at least 14 key stakeholders across seven member states. This framework was integrated into at least four existing or new recognitions or certifications, enhancing the industry's accreditation standards. Furthermore, the project catalyzed the adoption of circular procurement procedures through bespoke training materials aimed at public authorities, with at least four leading cities in Europe piloting these innovative practices. Additionally, the project's impact extended to professional development, with 85 trainers forming an EU-wide learning community and delivering training to 414 professionals. This extensive training initiative was complemented by the launch of a skills register, numerous on-site training sessions, and the establishment of mentoring programs, particularly targeting women and youth. The collaboration with various ongoing European projects and the engagement of multiple stakeholders underscored the project's comprehensive approach and its substantial contribution to enhancing circular economy skills within the European construction sector.
The BUS-GoCircular project effectively achieved a comprehensive set of results aimed at integrating circular economy principles into the construction industry across Europe. Here is an overview of the key outcomes:
- Development and Acceptance of Frameworks: A holistic, flexible, and interdisciplinary qualification framework was delivered, focusing on circular skills for building renovation to improve energy efficiency and renewable energy use. This framework was validated through market research involving focus group sessions in each participating country, providing a robust base for national-scale implementation.
- Training and Skills Development: The project organized three Train-the-Trainer (TtT) courses at the EU level, resulting in 85 trainers who trained 414 professionals, forming an EU-wide learning community. An additional TtT session in January 2023 trained 16 more trainers.
A mentoring program was designed to transfer experience and best practices from experienced professionals to novices in the industry.
- Operational and Management Support: Comprehensive project management included organizing key meetings, establishing a Google Drive for file sharing, and ensuring all partners signed the Consortium Agreement. Regular meeting minutes and project management meetings facilitated effective collaboration and oversight.
- Promotion of Circular Procurement: Specific training materials were developed for public authorities to encourage the adoption of circular procurement procedures. Leading cities in Europe piloted these procedures, setting an example for others.
- Policy and Public Sector Engagement: The project published policy briefs and started drafts to guide public sector actors. A structure for training materials aimed at public procurers was proposed to enhance their engagement with circular construction skills.
- Collaborations and Networking: Significant collaboration included integration with ongoing EU projects and partnerships with national qualification platforms. External Advisory Boards were established in participating countries and at the EU level, based on stakeholders’ maps to foster collaboration.
- On-site Training and Mentoring: The project conducted pilot on-site training sessions and initiated mentoring programs, focusing on inclusive participation from women and youth.
- Product Manufacturer and SME Engagement: A list of potential collaborators and a template for contacting relevant actors were developed to involve product manufacturers in a circular approach. Additionally, strategies were proposed to incentivize SMEs to upskill their workforce.
- Long-term Strategy and Market Analysis: National implementation plans were updated, and key exploitable results were defined with an analysis of current business states and future market possibilities.
The BUS-GoCircular project implemented a robust communication strategy to ensure extensive coverage of its results and achievements. This strategy included developing a variety of professional communication tools, such as newsletters and press releases, alongside a dynamic digital presence with a project website and active social media engagement. The team also engaged directly with the media to secure interviews and articles in key publications, enhancing visibility. Additionally, the results were disseminated through presentations at conferences and interactive webinars, fostering a broad understanding and engagement with the project’s advancements in circular construction practices.
- Development and Acceptance of Frameworks: A holistic, flexible, and interdisciplinary qualification framework was delivered, focusing on circular skills for building renovation to improve energy efficiency and renewable energy use. This framework was validated through market research involving focus group sessions in each participating country, providing a robust base for national-scale implementation.
- Training and Skills Development: The project organized three Train-the-Trainer (TtT) courses at the EU level, resulting in 85 trainers who trained 414 professionals, forming an EU-wide learning community. An additional TtT session in January 2023 trained 16 more trainers.
A mentoring program was designed to transfer experience and best practices from experienced professionals to novices in the industry.
- Operational and Management Support: Comprehensive project management included organizing key meetings, establishing a Google Drive for file sharing, and ensuring all partners signed the Consortium Agreement. Regular meeting minutes and project management meetings facilitated effective collaboration and oversight.
- Promotion of Circular Procurement: Specific training materials were developed for public authorities to encourage the adoption of circular procurement procedures. Leading cities in Europe piloted these procedures, setting an example for others.
- Policy and Public Sector Engagement: The project published policy briefs and started drafts to guide public sector actors. A structure for training materials aimed at public procurers was proposed to enhance their engagement with circular construction skills.
- Collaborations and Networking: Significant collaboration included integration with ongoing EU projects and partnerships with national qualification platforms. External Advisory Boards were established in participating countries and at the EU level, based on stakeholders’ maps to foster collaboration.
- On-site Training and Mentoring: The project conducted pilot on-site training sessions and initiated mentoring programs, focusing on inclusive participation from women and youth.
- Product Manufacturer and SME Engagement: A list of potential collaborators and a template for contacting relevant actors were developed to involve product manufacturers in a circular approach. Additionally, strategies were proposed to incentivize SMEs to upskill their workforce.
- Long-term Strategy and Market Analysis: National implementation plans were updated, and key exploitable results were defined with an analysis of current business states and future market possibilities.
The BUS-GoCircular project implemented a robust communication strategy to ensure extensive coverage of its results and achievements. This strategy included developing a variety of professional communication tools, such as newsletters and press releases, alongside a dynamic digital presence with a project website and active social media engagement. The team also engaged directly with the media to secure interviews and articles in key publications, enhancing visibility. Additionally, the results were disseminated through presentations at conferences and interactive webinars, fostering a broad understanding and engagement with the project’s advancements in circular construction practices.
As the energy transition of the built environment is speeding up the importance of circular skills is growing rapidly. Thus, strengthening the demand for BUS-GoCircular outcomes.
We expect in the second half of the project a sound implementation in and outside the countries involved.
We expect in the second half of the project a sound implementation in and outside the countries involved.