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.
