Getting ready for a nearly Zero Energy future

Training, skills and qualification for building professionals

Brussels, 21 April 2016 | Published in Energy

PROF / TRAC offers an Open Training Platform and Qualification scheme for Continuing Professional Development giving a boost to nZEB.

This 3-year EU funded- within the framework of Horizon2020- project, will develop an ambitious European training and qualification scheme as a support mechanism to professionals dealing with nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB).

The final goal of PROF / TRAC is the adaptation and the implementation of existing training structures, training materials and accreditation schemes into national lifelong learning modules in order to achieve a sustainable action over the duration of the project.

Setting up harmonised certification and qualification schemes and coordinated training materials for education will facilitate a sort of mapping that can then serve as a solid base to the current development of an efficient Open Training Platform and Qualification scheme for Continuing Professional Development, designed for professionals of the building sector involved in the nZEB design.

Architects, engineers, technical experts as well as building managers have to master complex skills related to the construction and renovation of nZEB buildings. Additionally, they are required to work more and more closely and more efficiently with each other in a still fragmented building sector. Tackling this challenge PROF / TRAC will give space to an integrated design approach and multi-disciplinary work teams that can really help develop innovative design processes and technologies.

This is why the third phase of the project will be dedicated to the training of nZEB building sector’s professionals through a European centralised Train-the-Trainers program. They will then be able, as ambassadors, to train other professionals in their countries by organizing their own national training programs. Exchange of expertise and knowledge between the EU and the local level will fulfil an essential condition to develop nZEB buildings on a national scale.

The day after Power House nearly Zero Energy Challenge

Following up the conclusion of its flagship initiative, PowerHouse nearly Zero Energy Challenge that identified on the one hand the challenges of nZEB while on the other hand came up with concrete policy suggestions and practical solutions, Housing Europe brings the perspective of public, cooperative and social housing associations to the equation. With their field experience representatives of housing associations will feed into the practical skills that are required on a daily basis, while they will have the chance to get valuable insights from their counterparts. Housing Europe will be also carrying out dissemination activities, communicating around the development process of the PROF / TRAC training and qualification platform.