Green Growth Competences to face the circular economy challenge in the building sector

CONTEXTThe building sector plays a big role in achieving Europe’s ambition of climate neutrality by 2050, since this sector is responsible for over 35% of the EU’s total waste generation (Eurostat, 2016).The Circular Economy Action plan (march 2020) identifies construction and buildings as key product value chains for circular economy and supports measures which will deeply impact skills and competences needed in the sector. It will be especially at the demolition stage- during dismantling, reuse, recovery or disposal of building materials (ECSO, 2017).How to deliver this needed training? On the one hand, transversal learning outcomes are becoming increasingly important (Cedefop, 2020) and Europe endorses the modernisation of VET, by the uptake of innovative approaches and digital technologies for teaching and learning and favouring professional development of VET teachers, trainers and mentors in both training centres and work-based settings (New Skills Agenda, 2016).OBJECTIVESGreen Growth aims to reduce the contribution of the building sector to CO2 emissions by implementing different strategies to reinforce circular economy as a transversal skill in the construction VET training sphere-To raise awareness and the holistic importance of building with circular principles to trainers in construction, workers, companies VET training centers.-To boost specialized “green” VET training tools in construction, making the sector more attractive and accelerating its transition to a circular economy.-To strengthen the capacity of VET centres to adopt a Circular Economy holistic approach and implement it in their workshop delivery . -To respond to current emerging skill needs of the construction sector concerning the reuse and recycling of materials and waste management, affecting blue collar workers and SME specialized in renovation works. -To improve opportunities for integration into the “green” labour market and create career opportunities for blue collar construction workers and SME.-To empower cooperation between educational institutions and business, as a result tailoring and sharing training solutions between both worlds.PARTICIPANTSThe project will address mainly four target groups:1: Trainers in construction and other staff involved in the delivering of training (managers, etc) 2: Construction workers3: Construction companies 4: VET centers ACTIVITIESA number of activities will be carried out to achieve the projects objectives and to contribute to the adoption of a circular economy scheme in the construction VET sector:-Handbook for VET trainers in construction: Circular Economy in practice-MOOC: circular economy competences for construction VET trainers-App: implementing circular economy in building renovation works-Roadmap for a circular approach in construction training deliveryMETHODOLOGYThe initiative will use an inclusive methodology that will aim to target and involve, on the one hand main beneficiaries that will participate directly in the activities, and on the other hand relevant key players that will evaluate results and endorse the project. Also, the combination of quantitative and qualitative research techniques will get the most out of different sources, allowing sound and supported conclusions and recommendations.Besides, the production of new training contents and skills using EQF methodology guarantee its transference to others sectors alike and countries with similar difficulties.Results and impact envisaged The project is willing to obtain the following results:-Trigger the circular economy in the construction sector -Delivering of new educational methods with a circular economy approach-Delivering of MOOC on the circular economy competences-Behaviour change by the use of the App for the implementation of circular economy in building renovation works-Place construction VET centers as enablers and multipliers of circular economy.IMPACTThe high project’s impact within the sector and its organisations is ensured by the presence of a sound representation of reference institutions in the delivering of construction vocational training in their countries. The actions envisaged also ensure a multiplier effect on the territory through the multiplier events and the presence of the members of the Partnership in international networks. Moreover, the European dimension of actions will foster innovation and impact at EU level. POTENTIAL LONGER TERM BENEFITSTraining tools and practical recommendations are to complement and support the current activity of the target groups (training, making-decision support, delivering of training). The MOOC and APP will be maintained by FLC, as a coordinator, 3 years after the project’s life time. The Handbook and Roadmap will be integrated in the own activity of VET providers. All outcomes will be free of use and easily update.