A European-wide exploratory study to analyse the relationship between training and energy efficiency in the construction sector

Current evidence that supports the correlation between training and energy efficiency in the construction industry is sparse and lacks an in-depth and sector-wide analysis. Several context-specific (in terms of application, workforce segment, and scope) studies have highlighted several barriers, challenges, and gaps in the training landscape in the European construction sector. However, these do not scale up and translate to robust evidence for the entire industry. The paper aims to address this gap by adopting a quantitative and qualitative Europe-wide consultation that not only seeks to gather evidence about the relationship between training and energy efficiency but also broadens the scope of the investigation beyond this aim to understand the complexity of the training landscape in energy efficiency and to provide context to the resulting evidence, in a way that promotes generalisation of the results. A mixed-method approach is adopted involving secondary (in the form of industry studies and academic publications) and primary sources of evidence. The latter include a questionnaire (n = 52), a series of interviews (n = 28), an expert workshop, and use cases drawn across Europe providing examples of the correlation between training and energy efficiency. Five key themes emerged from the consultation, namely: (a) lack of systematic process to codify best practice into re-usable knowledge, (b) lack of industry-wide shared vision, (c) nature of the training available in the energy efficiency domain, (d) level of reliance on a trained and skilled workforce in energy efficiency, (e) efficiency of legislative frameworks, policies, and government incentives. While the analysis of the results confirms the correlation between training and energy efficiency, further efforts are needed to establish robust quantitative evidence. The research also points to several policy measures, including the need for adapted instruments to promote mutual recognition of energy skills and qualifications in the European construction sector.