In the race to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, the construction sector stands as both a challenge and an opportunity. The European Union’s ambitious goals demand a radical overhaul of building practices, and a groundbreaking initiative is paving the way. The BUILD2050 Erasmus+ project, led by Susana Lucas from the Centre of Materials and Civil Engineering for Sustainability at the Barreiro School of Technology, is revolutionizing how we train the next generation of construction professionals.
The construction industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 34% of energy-related emissions in the EU. To meet the EU’s targets, all new buildings must be zero-emission by 2030, and the entire building stock must follow suit by 2050. This transition requires more than just new technologies; it demands a workforce equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable practices effectively.
BUILD2050 addresses this need by developing eight comprehensive “Pilot Training” courses that integrate sustainability and circularity concepts into educational curricula. These courses are designed to be transnational, multidisciplinary, and flexible, allowing for continuous updating through learning cycles. This approach ensures that professionals and students alike can stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving field.
“The challenge is not just about having the right technologies,” says Lucas. “It’s about creating a network of highly qualified professionals who understand the complexities of sustainable construction in their specific climatic and cultural contexts, but also recognize the possibilities offered by other countries.”
The project’s innovative pedagogical framework involves defining clear learning objectives, designing engaging learning activities, and developing effective didactic resources. The courses have already shown promising results, with a 65% success rate among the 202 students evaluated. Feedback from participants highlighted the need for improvement in learning activities and group work, which the project team is actively addressing.
One of the key strengths of BUILD2050 is its industry collaboration. By engaging with industry experts, municipalities, and research institutions, the project ensures that training content is aligned with market needs. This collaboration enhances the employability and competency of participants, making them valuable assets in the transition to climate-neutral construction.
The dissemination strategy of BUILD2050 is equally impressive. The project uses a variety of communication channels to engage with stakeholders, including an eBook, a European training guide, and an open-access platform. These resources provide valuable tools for ongoing learning and replication beyond the project’s duration.
Looking ahead, the BUILD2050 network aims to expand by engaging more stakeholders, updating course materials to reflect emerging trends, and fostering continuous learning within the construction industry. The next course edition will consider the role of technology in course updates, optimizing materials, obtaining new funds, and reaching a larger audience.
The outcomes of the BUILD2050 project directly contribute to several recognized global and European sustainability frameworks, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The initiative aligns with the EU Green Deal, the Renovation Wave Strategy, and the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, fostering skills essential for achieving zero-emission building targets and a climate-neutral Europe by 2050.
As the construction industry stands on the brink of a sustainability revolution, initiatives like BUILD2050 are crucial. By bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world implementation, these training programs are equipping professionals with the tools they need to build a greener future. The project’s success underscores the importance of interdisciplinary, digitally supported education in achieving the EU’s 2050 climate goals. The findings were recently published in Buildings, a journal dedicated to the science and technology of the built environment.
