Learn about our free seminar series for construction workers and students
With the building stock in Europe responsible for 40% of energy consumed and therefore 36% of greenhouse gases emitted, action by Member States is imperative if Europe is to become the first continent with zero emissions by 2050. The European Green Deal, and through it, the European Energy Directive and the European Renovation Wave, are recommended as primary solutions the energy upgrade of existing buildings, but also the construction of new ones according to energy standards.
To achieve, however, a building potential with high energy efficiency and to ensure that long-term renovation strategies deliver the desired European goal, building professionals need to be well-trained and up-to-date. That is, it is necessary for the European member states to invest in the development of the skills and training of those employed in the construction sector.
In Cyprus, specifically, the building stock is in the majority of low energy efficiency and this is mainly due to the absence of policy measures during the period of their construction. A similar phenomenon is also observed in Greece, with the indiscriminate energy consumption having a negative effect on the climate and the environment. With this in mind, the National Kapodistrian University of Athens (coordinating partner), the Hellenic Passive Building Institute and the Cyprus Energy Office, with the contribution of the German Da-Di-Werk, recommended the project UPGREAT (Upskilling Professionals for deep enerGy efficiency REnovations: A Tool for better schools).
UPGREAT is a project that started in October 2021, receiving funding from the European Climate Initiative (EUKI) of the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Federal Government of Germany. The project was developed in order to improve the skills of professionals in the construction sector in Cyprus and Greece in relation to radical energy renovations of school buildings in particular, which due to their special role and contribution to the social context, are at the forefront of the European Wave European Renovation Wave. This, through the development and implementation of a Learning Toolkit.
The Toolbox trains professionals in the field in the design and implementation of very low energy buildings, enhancing skills and knowledge of building physics, and the correct application of materials and systems. In addition, it helps to minimize the gap between the planning phase and the implementation of energy upgrades, and to save energy.
Interested organizations (academic institutions, training centers, etc.) in Cyprus can contact the Cyprus Energy Office to learn more about the Toolkit, and how to access the training material. In the same context, the Cyprus Energy Office organizes a series of free seminars based on the content of the Toolbox, which is aimed at craftsmen, engineers, students and other workers/students in the construction sector.
To learn more, visit the website www.cea.org.cy/upgreat/ or contact the Cyprus Energy Office.
Communication Officer: Christina Palochi, Architect Engineer, Tel. 22667848, Email. christina.palochi@cea.org.cy