Skills shortage in France and Hungary: insights from two LIFE projects
Hungary faces an annual shortfall of 13,600 construction workers, while France needs 430,000 skilled workers by 2030 to upgrade millions of buildings for energy efficiency, highlighting significant workforce challenges in meeting EU clean energy objectives.
Green Solutions Award: 2022/23 grand prize assigned, 2024/25 applications open
The 2022-2023 Grand Prize was awarded to Plymouth's innovative heating and cooling grid, with applications now open for the 2024-2025 edition. The contest aims for 230 projects globally, culminating in awards at COP30 in Brazil, highlighting sustainability efforts.
How digitalisation is making the construction industry sustainable
Digital transformation is helping the UK construction industry reduce carbon emissions while improving ESG reporting, and achieving net-zero targets by enhancing data transparency and collaboration.
Takeaways from Milan's 'Culture and Sustainability in the Built Environment' event
The event 'Culture and Sustainability in the Built Environment' highlighted Italy's leadership in combining sustainability with cultural heritage in construction, emphasising collaboration and innovation for a sustainable future.
Decarbonising heating: an end to financial incentives for fossil fuel boilers by 2025
The European Commission has issued guidance on phasing out financial incentives for new stand-alone fossil fuel boilers by January 1, 2025. Support will still be allowed for hybrid systems that utilise significant renewable energy and for existing approved incentives. This initiative is part of efforts to achieve a decarbonised building stock by 2050.
New LIFE for the built environment in the EU
The LIFE Programme has allocated over EUR 380 million to 133 new green projects across Europe, many of which focus on making the building sector sustainable and inclusive. Below is a non-exhaustive list of these initiatives.
EU Level(s) conference for buildings professionals committed to sustainability
The European Commission DG Environment invites those working in the built environment sector to join an online conference exploring Level(s): the EU common language for assessing and measuring the sustainability performance of buildings.
Apply to the new mentoring program to boost energy efficiency in regional planning
Regio1st is starting a mentoring program on incorporating Energy Efficiency First principles into regional and local plans. Register now!
Ancient cooling methods for today's climate challenges
As global temperatures rise, developers are reviving ancient, energy-efficient cooling methods like green roofs and solar chimneys, which reduce cooling costs and carbon emissions from modern air conditioning systems.
To green or not to green?
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is reconsidering its ESG fund naming rules set to take effect on November 21 due to industry backlash, as critics warn these rules could hinder financing for polluting companies seeking to decarbonise and delay energy transition projects essential for achieving carbon neutrality.