Authors

Giulia Pondrano, R2M Solution Srl | LinkedIn profile
Wanda Gomez, R2M Solution Srl | LinkedIn profile
Lorenzo Molteni, R2M Solution Srl | LinkedIn profile
Andrea Costa, R2M Solution Srl | LinkedIn profile
Alessandro Lodigiani, R2M Solution Srl | LinkedIn profile

(Note: Opinions in the articles are of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the EU)

Introduction

The European construction sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the urgent need to decarbonise the built environment and improve energy efficiency. Fundamental in this context is the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD IV), which sets out comprehensive requirements for upskilling building professionals and standardising certification schemes across the EU. Article 17 of EPBD IV outlines skills acquisition pathways necessary for ensuring that the workforce is equipped to meet evolving market needs. Complementary directives—such as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED)—further reinforce this skills agenda by mandating training and certification for installers, designers, and energy efficiency specialists.

In parallel, the building certification landscape is expanding in response to these regulatory developments, with a growing focus on green certification. Instruments such as the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), now harmonised across the Member States with a unified digital scale, and the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI), which will become mandatory for non-residential buildings from 2027, are shaping a more reliable and measurable approach to energy and smart building performance. At the same time, voluntary yet important frameworks—such as BREEAM, LEED, and WELL—are increasingly adopted to meet broader sustainability and occupant well-being goals.

While EU-wide data remains fragmented due to the decentralised nature of EPC systems, available national figures point to a growing trend. In 2023, Italy alone registered approximately 1.1 million EPCs (Attestati di Prestazione Energetica, APE) and 174 LEED-certified projects, demonstrating strong national leadership in sustainable building practices. This evolving framework of regulation and certification not only supports EU climate targets but also drives innovation and quality across the construction sector.

Certification schemes

The European building sector is undergoing a dynamic transformation towards greener, smarter and more resilient construction. While challenges remain due to the historically fragmented nature of training and upskilling opportunities across Member States, recent legislative and collective efforts are paving the way for a more unified approach. Key EU directives place strong emphasis on workforce development, promoting harmonised certification frameworks and the cross-border recognition of qualifications.

Green building certification schemes shape the professional competencies required in the construction sector. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) and WELL Building Standard (WELL) are widely adopted across Europe, serving as benchmarks for both sustainability performance and professional qualification standards.                    

LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

Managed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is an international protocol that covers multiple specialisations throughout the life cycle of various different types and at the urban scale. The design team works on the project following the LEED standards, after which the Member State’s Green Building Council evaluates the application via an online procedure. If approved, the building receives LEED certification. LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) can work globally as sustainability consultants, with ongoing professional development required to maintain their credentials.

Case study: Hotel Continentale, Trieste, Italy

Renovation project: The Begin Hotels, Valeri Engineering & Management, Università di Perugia. 
LEED experts: R2M Solution.

_{Source: https://www.continentalehotel.com/en-GB/photogallery}

Project summary

• Building type: Hospitality

• Certification achieved and level: LEED ID+C Hospitality v4.1 Gold

• Brief description: Hotel Continentale became the first historic building in the world to receive the LEED ID+C Hospitality v4.1 Gold certification, which recognises leading hospitality facilities in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency.

• Key steps: Verification of the building’s mechanical systems in accordance with relevant standards was supported by dynamic energy performance simulations. These simulations assessed efficiency improvements, energy consumption reductions and the potential integration of renewable energy sources, using advanced modelling tools such as IES. Strategic support was provided to both the design team and the construction company responsible for the renovation, particularly in the selection of materials. The focus was on products with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, recycled content, and other sustainable attributes.

Skills applied and gained:

• Specialised skills used: Occupant comfort is closely linked to ensuring the minimum ventilation flow required by regulatory standards. Additionally, it involves analysis of natural lighting using specific tools, considering factors such as façade orientation and the type of glazing used. As a third point, the environmental impact of the building is assessed through a life cycle assessment (LCA) using specialised software, which evaluates the CO2 emissions and other pollutants generated throughout the building’s lifecycle

• Lessons learned: The work carried out on this project highlighted several important considerations for future developments. In some cases, the design was already in its final stage, making it difficult to integrate feedback and adapt building systems to meet LEED requirements. However, through continuous dialogue with both designers and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) consultants, it was possible to identify effective strategies and achieve the desired outcome.

• Role of certification expert: The sustainability consultants supported the design team from the earliest stages to ensure the successful achievement of the LEED certification. Early involvement in the project allowed them to guide key decisions and implement the required adjustments. The consultants were also responsible for reviewing design choices and compiling the technical documentation required for submission via the LEED Online platform.

The coordinated efforts were essential to achieving a sustainable built environment, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring long-term environmental performance.

BREEAM: Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

BREEAM certification is widely used in Europe and is managed by the Building Research Establishment. Most BREEAM-certified buildings are non-residential, such as offices and industrial facilities. It evaluates environmental performance across several criteria, such as energy consumption, materials, water, waste, mobility, pollution and land use. Among the professional roles recognised by BREEAM, the first two are advisory only, allowing professionals to act as project consultants. While the BREEAM Assessor serves as the official validator, they are authorised to assign the final score to the project. All professionals must complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) annually. 

Case study: Office Building, Milan, Italy

Renovation project: NA. 
BREEAM experts: R2M Solution.

Project summary:

• Building type: Offices

• Certification achieved and level: BREEAM International In-Use: commercial version 6. Asset performance: Very Good (2024).

• Brief description: The complex was redeveloped with a modern design approach and an optimised spatial layout. It is part of a larger group of buildings, some of which have already achieved BREEAM certification and others expected to follow later.

• Key steps: Sustainability experts defined the certification scope, then collected and reviewed all relevant technical and operational data, followed by an on-site audit. Based on the results, the team identified areas for improvement, implemented targeted actions, and successfully submitted the final assessment to obtain certification. The process concluded with the development of a monitoring plan to support annual renewal and continuous performance improvement. The team began supporting the project after the building was already constructed and operational. This allowed for the registration of its various components in response to the certification’s specific requirements and criteria.

Skills applied and gained:

• Specialised skills used: Demonstrated expertise in interpreting complex BREEAM In-Use requirements across international versions, combined with a strategic approach to analysing energy, water, and thermal consumption data. Proven ability to identify impactful efficiency measures and coordinate effectively among stakeholders to align sustainability objectives. Strong technical communication and project management skills contributed to the smooth execution of the certification process and the achievement of high-value outcomes.

• Lessons learned: This marked the expert's first experience certifying a building that shares access points with others, which provided valuable insight into managing the certification process when a property comprises multiple buildings.

• Role of certification expert: The team was involved during the pre-assessment phase, acting as consultants by providing strategic guidance and expert advice. They also registered the building on the BRE platform at the conclusion of the process.

WELL Building Standard

Developed by the International WELL Building Institute, WELL focuses on human health and wellness in the built environment. Its key areas are: air, water, nutrition, light, comfort, fitness and mindfulness. Unlike other certification schemes that prioritise sustainability across a building’s life cycle, WELL places human experience at the centre of design and operations. This reflects a recent shift in emphasis: although WELL was launched only 11 years ago, attention has recently turned to the human dimension of buildings. As of 2024, commercial buildings represent 84% of WELL-certified projects globally, followed by residential buildings.

Case study: ESRIN-ESA Building 14, Rome, Italy

Designers: Studio Arch. G. Zuccon. WELL experts: R2M Solution.

_{Source: https://www.esa.int/Space_in_Member_States/Italy/Eccellenza_nel_Benessere_ESRIN_Building_14_consegue_la_Certificazione_WELL}

Project summary:

• Building type: Offices

• Certification achieved and level: WELL Certified Platinum (2023).

• Brief description: Building 14 was awarded WELL Platinum certification with a score of 99 out of 110 points. This ranks the building 11th globally and 1st within the European Union for its WELL certification score. The certification is part of a building renovation project.

• Key steps: The process involved strategic planning, technical analysis and on-site verifications aimed at aligning the project with the WELL requirements. Key activities included: preparation of technical documentation, supported by the use of specialised software tools for daylight simulations and performance modelling; support in the development of workplace wellness policies; assistance in the design and integration of sensors to monitor indoor air quality and thermal comfort; execution of on-site performance testing. 

Skills applied and gained:

• Specialised skills used: Daylight analysis was conducted using IES software, while thermal comfort assessments were supported by tools such as DeltaLog 10. Clothing insulation (CLO) and metabolic rate (MET) values were calculated using the CBE Thermal Comfort Tool, with attention to zoning strategies and thermostat use. European lighting standards were also applied to define appropriate artificial lighting levels across different indoor environments.

• Lessons learned: The consultants enhanced their knowledge of specific topics, such as acoustics, through close collaboration with a specialised acoustic engineer who provided targeted training. As a result, they are now able to work independently on similar aspects in future projects. They learned that integrating WELL strategies from the outset leads to more efficient implementation and more meaningful outcomes in terms of occupant well-being

• Role of certification expert: The sustainability experts were involved from the design phase onwards, to jointly plan actions and ensure alignment with WELL requirements.
  The coordinated approach was fundamental to achieving certification and ensuring that the    building environment promotes occupant health and well-being.

While each certification scheme has unique areas of focus, they all reinforce a shared skillset essential to advancing EU green building objectives:

• Sustainability principles: expertise in energy efficiency, water management and low-carbon design.

• Regulatory fluency: knowledge of EU and national building and environmental regulations.

• Technical proficiency: competence in LCA, energy modelling, and systems integration.

• Digital competence: ability to use platforms for credit tracking, documentation and performance monitoring.

• Soft skills: project management, teamwork, communication.

Despite the shared knowledge base required, there is no standardised training system for these certifications at either national or EU level. While training providers such as Green Building Councils offer both education and credentialing, the landscape remains fragmented.

To ensure Europe’s construction workforce is fit for the future, a more cohesive training ecosystem must be developed—one that is standardised, by aligning with EU directives and internationally recognised certifications frameworks, and integrated, by linking technical training with broader sustainability goals and workforce development strategies.

Conclusions

The fragmentation of educational offers and the ecosystem supporting them should be seen as a positive aspect, reflecting the dynamic nature of the modern construction sector in Europe. Europe’s diverse building stock and varying energy policies of Member States present challenges, but also create opportunities. Building professionals must learn to navigate this complexity, with the support of innovative tools and EU directives. Certification schemes such as LEED, BREEAM, and WELL provide common standards that help bridge these gaps, fostering a shared skillset across the continent. This contributes to equal opportunities for all, especially as education and job migration trends continue to grow.