Introduction

Skills fit is the alignment between an individual's skills and qualifications and the requirements of a particular job or role, specifically in the construction sector, how these skills can achieve a perfect design/build completion, leave no built gap and achieve the energy efficiency that was designed into the job. Skills fit describes how well a person's skill set matches the needs, expectations and technical delivery of the position they are in.

Skills specifics

When assessing skills fit, employers or recruiters consider the specific skills and competencies required for the job, as outlined in the job description or role profile. They evaluate whether an individual possesses the necessary technical skills, soft skills, and relevant experience to perform the job effectively.

Skills fit is important for both the employer and the employee. For the employer, hiring candidates with strong skills fit ensures that the individual has the capability to fulfil their job responsibilities and contribute to the organisation's success. It reduces the learning curve and minimises the need for extensive training. For the employee, having good skills fit means they are well-suited for the job and can leverage their existing skills and experience to perform their tasks competently. It enhances job satisfaction, increases productivity, and provides opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

The importance of expertise in energy optimisation

Expertise plays a vital role in energy optimisation. It is the currency that allows individuals and organisations to navigate the complex landscape of energy consumption and identify opportunities for improvement. With the right expertise, it becomes possible to analyse energy usage patterns, identify inefficiencies, and develop strategies to optimise energy consumption.

Expertise in energy optimisation goes beyond technical knowledge. It encompasses a deep understanding of energy systems, awareness of emerging technologies, and the ability to analyse data to make informed decisions. Without this expertise, organisations may miss out on opportunities to reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Understanding the currency of skills in energy optimisation

Skills are the building blocks of expertise. They form the currency that allows individuals to navigate the world of energy optimisation. Just as money is used to exchange goods and services, skills are used to exchange knowledge and drive change.

To master the currency of skills in energy optimisation, individuals must develop a diverse skill set. This includes technical skills such as data analysis, energy modelling, and system design. It also includes soft skills such as communication, leadership, and project management. By honing these skills, individuals can become effective agents of change and drive energy optimisation initiatives.

The role of expertise in achieving energy efficiency

Expertise is instrumental in achieving energy efficiency. It allows individuals to identify areas of inefficiency, implement effective solutions, and monitor progress towards energy goals. Without expertise, organisations may struggle to identify opportunities for improvement and fail to implement effective energy-saving measures. Expertise enables effective decision-making. It provides individuals with the knowledge and tools to evaluate different energy-saving options and select the most appropriate solutions for specific contexts. 

This is crucial in a world where energy optimisation is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Different organisations have different energy needs and constraints, and expertise enables tailored solutions that maximise efficiency.

Assessment of skills fit

Assessing skills fit typically involves comparing the job requirements with the candidate's resume, cover letter, and interview performance. Employers may evaluate technical skills, such as programming languages, software proficiency, or industry-specific knowledge, as well as soft skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership abilities.

It's important for job seekers to emphasise their relevant skills and qualifications in their application materials and interviews to demonstrate strong skills fit. They can highlight specific experiences, projects, or accomplishments that showcase their abilities and demonstrate how they align with the requirements of the role. Ultimately, finding a good skills fit is beneficial for both employers and employees as it enhances job performance, job satisfaction, and overall organisational success.

The benefits of mastering skills in energy optimisation

Mastering skills in energy optimisation offers a range of benefits:

1. It empowers individuals to make a meaningful impact on energy consumption. By understanding energy systems and identifying inefficiencies, individuals can develop and implement strategies that lead to significant energy savings.

2. Mastering skills in energy optimisation opens up career opportunities. As organisations increasingly prioritise energy efficiency, there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in this area. By developing a strong skill set, individuals can position themselves as valuable assets in the job market and enhance their career prospects.

3. Mastering skills in energy optimisation contributes to a more sustainable future. By reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency, individuals and organisations can minimise their environmental footprint and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

Skills - closing the energy performance gap

However, the most effective way to achieve the principle of fit to purpose skills and therefore to minimise the energy performance gap is to apply a systemic approach, instead of a case–to–case basis. Specification of competences required for professional profiles included in the whole supply chain should be developed and adopted on a national level and applied in procurement and employment announcements, using correlation with national qualifications and occupational standards. Competences and skills should be included in the procurement requirements, enabling employers to engage the workforce with certified skills in sustainable energy and BIM.

The general recommended approach is the top-down method, which is expected to induce the push–pull momentum (market demand – market supply driver nexus), consisting of the following sequence:

1. Upgrade NQFs with competences in sustainable energy and digital skills

2. Prepare a poll of training programs for upskilling and reskilling up to the required competences

3. Prepare an action plan to gradually include competence clause in procurements, (e.g. firstly in large or specific projects), on the principle: piloting, demonstration, replication, upscaling

4. Develop regulatory changes to include competence clause in procurement procedures; apply the competence clause for the complete work team

5. Provide budget and logistics for financial stimulating and supportive measures

6. Enable international recognition of skills, as a support to companies and individuals in international competitiveness

7. Include upskilling in continuous professional development requirements, progress and recording

In this way, when skills are recognised and specified on national and international level, both sides –the employers and employees- will be more motivated to dedicate resources for improvement and validation of skills. This approach brings benefits for all –industry, companies, individuals, environment, society- and upskilling can be considered as a process with a high rate of return of investment.

The impact of expertise on construction energy optimisation

Expertise has a significant impact on the success of reducing the C02 footprint in construction. It enables efficient project planning, effective implementation, and thorough monitoring and evaluation throughout all stages of the construction process. Without expertise, projects may face challenges such as scope creep, budget overruns, and suboptimal outcomes.

Furthermore, expertise facilitates collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Energy optimisation in construction often involves multiple stakeholders, including facility managers, engineers, and finance teams. Expertise enables effective communication and collaboration between these stakeholders, ensuring that projects are implemented smoothly and achieve the desired outcomes.

In summary, expertise is the key to unlocking the full potential of reducing the C02 footprint in construction. It enables efficient project execution, effective collaboration, and optimal outcomes.

Conclusion

Expertise is the skills currency that unlocks the full potential of energy optimisation in construction. It empowers individuals and organisations to identify inefficiencies, develop effective strategies, drive positive change and reduce the energy coefficient in the lifecycle of the built environment. By mastering the currency of skills in energy optimisation, individuals can make a meaningful impact on energy consumption, open up career opportunities, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

To harness the power of expertise, individuals must continuously develop their skills, stay updated with industry trends, and collaborate with professionals in the field. By doing so, they can become leaders in energy optimisation and drive the transition towards a more sustainable and efficient future.

References

• https://www.ariseproject.eu/d-7-4-overview-of-best-practices-in-market-recognition-of-skills/ 

• ARISE Report D7.5: Recommendations for Market Stimulating and Supportive Measures; https://www.ariseproject.eu/d-7-5-recommendations-for-market-stimulating-and-supportive-measures/

• BIMcert Learning materials; https://www.ariseproject.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Attachment_0-1.pdf