BUS-GoCircular Unveils New Guide to Help Local Authorities Boost Circular Construction Skills

The BUS-GoCircular project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, aims to equip the construction sector with circular construction skills to contribute to the development of greener, more sustainable buildings. Launched in September 2021, this 30-month initiative aims to address the challenges faced by the construction industry in developing a skilled workforce that supports the transition to circularity. A key deliverable of the project is the “Guide for Public Authorities on Stimulating Demand for Circular Construction Skills,” authored by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. This guide provides essential strategies for local authorities to foster demand for these vital skills.

Key Objectives:

• Developing a Circular Construction Skills Qualification Framework: The project aims to create a framework that standardizes and formalizes skills relevant to circular construction, particularly in areas like green roofs, façades, and interior elements.
• Stimulating Market Demand for Circularity Skills: The guide provides public authorities with strategies to encourage local businesses and stakeholders to recognize and value circular construction skills, ensuring a steady demand for trained professionals.
• Creating Recognition Schemes and Conducting Pilot Courses: BUS-GoCircular emphasizes recognition schemes and real-world pilot training programs to equip workers with practical skills, preparing them to meet the growing market demands for sustainable practices.
• Improving the Reputation of the Construction Sector: The project focuses on enhancing the sector’s appeal, particularly by attracting women and young professionals to foster innovation and inclusivity in the circular economy.
• Expanding at National and EU Levels: The project is implementing a comprehensive communication and replication strategy to promote the replication of these efforts both nationally and at the EU level.

The Guide for Public Authorities, available here, provides clear, actionable steps for local governments to promote the demand for circular construction skills. Through strategic planning, public procurement, and regulatory frameworks, local governments play a pivotal role in shaping the construction market and can steer the sector toward embracing circularity. The guide encourages authorities to lead by example, demonstrating how investment in circular construction skills can support broader environmental goals, such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the transition to a green economy.

BUS-GoCircular, in partnership with ICLEI, is dedicated to engaging local authorities to ensure that the construction sector adapts to greener, more sustainable standards, embedding circularity at the core of Europe’s built environment.

Source: ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability