Climate protection: Lack of qualified personnel hampers energy renovation in building stock
New study reveals high demand for training and qualification in construction and architecture industries
Energy renovation of buildings offers many opportunities in the areas of climate protection and job creation. Nearly 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions could be saved in the construction industry by 2030. As shown in a new UBA study, however, there is an increasing lack of qualified personnel to plan and carry out restoration operations optimally. For the same reason, a mere one-third of economically feasible and energy-saving potential in building stock is being tapped. UBA President Jochen Flasbarth commented on the study results, remarking, “We need to go on an offense training and education campaign in energy renovation of buildings. Green jobs are a huge chance for the future. Energy saving should play a more central role in all construction-related occupations throughout training and continuing education. Otherwise, climate protection and the labour market will suffer. Degree study courses such as architecture or civil engineering should devote more attention to energy renovation in buildings.” The construction industry has seen the writing on the wall: some 80 percent of all craft trade companies and another 90 percent of engineering firms perceive their future area of focus as concerns construction to be in the renovation of old buildings.
