A new study by Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) shows that the building industry still has work to do to ensure professionals have access to the skills and knowledge required to deliver zero carbon buildings at scale.
Accelerating to Zero: Upskilling for Engineers, Architects, and Renewable Energy Specialists defines the core competencies and sub-competencies needed to support zero carbon building by building industry professions.
“Transitioning to zero carbon buildings offers significant emissions reductions, but it also requires a shift in thinking and practice across the building sector,” said Thomas Mueller, president and CEO of CaGBC. “Skilled job training is a critical element in shifting the industry toward a knowledgeable and prepared application of zero carbon building practices which will make a positive impact on Canada’s climate goals.”
Zero carbon buildings provide a proven pathway to achieve much-needed carbon reductions. However, the successful transition to zero carbon requires specific skills and knowledge. Building to a zero carbon standard can be more complex and demands that project teams work more collaboratively, from design through to completion and operation.
The report establishes an industry baseline of zero carbon building skills and knowledge among engineers, architects, and renewable energy specialists. This was achieved as a result of 318 survey respondents who self-reported their perceived knowledge and practical experience for the competencies, helping to identify knowledge and skills gaps.
In addition, CaGBC tracked preferred learning approaches and available training and education to better understand what opportunities exist for upskilling around these zero carbon competencies.
The study found that barriers to zero carbon skills acquisition still exist. Further, it suggests that the building sector needs to prioritize the development of zero carbon building competencies – especially given that early decisions in the building process play a significant role in achieving a zero carbon building.
The study also highlights key considerations for education and training providers, accreditation and professional bodies, and policy decision-makers.
To review the detailed list of considerations, visit cagbc.org/upskill to access the report.
