Life SKEMA is at the heart of EPC’s participation in the 17th BUILD UP Skills European Exchange Meeting, dedicated to skills and training for the green and digital transition of buildings in Europe. Buildings account for approximately 40% of the European Union’s energy consumption and 36% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving Europe’s climate and energy goals will therefore require significant efforts to retrofit existing buildings, improve energy efficiency, and accelerate the deployment of renewable, smart, and digital energy technologies.
This transformation is not only a technological challenge. It also requires new professional skills capable of supporting the construction sector towards more sustainable, integrated and digitalised models. In particular, the deployment of heat pumps, renewable energy systems, smart building technologies and advanced energy management solutions will require properly trained installers and technicians. According to the European Commission, 750,000 new installers will be needed to support the deployment of heat pumps, while at least 50% of existing installers will need to update their skills.
Life SKEMA: training for Smart and Green Installers
It is within this context that the Life SKEMA project is positioned. Co-funded under the LIFE Clean Energy Transition programme, the project aims to develop innovative training pathways and qualification schemes for a new generation of Smart and Green Installers.
Life SKEMA focuses on the development of technical, digital and green skills needed to support the transformation of the European building sector. The objective is to prepare professionals who are able to understand and manage the different energy technologies installed in buildings in an integrated way, helping to maximise overall performance and support the transition towards sustainable, efficient and smart buildings.
EPC at the 17th BUILD UP Skills European Exchange Meeting
As the partner responsible for communication activities within the Life SKEMA project, EPC participated in the 17th BUILD UP Skills European Exchange Meeting, held in Brussels on 21 and 22 April 2026, together with project partners ENAIP and OFICINA.
The event brought together representatives of the European Commission, training providers, industrial organisations, sectoral associations and several EU-funded projects working to bridge the skills gap in the construction sector.
Life SKEMA was among the LIFE Clean Energy Transition projects invited to present its objectives and the training programme developed within the project. Participation in the meeting represented an important opportunity to share experiences, engage with other European initiatives and strengthen collaboration with the BUILD UP Skills community.
Green and digital skills for the transition of the building sector
The 17th BUILD UP Skills European Exchange Meeting confirmed the central role of skills in the energy transition of the building sector. Discussions focused on key topics including:
- the shortage of qualified labour;
- vocational and technical training;
- qualification and skills recognition schemes;
- innovative training methodologies;
- the growing demand for installers specialised in renewable energy technologies, building automation and digital energy management.
These topics are fully aligned with the mission of Life SKEMA, which aims to strengthen the preparation of installers and technicians operating in a rapidly evolving market.
European networking and exchange of good practices
For EPC, participation in the event represented a valuable opportunity for networking and knowledge exchange. Over the two days, the Life SKEMA team interacted with organisations and projects from across Europe, sharing experiences and identifying possible areas for future collaboration.
The BUILD UP Skills initiative has contributed to the creation of a unique Community of Practice dedicated to skills for energy efficiency and building sustainability. This space for exchange enables stakeholders to share knowledge and experiences, learn from established good practices and collaborate to address common challenges.
These exchanges are essential to ensure that training programmes remain aligned with market needs, technological developments and European objectives in the fields of energy, climate and digitalisation.
EPC and Life SKEMA: a shared commitment to the future of buildings in Europe
EPC returns from Brussels with new knowledge, new connections and renewed determination to contribute to the development of the skills needed to achieve Europe’s green and digital objectives.
Through Life SKEMA, EPC will continue to work with European partners to prepare installers and technicians for the challenges and opportunities of the sustainable and smart buildings of the future.
For more information about the BUILD UP Skills initiative, please visit the official website:
https://build-up.ec.europa.eu/en/home
To learn more about the LIFE programme and the Clean Energy Transition sub-programme:
https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/life_en
Follow the Life SKEMA journey
Website: https://lifeskema.eu/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/111103893/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/life.skema/
