Buildup Skills Malta Contract number: IEE/12/BWI/455-SI Project duration: 18 months June 1012 – December 2013

Efficient energy entails renewal energy sources and improved energy efficiency of buildings. These require careful design of buildings and building services as well as the appropriate installations of services and finishes. One aspect of efficient energy which is often overlooked are the skills required to derive the best results from energy efficiency measures and from renewable energy sources. The Project focuses on skills. What is required to improve energy efficient skills of technical and professional personnel in the building industry? In the first instance, an understanding of the current situation is required. A status quo report is being prepared to enable the project partners understand the weakness and strengths of the industry in relation to energy efficiency as well as skill deficiencies.. Project Summary (1)

The project also brings together many stakeholders who have an interest in energy efficient buildings and who in some way may could contribute so that skills deficiencies can be addressed. The stakeholder are brought together into a platform for which regular meetings are organised. Stakeholders are also consulted in particular for the drafting of the national Status Quo report. The main deliverable of the Project will be a Roadmap which will provide for vocational training to upgrade building industry skills on renewal energy sources and improved energy efficiency of buildings. Project Summary (2)

Efficient energy use is one of Malta’s main current concerns, especially in light of the 2020 energy targets. Also, recent surveys indicate that more efficient use of energy is amongst the top three priorities of the Maltese public as a means of overcoming the economic crisis. During the past 30 years the building industry has focused on maximising space and aesthetics, in many cases overlooking the importance of the building’s energy performance. Newly built buildings are presently being designed and built to meet the minimum requirements set out in Document F of Directive 2009/91/CE. By 2012 Malta will have the Recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in place which will set zero energy building targets. This scenario represents a significant change in the knowledge required by site workers. There is a need to be familiar with new materials and new systems/installations and to have sufficient knowledge to help clients make the right purchasing decisions. Background (1)

There are very few certified training schemes in the construction industry with workers normally learning the skills on the job. Currently, the only certification required according to law is a mason’s license to build the house and a license to install electrical systems. A system for the certification of installers of photo-voltaic installations and solar water heaters is being implemented and courses have been ongoing at MCAST and UOM since March The project aims to address these challenges through the development of a national qualifications platform leading to a roadmap to upgrade relevant skills for the building industry in Malta. The overall objective of the national roadmap is to embed training on intelligent energy solutions for buildings in the mainstream curricula and practice of building professionals, taking into account the expected contribution of the building sector to the national 2020 targets and the requirements for ‘nearly zero energy buildings’. Background (2)

The setting-up of a national qualifications platform for the various professions (of mainly on-site workers) in the Malta building industry to bring all relevant stakeholders together. The platform is meant to go beyond the lifespan of the project. Analysis of the national status quo to identify educational and training needs in the building sector by The development and endorsement of a national qualifications roadmap for achievement of the 2020 energy targets as regards continuing education and training of the workforce in the building sector. The resulting project roadmap will provide for vocational training to upgrade building industry skills on renewal energy sources and improved energy efficiency of buildings. Active participation and knowledge transfer in European exchange activities. Objectives

Contact details of the coordinator Building Industry Consultative Council, Block A, Francesco Buanamici Street, Floriana Telephone: Buildup Skills Malta