The construction industry has a critical shortage of green skills and trained individuals. This shortage affects the industry en masse, particularly the retrofitting industry.

Green skills are competencies specific to understanding and implementing environmental and sustainable practices across various industries. These skills are crucial in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change, promoting energy efficiency, and fostering sustainable development. From designing eco-friendly buildings and managing renewable energy projects to environmental consulting and beyond, green skills encompass a broad spectrum of expertise.

Green Skills and insulation

Insulation is a critical aspect of eco-friendly construction, as it significantly reduces energy consumption and carbon footprints of buildings. Professionals with green skills in this area are equipped to assess and implement the most effective insulation materials and strategies that not only conform to environmental standards but also enhance the overall energy efficiency of buildings.

Importance of insulation in sustainable building

1. Energy Efficiency: Proper insulation helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reducing the need for heating and cooling. This leads to lower energy consumption and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Material Selection: Green skills also involve selecting sustainable insulation materials. Materials like sheep’s wool, hemp, and recycled denim are considered eco-friendly alternatives to traditional fibreglass or foam insulations because they have lower levels of embodied energy and are often sourced from renewable or recycled sources.
3. Building Regulations and Standards: Specific standards dictate the levels of insulation required in new buildings to ensure energy efficiency. Green-skill professionals are needed to navigate these regulations and implement solutions that meet or exceed these standards.
4. Innovation and Technology: With ongoing advancements in building technologies, professionals with green skills are also at the forefront of applying innovative solutions, such as dynamic insulation materials that adjust their properties based on temperature or integrating insulation with smart home technologies to optimise energy use.

Training and education

Education and training for green skills in insulation typically cover areas like sustainable construction practices, energy management, and the use of environmentally friendly materials. Programs may range from formal degrees in sustainable architecture or environmental engineering to certifications in specific green building standards like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).

EWI Pro Training Academy

Our state-of-the-art Training Academy is designed to guide you through the expertise and technical know-how required to install EWI Pro systems proficiently. Our market-leading training modules offer a combination of both theoretical and practical training sessions to fully equip you with the knowledge and skills required for every project. Training offerings extend beyond the listed courses. With extended on-site support and training, the scope of our services is limitless. As such, we can also create and deliver bespoke training sessions, depending on the requirements.

While our current courses cover most of the industry, specific projects and certifications require extensive training and support. EWI Pro is ready to help you with those endeavours.

Is there a shortage of Green Skills?

The prevailing opinion is that there is a shortage. Despite the slow progress of sustainable and green building practices and the uptake of energy efficiency measures, the availability of skilled professionals is still a significant obstacle. The UK notoriously has the oldest housing stock in Europe, which is a significant problem for sustainability purposes.

A recent study by the University College of Estate Management (UCEM) found that 77% of industry professionals believe that their organisations would be disadvantaged without staff with sustainability skills. The survey also revealed that 88% of participants see sustainability skills as essential across all roles within the sector. Despite this, 78% of respondents reported a critical shortage of these skills, and 73% faced significant difficulties in recruiting builders with the necessary training in sustainability.