ILO highlights importance of skills development and occupational safety and health in the Renovation Wave for Europe
At an event in Brussels, the ILO underlined the need for action to boost skills development to advance the just transition in the construction sector in Europe.
24 April 2023
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BRUSSELS (ILO News) - The ILO participated in an online event focussing on skills and green jobs in construction in Europe, organized by the Just Transition Centre - ITUC and the European trade union federation for building and woodworkers (EFBWW). Both organizations presented the findings of their report on “Skills and quality jobs in construction”.
A Panel discussion entitled ‘How to make the Renovation Wave happen’ reflected on the Renovation Wave strategy, which is a key initiative of the European Green Deal. The aim of the renovation wave is to boost building renovation and improve energy efficiency in the construction sector.
The ILO underlined the need for timely and sizeable efforts to boost skills development in order to advance a just transition in the construction sector. The transition to environmental sustainability can potentially create millions of jobs, and can improve the attractiveness of the sector to future generations of women and men. The sector currently represents around seven per cent of total global employment, but is also one of the most carbon-intensive sectors, with carbon dioxide emissions representing some 40 per cent of global energy and process-related emissions.
The ILO has developed a guidance tool for Greening TVET and skills development, including in construction. The tool promotes the adoption of a systemic approach to promote TVET systems that can equip the current and future workforce with relevant skills for a just transition.
The renovation wave brings challenges from an occupational safety and health perspective. A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work. Improving OSH in construction is key also in view of the changes associated with green buildings.
The revised ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Construction takes into account new areas of the sector that require improved health and safety practices. “The code provides practical guidance throughout the construction project cycle to help employers and workers put prevention first, which is key to boosting the sector's productivity and employment potential,” concluded Estruch-Puertas. It includes provisions related to training as well as environmental sustainability, including in the context of natural disasters, extreme weather events and waste management.
A Panel discussion entitled ‘How to make the Renovation Wave happen’ reflected on the Renovation Wave strategy, which is a key initiative of the European Green Deal. The aim of the renovation wave is to boost building renovation and improve energy efficiency in the construction sector.
The ILO underlined the need for timely and sizeable efforts to boost skills development in order to advance a just transition in the construction sector. The transition to environmental sustainability can potentially create millions of jobs, and can improve the attractiveness of the sector to future generations of women and men. The sector currently represents around seven per cent of total global employment, but is also one of the most carbon-intensive sectors, with carbon dioxide emissions representing some 40 per cent of global energy and process-related emissions.
There is an increasing demand for skilling, reskilling and upskilling in view of the adoption of greener practices in construction. It is also important to invest in transforming technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions at the national level.A human-centred approach is crucial to ensure that the efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings generate employment, promote decent work and strengthen local businesses"
said Elisenda Estruch-Puertas, Specialist in the ILO’s Sectoral Policies Department.
The ILO has developed a guidance tool for Greening TVET and skills development, including in construction. The tool promotes the adoption of a systemic approach to promote TVET systems that can equip the current and future workforce with relevant skills for a just transition.
The renovation wave brings challenges from an occupational safety and health perspective. A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work. Improving OSH in construction is key also in view of the changes associated with green buildings.
The revised ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Construction takes into account new areas of the sector that require improved health and safety practices. “The code provides practical guidance throughout the construction project cycle to help employers and workers put prevention first, which is key to boosting the sector's productivity and employment potential,” concluded Estruch-Puertas. It includes provisions related to training as well as environmental sustainability, including in the context of natural disasters, extreme weather events and waste management.