Project results

The NS4nZEBs project is creating a new training ecosystem to help professionals in the building sector gain the skills needed for a climate-neutral Europe. From photovoltaic systems to hydrogen, from heat pumps to smart energy—our results are shaping the future of construction skills.
Here’s what we’ve achieved so far.

1. What the Industry Needs: Insights from 300+ Experts

Our Europe-wide skills gap analysis engaged:

• 18 round tables
• 224+ survey participants
• 300+ companies, training providers, policymakers

Key insights:

• Urgent need for certified training in RES and NZEB fields
• Strong demand for digital, flexible, profession-specific content
• Barriers include inconsistent terminology and fragmented national systems

2. Next-Gen e-Learning for Green Building Skills

We're building a fully digital, interactive training environment that combines the best of virtual learning with real-world applications:

• Learning Management System (LMS) tailored to building sector professionals
  
• Interactive virtual labs for hands-on learning
  
• Microlearning: quizzes, video content, and serious games
  
• Learner tracking and feedback tools (quiz systems, satisfaction surveys)
  
• Aligned with EQAVET and ISO 21001 for quality assurance
  

This digital platform will provide flexible, self-paced learning—perfect for both newcomers and seasoned professionals.

D3.3 Training methods - IN PROGRESS

D4.1 Developed training materials - in progress

3. Tailored Curricula for Every Green Building Role

We developed 9 modular curricula aligned with real-world professional needs and mapped to EQF Levels 3–7, covering:

• Architects
  
• Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (HVAC)
  
• Installers (Electric, HVAC, PV)
  

Each curriculum includes:

• Common transversal modules (e.g., energy management, soft skills)
  
• Profession-specific modules
  
• Adaptability to national contexts
  
• Ready for hybrid and digital delivery
  

D3.1 Professional Qualifications

read the full report

D3.2 Curricula and certification schemes

Read the full report

4. Certify your Skills: Recognition That Travels

We’ve created 9 certification schemes based on ISO 17024, supporting:

• Full professional certification
• Partial recognition via micro-credentials
• Use of ECVET credits and Europass Certificate Supplements

What this means for you:

• Proof of skills that’s valid across the EU
• Support for lifelong learning and workforce mobility
• Clear, structured pathways for career development

5. Comprehensive Training Kits - All in One Brochure

​We have developed a full set of modular, multilingual training materials tailored to different professional roles in the building sector--architects, engineers, and installers—as part of our mission to prepare the workforce for nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEBs).
To support Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers and professionals, we have created a dedicated brochure featuring a detailed overview of the 13 key training modules developed within the project. These modules cover the most relevant technical and transversal skills needed for the energy transition in buildings.
13 Key Training Modules:

1. Introduction, EU policies & national legislation
2. Energy efficiency & nZEB concepts
3. Photovoltaics
4. Solar thermal systems
5. Heat pumps
6. Ventilation & smart ventilation
7. Storage systems & hydrogen integration
8. Energy management
9. Energy communities
10. Organizational & financial aspects
11. Entrepreneurship & working with clients
12. Soft skills
13. Digital skills & AI

Each module is designed to be flexible, stackable, and adaptable across six EU countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Ukraine).

6. Upskilling the Frontline: Trainer and Professional Pilots

​To ensure widespread use of our materials, we’re launching a Train-the-Trainer cascade:

• 48 trainers trained across 6 countries
• Starting September 2025
• Trainers in electrical, HVAC, and architectural fields

Then, from March 2026, we’ll pilot six national training programs:

• 360+ professionals to be trained
• Certification upon completion
• Online and hybrid formats to reach wide audiences