This is the final article in a series examining the skills and competencies necessary for the construction sector to successfully transition to zero carbon by 2050. It summarises the themes and challenges identified by participants in a BRANZ industry workshop.
The workshop
The workshop, held in May 2023, drew on the expertise of representatives from across the construction sector to develop a pathway for the implementation of zero-carbon skills and competencies among builders, designers and architects.
The event helped to facilitate the coordination and collaboration needed across the sector to address challenges in developing skills and competencies for zero-carbon construction. These challenges were examined by the BRANZ research project Future of Work: What do we know, what do we need to know to transition to zero-carbon construction? BRANZ shared insights from the project during the workshop.
Three key themes emerged from the workshop discussions.
Establishing a clear path forward
To achieve a successful transition, there must be a shared and clear understanding of the skills and competencies required.
Workshop participants identified the need for a national standard for zero-carbon buildings as in Canada (see the first article in this series The future of work in Build 198) to simplify the design and construction of zero-carbon buildings. They also saw benefit in integrating zero-carbon knowledge into existing industry guidelines and standards such as NZS 3604 Timber-framed buildings.
Participants said success will rely on coordination and leadership across the sector, with agents of change needed. These are individuals or organisations (but not a new entity) with the power and influence to help drive the implementation of zero-carbon construction.
Creating a common language
Clear communication is critical.
A common language for talking about zero-carbon construction, especially its technical aspects, is essential to deliver a shared vision.
Participants agreed that language should be kept as simple as possible, making it accessible and recognisable to all. Language needs to be consistent, with terms and concepts broken down so they can be used and understood across all professional occupations within the sector.
Many participants cited ‘zero-carbon building’ as an example of a term that needs a clear and simple definition so it is universally understood.
Delivering zero-carbon skills
Aotearoa New Zealand’s construction sector is busy and diverse, so flexible methods of professional upskilling are needed.
Workshop participants suggested that zero-carbon training programmes should be visual, including short videos, or comprise ongoing interactive professional development initiatives so good practice can be seen and heard.
As builders respect what builders do, educators should be familiar with Aotearoa-specific case studies in zero-carbon construction. It was also felt that educators should have adequate technical support, resources and tools to facilitate practice and zero-carbon construction skills development.
Learning is a lifelong process. Apprentices are often motivated to engage with zero-carbon construction but it is important they also consider the practices of more experienced construction professionals. The high turnover in trades must also be addressed. Zero-carbon knowledge gaps will continue to occur if experienced workers keep leaving the sector, so how can they be encouraged to stay?
Next steps
Workshop participants discussed actions that could be prioritised by themselves and their organisations. The overall sentiment was that, although we are living in a climate and housing crisis with new homes needed, time must be taken to implement structural changes properly.
Participants said the next priorities should be educating the educators, creating zero-carbon best-practice case studies based in Aotearoa, addressing the high turnover in the sector and standardising building elements to support higher-performing zero-carbon design and performance.
Ongoing BRANZ research
BRANZ continues to undertake or invest in research aimed at assisting the construction sector to develop skills in zero-carbon construction.
With our research partners ConCOVE Tūhura, the Construction Sector Accord, BCITO and Waihanga Ara Rau, we are developing and testing small-scale professional learning initiatives centred on zero-carbon skills and competencies.
This work will identify key sources of zero-carbon advice in the sector and set the direction for implementing the expertise, knowledge and competencies needed for zero-carbon construction. Ultimately, it will accelerate zero-carbon skills development in the sector.
Ngā mihi to our workshop attendees who represented key organisations across the construction sector – Architectural Designers New Zealand, BCITO, ConCOVE Tūhura, Construction Sector Accord, Engineering NZ, Environmental Communications Ltd, LT McGuinness Ltd, MBIE Building for Climate Change, Ministry of Education, New Zealand Certified Builders, Registered Master Builders Association, Russell Group, Tennent Brown Architects, Waihanga Ara Rau and Waka Group Architecture.