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The Future of Work: Upskilling for zero-carbon construction

Our work aims to equip the industry with the resources, knowledge and abilities to make effective zero-carbon decisions.

About the Future of Work programme

Zero-carbon thinking must happen at every step of construction; from the decision around whether to repair or rebuild, to design and material selection, onsite waste practices, how the building will be used, and final deconstruction/demolition.

The Future of Work programme seeks to create a plan for developing zero-carbon construction expertise across the industry.

It is co-funded by ConCOVE and delivered in partnership with Waihanga Ara Rau and the Construction Sector Accord.

Phase one: What do we need to know to transition to zero carbon?

This was the first research to look at the existing state of zero-carbon construction knowledge in Aotearoa New Zealand, and was completed in September 2023.

It includes a nationwide survey of people from the workforce, construction companies, professional associations, training organisations and government departments, backed up by more than 50 in-depth interviews.

Using these insights, the team has identified core zero-carbon skills and how these skills could best be developed and shared across the industry.

Phase two: Accelerate skills development for zero-carbon construction

Since September 2023 we have been turning these insights into action. The researchers have been co-creating and prototyping a series of zero-carbon mentoring and upskilling initiatives, alongside practical guidance, resources and toolkits.

In partnership with ConCOVE Tūhura, BCITO, Waihanga Ara Rau and other industry and government stakeholders, initiatives are being trialled, tested and evaluated. BRANZ is completing two research reports based on in-depth interviews with builders/trades and architects/designers. We will publish in 2025 some competency profiles to assist industry. BRANZ is also working on an Introduction to Sustainable Construction e-learning module.

Ultimately, the programme will create practical and relevant learning pathways for people across the industry to better deliver zero-carbon construction.

  • Workshop report

    The Future of Work: Towards a pathway for the implementation of zero carbon construction skills and competencies within Aotearoa New Zealand.

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  • The Future of Work: Build article part 1

    The first article in a series examining what knowledge, skills and competencies the building and construction industry requires to transition to zero-carbon construction.

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  • The Future of Work: Build article part 2

    The second article in a series exploring early findings and results from the nationwide industry survey.

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  • The Future of work: Build article part 3

    This third article in a series reviewing the challenges, skills and competencies and perceptions of the industry to support the transition to zero-carbon construction.

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Ngā mihi to our Future of Work collaborators:

Key partners

Supporters

Updated: 3 June 2025