Investing in Skills for a Green & Just Transition: Net-Zero Carbon Buildings in North America
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The discussion of "green skills" necessary for the transition to zero-carbon economies has long been part of the climate debate and it has been repeatedly reported that greening of the building sector in particular is held back by skill shortages. Whilst skills development is a national challenge in many countries, cities are developing ambitious climate action plans and therefore need investment in skills development to deliver zero carbon building and infrastructure. When national government is not meeting that challenge cities may need to find local solutions. Furthermore, C40 networks confirm that there is a high demand in cities for capable buildings professionals with up-to date knowledge in green building construction and practice and C40 cities recognise the need for support in investment in education and green jobs. With a building boom underway, especially in emerging markets, it becomes vital to respond to the need for skills if C40 member cities are to meet their climate targets.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way businesses do their work, the way countries and nations manage their resources and presented an opportunity for societies to reconsider behaviours towards the climate crisis. What is more, with building construction being labour-intensive, many governments that wish to stimulate employment during the crisis identify encouraging retrofitting of buildings for energy efficiency as "an activity that would simultaneously reduce carbon emissions, provide an economic payback in reduced energy consumption, and provide a significant boost to construction employment" (ILO, 2011).
Although the topic of mobilising funds for skills development has enjoyed great attention in the last decade, there is an insufficient literature produced to support cities in drawing inspiration on ways to fund and advocate for skills development relevant to Net Zero Carbon Buildings (NZCB). To use the recovery discourse and packages as an opportunity for upskilling and re-skilling building professionals and equipping them with new skills as ways to boost employment, C40 is currently accepting proposals to produce timely research paper on partnerships and investment in skills development for NZCB.
The objectives of this paper would be to:
1.Present and discuss successful funding models and innovative finance solutions for funding skills development for Net Zero Buildings worldwide & draw a list of key considerations for cities on the topic.
2.Use the momentum created by COVID-19 recovery packages worldwide to advocate for investment in green skills development in the building sector.
As such, the paper will be immensely valuable in making a stronger case for action and securing funding, while providing concrete examples of possible ways to fund skills development.
