Delivering Net Zero Carbon Buildings: The Role of Cities in Skills Development

The availability of skilled trades to retrofit and upgrade buildings is a major barrier for cities looking to scale up building decarbonisation. This means that the transition to net zero requires the recruitment of a new skilled workforce in the building industry, including by re-training existing workers. It is critical that the new training programmes provide equitable access and support a just transition.

Scius supported The Delphi Group in preparing a practical report and series of case studies for C40 Cities that explore how local governments can support skills training programmes in the building sector to accelerate the transition to net zero carbon buildings.

The project focussed on United States and Canadian cities and looked at how cities can bridge the gap between the building sector and skills training programs to accelerate the development of net zero-carbon buildings. Examining building training programs in a variety of cities, and the role the city plays in those programs, the report offered considerations that local governments can reference as they develop new initiatives. Programs that were studied encompassed a range of skills from those for entry-level workers, "upskilling" for existing workforce, and higher-level skills for those designing, engineering, and making the decisions to construct or renovate to net zero-carbon buildings.

Some programs identified were not directly or solely focused on net zero-carbon construction, but included training models that can offer lessons learned for those wishing to set up a new program. The report offers ideas for how cities may better understand the specific needs regarding construction training of communities in their jurisdiction, how to start the conversation and encourage buy-in and cooperation, incentivize training, assist with funding, promote programs, and support a just transition for disadvantaged populations or those adjusting their skillset away from high-carbon industries.

Download the report here.

Download the case studies here.