Construction Blueprint publishes the first results of the project, which consists of the analysis of political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental factors affecting the construction industry
One of the main task of Construction Blueprint is the analysis of several external factor that may affect the sector and its transformation. This objective was developed through an «Analysis PESTLE Report», in which studies political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental factors that influences the future of the sector and its training.
This analysis is based on a sociological research model established by partners, which has helped to describe the Status Quo Report and the Sectoral Skills Strategy. Some of the key conclusions of this report are detailed below:
Political factors:
- A stable and forward-looking political framework is crucial to ensure the sustainability of the construction industry.
- Long-term political goals should be accompanied by appropriate funding/financing. Also, supportive policies aimed at increasing investment in research and development are needed, especially in the field of digitalisation, the circular economy and energy efficiency.
- Although sustainable construction is generally on the political agenda of Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Slovenia and Spain. This policies should focus on energy-efficiency, infrastructure resilience, climate change, circular economy.
- Public policies need to ensure that the education system provides the right skills to address labour market demands.
- Attracting young people to construction is one of the main problem of the sector.
Economic factors:
- The main competitiveness factors for construction companies are efficiency, the labour market, human capital, a skilled workforc, technological and methodological knowhow.
- The involvement of all stakeholders will strengthen the image of the sector.
- Education and training require increased financial support to face the challenges arising from the transformation of the sector (digitalisation, environmental concerns).
- There is a need to mobilise private financing for energy efficiency and renewable sources of energy in buildings.
- The introduction of more flexible administrative and fiscal procedures for construction works would make renovation more attractive.
Social factors:
- More efforts are needed to develop effective tools to anticipate future skills.
- Vocational and Educational Training (VET) systems should be more responsive to the changing needs of the labour market.
- All stakeholders should take part in improving the image of the sector through campaigns. For that, the role of school teachers was crucial to attract young people.
- Systems should be redesigned to be based more on the recognition of the experience acquired in building sites rather than on official certification.
- The ongoing developments in terms of digitalisation, energy efficiency and the circular economy will improve the sectoral image, which should attract more women.
Technological factors:
- Digitalisation and automation of processes in the construction sector is an essential component of the professional field of modern construction.
- Public funding plays an important role in the development and implementation of new technology and know-how.
- Implement BIM on the building sites is fundamental to achieve a modern industry. In addition, for SMEs is essential to finance digitalisation.
- The development and success of appropriate online platforms accessible to all worker profiles could contribute to a systematic updating of skills and knowledge that is necessar to adapt to the transformation of the construction industry.
- New materials will have a greater impact in the development of more sustainable and greener buildings.
Legal factors:
- We have found out some legal differences on Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Slovenia and Spain. Some countries did not see any need for special measures while others considered legislation to still be important to achieve targets in the field of the circular economy and energy efficiency.
- VET was underlined as an important factor concerning the transposition of Energy Efficiency in Buildings Directives.
- Public Authorities have to play an important role in the field of energy efficiency and the circular economy.
- It has been stated that one of the main obstacles to sustainable construction and demolition waste management is the lack of standardisation and traceability for recycled materials and re-used products.
- Blending grants with financial instruments and tax incentives has been recommended of boosting energy efficient renovation and circular economy.
Environmental factors:
- Building Renovation Passports are seen as useful tools to accelerate the retrofitting of the existing building stock.
- Strict legislation is one way to prevent Do It Yourself (DIY) and unprofessional installations in construction.
- Efficient water management is a key topic in the whole life cycle of buildings.
- In the field of the circular economy, legislation differs, so make it more complex to reuse construction materials.
- Updating the current training model is crucial to increase the sustainability of the built environment.