What kind of expertise is needed for low energy construction

TY - CHAP

T1 - What kind of expertise is needed for low energy construction

AU - Clarke, Linda

AU - Gleeson, Colin

AU - Winch, Christopher

PY - 2016/9

Y1 - 2016/9

N2 - Three possible transition pathways to an energy efficient future-market-based, ecological modernisation, and radical transformation-are considered for the construction industry, responsible for 40% of European Union (EU) end-use emissions. Considerable obstacles to achieving low energy construction (LEC) are evident in the UK, including: A performance gap between design intention and on-site energy performance; sharp occupational interfaces where the main heat losses occur; declines in the level, breadth and quality of construction vocational education and training (VET); and the lack of a learning infrastructure on sites. Near zero energy building (nZEB) is very different from traditional forms, requiring greater 'thermal literacy' of all construction occupations, higher qualification levels, broader occupational profiles, integrated team working rather than self-employment and extended subcontracting chains, and better communication given the complex work processes involved. The required expertise is relative to the transition pathway adopted and in the UK a radical transformation of the existing structure of VET provision and of employment is needed for trainees and the workforce to acquire enhanced understanding of LEC, based on a broader concept of agency and backed up by rigorous enforcement of standards.

AB - Three possible transition pathways to an energy efficient future-market-based, ecological modernisation, and radical transformation-are considered for the construction industry, responsible for 40% of European Union (EU) end-use emissions. Considerable obstacles to achieving low energy construction (LEC) are evident in the UK, including: A performance gap between design intention and on-site energy performance; sharp occupational interfaces where the main heat losses occur; declines in the level, breadth and quality of construction vocational education and training (VET); and the lack of a learning infrastructure on sites. Near zero energy building (nZEB) is very different from traditional forms, requiring greater 'thermal literacy' of all construction occupations, higher qualification levels, broader occupational profiles, integrated team working rather than self-employment and extended subcontracting chains, and better communication given the complex work processes involved. The required expertise is relative to the transition pathway adopted and in the UK a radical transformation of the existing structure of VET provision and of employment is needed for trainees and the workforce to acquire enhanced understanding of LEC, based on a broader concept of agency and backed up by rigorous enforcement of standards.

KW - Expertise

KW - Labour

KW - Low energy construction

KW - Transition pathways

KW - Vocational education and training

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84991694229&partnerID=8YFLogxK

M3 - Conference paper

AN - SCOPUS:84991694229

SP - 383

EP - 392

BT - Proceedings of the 32nd Annual ARCOM Conference, ARCOM 2016

PB - Association of Researchers in Construction Management

T2 - 32nd Annual Association of Researchers in Construction Management Conference, ARCOM 2016

Y2 - 5 September 2016 through 7 September 2016

ER -