ETF GRETA Greening of VET
On 21st November, the ETF Network for Excellence and its global green VET partnership GRETA – Greening Responses to Excellence through Thematic Actions – organised a session with focus on advancing climate goals through skills development in the construction and renewable energy sectors, relating to COP29 in Baku.
The construction sector is responsible for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions, but adopting sustainable building practices could reduce emissions by 50% within five years. Renewable energy, especially wind and solar, accounts for 75% of new energy capacity, helping to prevent 250 million tons of CO₂ emissions.
The International Renewable Energy Agency – IRENA – estimates that the renewable energy sector will need 11.2 million additional skilled workers by 2030. Similarly, over 50% of construction firms are already struggling to find workers skilled in green building techniques, which could delay critical projects aimed at reducing emissions.
Addressing these skills gaps is essential for achieving global climate targets and driving a low-carbon economy. Furthermore, boosting workforce mobility and efficient frameworks for recognition of prior learning (RPL) can enable faster skill transfer, helping workers quickly upskill for green roles and supporting a more adaptable workforce.
The event included insights from a large number of contributors: UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre on global climate targets; European Environment Agency on moving forward in just, sustainable transitions and UNESCO UNEVOC and BIBB BILT Expert Group sharing practices on RPL. In addition, the role of CoVEs in skills development and just transition was presented, showcasing practices from Ukraine, Moldova and Serbia. Also, insights from Erasmus+ project SHINE on skills for renewable energy sector in African countries and discussions on policy frameworks for a sustainable, skilled workforce, were presented.
In its address, the ERI SEE shared its activities within the green sector, particularly around the topics covered under the Renewable Energy Services in Education and Training (RESET) project funded by GIZ and implemented by ERI SEE, as well as recommendations on joining education and the green agenda.
More about the event can be found here. More about the GRETA initiative can be found here
