From 2014 to 2020, only 0.7% of the total building stock was renovated annually. In Croatia, energy-inefficient buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions, with 30% of buildings falling into the category of buildings with the poorest energy performance. By intensifying energy renovations of existing buildings and constructing new nZEB (nearly Zero-Energy Buildings), energy consumption and CO2 emissions in the construction sector could be significantly reduced, thereby positively contributing to Croatia’s and EU’s energy and climate goals by 2030. Croatia needs a skilled workforce in new technologies, innovative renovation/construction methods, building standards, application of new materials in construction, implementation of digitalization in the construction process, and other factors affecting the achievement of decarbonization goals in the construction sector.

The aim of the CRO skills RELOAD project is to re-establish the National Qualification Platform and develop national guidelines for achieving national energy and climate goals. The project will bring together all stakeholders in the renovation process, including investors, end-users, material and equipment manufacturers, contractors, designers, energy service providers, future nZEB experts – students, with the aim of adopting nZEB standards and sustainable construction as key drivers for achieving decarbonization goals, with a special emphasis on the importance of education and lifelong learning. The project will build upon and enhance the results of previous BuildUP initiatives.

The role of the Croatian Green Building Council within this project encompasses leading and organizing national meetings and discussions during the development of the National Roadmap. The Croatian Green Building Council specializes in organizing such events and plans to integrate some meetings of the National Qualification Platform (NQP) with theme-related events to encourage networking among key stakeholders and potential new members.

Furthermore, the role of the Croatian Green Building Council is to raise awareness about the benefits of nZEB skills among relevant stakeholders and target groups to improve the quality of new and renovated buildings, as well as to disseminate project results and ensure their sustainable use beyond the project duration.