Carbon Experts Academy
Basic information
Project Title
Carbon Experts Academy
Full project title
One Click LCA Carbon Experts Academy
Category
Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Project Description
Reaching Net Zero Carbon by 2050 is a crucial but challenging goal for the EU. The construction and manufacturing industry has a skill gap that slows down decarbonisation. This is why we created the One Click LCA Academy where we upskill thousands of professionals on how to decarbonise buildings, infrastructure and products. In 2023 to date, 13 460 individuals have educated themselves in our platform. We aim to train 1 million by 2030 to power the makers of a zero carbon future.
Geographical Scope
National
Project Region
Finland
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
The One Click LCA Academy was created to provide free Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Embodied Carbon Assessment education to those involved in the construction industry. Buildings and infrastructure are responsible for the vast majority of the global annual carbon emissions either in the form of material embodied carbon or emissions related to operational energy consumption. The aim of the project is to provide free training to the hundreds of thousands of professionals in the construction and manufacturing industry that are needed to drive the decarbonisation of the construction sector. To achieve a net zero carbon economy we need to start acting immediately. Engineers and Architects must integrate LCA in their design process as a way to design more circular and low carbon buildings and as a way to push the manufacturing sector to reduce the carbon footprint of their products. The manufacturing sector must realise that the the decarbonisation of the constructions sector and our economy is highly dependent on the decarbonisation of the manufacturing process and products. These are some key learning objectives along with the technical and more practical objectives of the live and on demand courses offered in our Academy. The Academy was established in 2022. In the first months of 2023 we trained 13 460 individuals. In order to make a significant impact in the construction industry decarbonisation we have an aspirational goal of training 1 million people by 2030 which is based on the expected demand for skilled professionals that will be driven by the updated EPBD and other EU policies on the subject.
Key objectives for sustainability
The key objective of the project is to upskill professionals in the construction and manufacturing industry that will drive the decarbonisation of the construction industry. Our Academy is now up and running already training thousands of people each year, we have the right systems, processes and human resources to meet our long term objectives.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Our Academy is being maintained by a mixed group of subject matter experts and graphic designers to ensure that it is aesthetically appealing to its users. In addition we are developing content in multiple languages as well to overcome the language barrier when users are not fluent in English.
Key objectives for inclusion
The training platform is available for free to all users and provides essential training on the subject, regardless of the software tools being used by the students. In addition it includes course for various levels of expertise and different disciplines and positions e.g. Architects, Infrastructure Engineers, City and Government Officers etc
Results in relation to category
Through this project we have trained 13 460 individuals in 2023 to date and have set the foundations to train hundreds of thousands of professionals by 2030.
How Citizens benefit
The project will create significant benefits for citizens in the EU but also across the world via enabling construction and manufacturing professionals to reduce their projects and products carbon emissions and educating those in governmental positions on the policies and regulations that can be implemented to drive the carbon emissions of the construction sector down.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
The innovation of this project is that it is the only platform that provides free and high quality educational content in the subject of construction decarbonisation at this scale and by a globally recognised brand.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
For the implementation of this project subject matter experts formed the foundation by defining the future training needs of the construction industry and for continuously creating and updating the educational content of the offered courses. In addition, Marketers are continuously being involved for the promotion of the courses across different regions and sectors, while graphic designers and UX specialists are ensuring that platform and courses are remaining aesthetically appealing to the users.
Methodology used
First we did an assessment of the required professionals for the global community to reach our climate goals by 2050. Then we identified the groups of people that should be prioritised in terms of content creation. The platform and systems were built and the organisation invested heavily in human resources required to develop and maintain this free training resource.
How stakeholders are engaged
The Academy is the result of thought leadership in the subject of construction decarbonisation. Prior to this, One Click LCA was involved in multiple research projects either self funded or funded by the EU, foundations and NGOs. Examples include the work done for the Ministry of Housing of Norway, the ministry of Environment of Finland and work funded by the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance.
Global challenges
The global challenge this project is addressing is the climate crisis and the shortage of skills in the construction industry to enable its decarbonisation. The Academy provides courses in various languages and content that is relevant for various LCA methodologies, policies and regulations across the world.
Learning transferred to other parties
The entire project can be easily replicated by any other organisation or institution who is willing to invest in the free education and upskilling of the construction industry.
Keywords
Education
Decarbonisation
Construction
Manufacturing
LCA
