Deep energy retrofits demand a comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders, needing specialized training for professionals and technicians to bridge knowledge gaps and implement sustainable construction methods effectively. Equally critical is the education of future architects, engineers, and builders, instilling a mindset prioritizing energy efficiency and sustainability. 

UPGREAT addressed these challenges by organizing seminars and workshops, complemented by the development of educational materials. The seminars cover topics ranging from air-tightness to mechanical ventilation, empowering participants with practical insights and skills. A recent report assessing trainee perceptions highlights the effectiveness of UPGREAT's training, with the majority finding it beneficial and adequately preparing them for energy-efficient renovations. 

The EUKI project UPGREAT, led by the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) in partnership with the Hellenic Passive House Institute (HPHI), the Cyprus Energy Agency (CEA), and Da-Di-Werk Gebäudemanagement, is a driving force in advancing education on sustainable building practices. It addresses existing gaps between theory and practice, as well as the shortage of technical expertise among construction industry stakeholders who will soon be tasked with upgrading buildings for energy efficiency.

Beyond seminars, UPGREAT engages with municipal officials and engineers, spurring interest in energy upgrades for school buildings. The project's impact extends to ongoing retrofit projects and future endeavors, emphasizing the necessity of collaborative efforts and continuous education to realize a sustainable built environment.

To disseminate the project's goals effectively, NKUA, HPHI, and CEA organized a series of 18 seminars and live workshops. Prior to these events, the implementers underwent rigorous training at the Passive House Institute in Darmstadt, Germany, to refine their ability to deliver insightful training courses on the subject matter. Additionally, facilitated by Da-Di-Werk, they embarked on case study visits to school buildings in the broader Darmstadt-Dieburg region, showcasing exemplary achievements in high energy-efficient standards post-renovation.

These immersive case studies not only provided invaluable insights for the trainers but also shed light on hidden gaps within the energy retrofit process that often impede the realization of optimal energy efficiency standards. With a turnout of 658 seminar attendees, this collective knowledge was skillfully imparted to empower participants in Greece and Cyprus with the tools and understanding needed to drive sustainable change in their respective spheres.

Photo: Dr. Oliver Ottinger, Da-Di-Werk, describing the energy renovation measures undertaken for a school retrofit in the wider Darmstadt area, Germany. @Vasileios Ntouros

In both countries, UPGREAT’s seminars, accompanied by the relevant educational material developed for the Total Training Toolkit, encompassed a diverse array of topics relevant to deep energy renovations:

• In the Airtightness session, participants received insights and practiced techniques on mockups under trainer guidance. 

• In the Materials & Systems seminar, attendees explored popular insulation materials and learned about creating effective thermal envelopes for buildings, emphasizing proper placement for continuous insulation, airtightness, and thermal bridge elimination. 

• The Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) & Heat Pumps seminar provided a deep dive into integrating MVHR and Heat Pump systems with Passive Buildings, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their functionality. During the on-site MVHR Installation session, participants observed firsthand the installation process in a building undergoing retrofitting, gaining practical insights. In the Live Blowerdoor Test segment, attendees witnessed a crucial step in the certification of Passive Buildings, determining their airtightness. 

  Finally, site visits offered participants the chance to observe real-time progress at construction sites.

Photo: Mock ups of an insulated wall (back) and a window frame being inspected by trainees in a seminar organised by CEA in Cyprus. @Vasileios Ntouros

A recent report assessing the perceptions of trainees who attended the training seminars and analyzing their readiness levels for energy renovations has been publicly released. This report includes an analysis based on a survey conducted at the end of the seminars to examine participants' perceptions of the usefulness and adequacy of UPGREAT's training, as well as their readiness to recognize practice errors and other relevant aspects. The results reveal that the training was highly regarded, with 85% of respondents finding it beneficial in enhancing their understanding and skills in the built environment. This underscores the importance of continuing to invest in quality training programs that offer tangible benefits to participants. Additionally, the majority of respondents (83%) rated their training as adequately preparing them for implementing energy-efficient renovations. This indicates the effectiveness of the training program in equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful renovation projects.

Besides the seminars, UPGREAT was also presented to municipality officials in Greece and Cyprus who are directly involved with energy upgrades of school units. Officials from the city of Trikala and other greek municipalities expressed such keen interest that they sought HPHI's assistance in conducting technical studies and transforming district schools into energy-efficient buildings adhering to the Passivhaus standard. Furthermore, discussions are currently underway to build and retrofit school buildings in Didimoticho. Additionally, several engineers who participated in UPGREAT’s seminars expressed interest in applying the knowledge acquired to their own projects, particularly for school retrofits such as in the city of Xanthi, Greece.

Dimitris Pallantzas, Head of Education at HPHI, mentioned that 'Deep energy renovations cannot be realised by a single click. A holistic approach with different stakeholders involved is the only way to upgrade the quality of the buildings and deliver the results the EU is aiming for. Training is a key aspect in that process and through the UPGREAT project we had the chance to create new course material and train different types of stakeholders on Passive House Buildings as well as focus on the best possible retrofit results for schools.'

UPGREAT’s journey doesn't end here; it evolves into a continuous effort to foster awareness, share knowledge, and advocate for transformative practices, ensuring a lasting impact on the construction sector and the broader vision of a greener, more sustainable world.