EXCEL4HOUSING4.0
EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 is a four-year Erasmus+ initiative that establishes a European network of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) to drive the green and digital transition in the construction sector.
The project mobilises VET providers, universities, research centres, businesses, clusters, and public authorities across 10 EU countries and Ukraine to co-design training, innovation, and partnerships for energy-efficient, digital, and circular housing (“Housing 4.0”).
The project mobilises VET providers, universities, research centres, businesses, clusters, and public authorities across 10 EU countries and Ukraine to co-design training, innovation, and partnerships for energy-efficient, digital, and circular housing (“Housing 4.0”).
The Project
EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 is a four-year Erasmus+ initiative that establishes a European network of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) to drive the green and digital transition in the construction sector.
The project mobilises VET providers, universities, research centres, businesses, clusters, and public authorities across 10 EU countries and Ukraine to co-design training, innovation, and partnerships for energy-efficient, digital, and circular housing (“Housing 4.0”).
Our Vision
To create a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering net-zero buildings, deep energy renovations, digitalised processes, and circular economy practices in line with the European Green Deal, the Renovation Wave, and the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
Why it matters
Buildings use ~40% of Europe’s energy and are responsible for a large share of emissions. The renovated EPBD and the EU’s Renovation Wave set ambitious targets—making zero-emission new buildings the norm and accelerating deep renovations. Achieving this demands new skills, new curricula, and robust VET–industry cooperation across borders.
Thematic Pillars
W & Net-zero Buildings
Skills for sustainable construction and large-scale renovations
Digitalisation
BIM, digital twins, IoT, and smart building technologies
Circular Economy
Sustainable materials, circular design, and waste reduction
Key Activities
- Skills intelligence and labour market needs mapping
- A VET Training Academy for trainers and learners
- New modular VET programmes and micro-credentials (EQF 3–8)
- Stronger business–education partnerships
- The Energy Efficiency Finance & Training Competence Centre for long-term sustainability.Stronger business–education partnerships
- Awareness campaigns, workshops, podcasts, and EU-level dialogues.
Expected Impact
- A skilled workforce supporting the EU’s climate goals
- Modernised VET systems aligned with labour market demand
- Stronger SME and industry competitiveness through digital and green skills
- Increased attractiveness of VET careers in construction and energy efficiency
Results & Resources
Throughout its implementation, EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 will produce a rich portfolio of open resources and practical outputs.
These will be made publicly available in multiple languages.
Main Deliverables
Skills Intelligence Report
EU-wide labour market analysis, competence profiles, and best practice exchange
Curricula & Learning Resources
Modular training programmes and e-learning toolkits on net-zero buildings, BIM/digitalisation, and circular economy
Micro-credentials Framework
Pathways for flexible lifelong learning across EQF levels 3–8
VET Training Academy Resources
Training guides, mobility schemes, and peer learning materials
Business–Education Cooperation Models
Frameworks for cross-border partnerships, apprenticeships, and open innovation
Competence Centre Outputs
Funding models, ESG and EU Taxonomy guidance, and governance tools
Communication Products
Podcasts, infographics, newsletters, policy briefs, and the final “Lessons Learned” publication
Key Targets
250+ learners and staff in cross-border mobility.
20+ long-term business–education partnerships
30+ best practices exchanged
30 SMEs/startups supported
10 national workshops and an EU-level event reaching 5,000 learners
All resources will be accessible through the project website, ensuring transparency, transferability, and long-term impact.
Partnership
EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 brings together 24 partners from education, research, industry, and public sectors. The consortium covers the full innovation and skills ecosystem needed for Housing 4.0.
This transnational structure ensures knowledge transfer, upward convergence, and strong policy alignment, while also providing tailored support to Ukraine in harmonising with EU standards.
