The EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 project officially launched with a two-day Kick-off Meeting held on 2–3 June 2025 in Brussels, bringing together partners from across Europe to initiate collaboration and set the foundations for the project’s implementation.
Hosted by EVBB – the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training, the meeting took place at the EVBB premises in Brussels and marked the beginning of a strong partnership dedicated to strengthening skills development and innovation in the energy-efficient and sustainable housing sector.
Bringing Together European Expertise
The Kick-off Meeting gathered representatives from the project consortium, including vocational education and training (VET) providers, universities, innovation organisations, and sectoral stakeholders. The meeting provided an important opportunity for partners to meet in person, align expectations, and discuss the project’s objectives, structure, and first implementation steps.
The first day opened with welcome remarks from EVBB, followed by a partner introduction roundtable, where consortium members shared their expertise and expectations for the project. This session helped establish a shared understanding of the partnership’s strengths and the collaborative approach required to achieve the project’s ambitious goals.
EVBB then presented the EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 project vision, objectives, and expected impact, outlining how the initiative aims to support the development of innovative training solutions for the construction and housing sector, with a particular focus on green skills, digitalisation, and circular economy practices.
A dedicated session also explored the Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) model, highlighting good practices and demonstrating how the project will contribute to strengthening excellence in vocational education and training across Europe.
Strengthening Collaboration and Planning the Work Ahead
The second day focused on operational planning and coordination. EVBB presented the project management and financial framework, ensuring that all partners clearly understood the governance structure, reporting obligations, and collaboration processes.
Communication and dissemination strategies were introduced by CEEC, outlining how the project will engage stakeholders, promote results, and raise awareness of skills development needs in the sustainable housing sector.
A key highlight of the meeting was the interactive work package co-planning sessions, where partners rotated between thematic working tables dedicated to the main work packages:
- WP2 – Labour Market Mapping and Skills Needs (AKMI)
- WP3 – Networking and Business-Education Partnerships (HABITECH)
- WP4 – Curriculum Development (University of Perugia)
- WP5 – [Implementation / innovation activities] (REGEA)
These sessions allowed partners to explore each work package in depth, discuss methodologies, clarify responsibilities, and identify opportunities for collaboration across tasks.
The meeting concluded with a presentation of the project timeline and key milestones for the first implementation phase, followed by a final discussion and feedback session.
Building Momentum for the EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 Initiative
Beyond the formal sessions, the Kick-off Meeting also provided valuable networking opportunities, including a joint event linked to the EVBB VET House Opening Ceremony and an evening networking event that strengthened relationships among partners.
The meeting successfully established the operational framework for the project and created strong momentum for the months ahead. With clear priorities, shared tools, and coordinated planning, the EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 consortium is now ready to begin implementing activities that will support innovation and skills development in the sustainable housing ecosystem across Europe. The project will continue to engage stakeholders, develop new training programmes, and foster collaboration between education providers and industry to address the evolving skills needs of the green transition.
