New Project Drives Europe’s Green and Digital Transition in the Construction Sector
EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 is a new four‑year Erasmus+ initiative aimed at strengthening Europe’s skills base in sustainable and digitalised construction. The project is establishing a European network of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) that will jointly accelerate the development of energy‑efficient, digital, and circular housing solutions – collectively referred to as “Housing 4.0”.
The initiative brings together vocational education providers, universities and higher education institutions, research centres, companies, cluster organisations, and public actors from ten EU countries as well as Ukraine. Together, they will develop education, innovation, and partnerships that respond to the rapidly evolving needs of the construction sector. From Finland, Novia participates alongside Yrkesakademin i Österbotten, Merinova, the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), and Folkuniversitetet, forming the North European Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE North Europe).
Strengthening Skills to Support EU Climate Goals
The project contributes to securing a skilled workforce capable of supporting the European Union’s climate and sustainability objectives. By modernising vocational education systems and aligning them more closely with current and future labour market needs, EXCEL4HOUSING4.0 aims to enhance the competitiveness and innovation capacity of small and medium‑sized enterprises as well as the wider industry. At the same time, the project seeks to increase the attractiveness of vocational education and career pathways in construction and energy efficiency.
Open European Innovation Programme Launched
As part of the initiative, a European open innovation programme has been launched to connect companies, education providers, research organisations, and public actors with innovative digital, circular, and energy‑efficient solutions developed across Europe. Through a short survey, organisations can easily share their needs while gaining early insight into relevant technologies and ideas.
Read more about the innovation programme in the project brochure.
For information please contact
- Novia UAS, Lecturer Tuuli Kunnas, tuuli.kunnas@novia.fi