Project Summary

Challenge

The construction industry faces a significant shortage of low carbon skills at a time when demand for sustainable construction is increasing rapidly. As Scotland moves towards its 2045 Net Zero target, the sector requires a workforce capable of delivering energy-efficient buildings, low carbon construction methods and enhanced building performance standards. However, employers across the supply chain continue to report capability gaps that risk slowing progress towards Net Zero ambitions.

This challenge is being compounded by planned changes to building regulations, increasing investment in sustainable housing, and the growing adoption of Passivhaus and equivalent standards. Major contractors and their supply chains require accessible, practical training that helps workers develop the competencies needed to meet these evolving requirements. Despite this demand, there is currently no widely recognised industry qualification focused specifically on low carbon construction skills.

Without targeted action, skills shortages could impact construction quality, productivity and the industry's ability to deliver the low carbon buildings needed to support Scotland's Net Zero transition.

Solution

Balfour Beatty and its industry partners have developed the Low Carbon Passport Programme, an accredited training programme designed to provide a standardised pathway into low carbon construction skills. The programme aims to bridge the gap between existing trade skills, apprenticeships and advanced specialist qualifications while creating a recognised benchmark for competence across the industry.

Working with education providers, industry experts and accreditation partners, the programme is developing high-quality learning materials that combine practical construction knowledge with an understanding of low carbon building principles. Training will be delivered through a mixture of online learning, workshop activity and train-the-trainer programmes to ensure widespread adoption across Scotland.

Key topics include:

• Low carbon construction principles

• Energy-efficient building performance

• Fabric-first approaches

• Passivhaus and equivalent standards

• Building quality and performance assurance

• Sustainable construction techniques

• Decarbonisation of the built environment

• Low carbon skills for construction supply chains

The programme is designed to be accessible to a wide range of learners, including apprentices, experienced tradespeople, supervisors, professionals and those transitioning into the construction industry. Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a recognised Low Carbon Passport and digital badge demonstrating their competence in low carbon construction practices.

Alongside workforce development, the project aims to create a long-term legacy by embedding the programme within colleges, training providers and employer networks, ensuring continued delivery beyond the funded period. The train-the-trainer model will support wider rollout and help establish a sustainable national approach to low carbon skills development.

Expected Outcomes

Resources

Low Carbon Passport — Built Environment - Smarter Transformation