This Net Zero Week, CITB is championing innovative projects funded through its Industry Impact Fund (IIF), helping equip the construction industry with the skills and knowledge needed to support the UK's transition to net zero.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is championing three employer-led funded projects via its Industry Impact Fund (IIF) that are designed to support construction employers and industry on the path to a greener future. The role of CITB’s IIF, is to fund innovative, employer-led projects. Net zero, along with other significant industry workforce and skills challenges, is one of the six core categories that qualifies for funding.    

The projects include a Low Carbon Passport Programme developed by Balfour Beatty, the official sponsor of Net Zero Week 2026, a Future Workforce Programme developed by Berkeley Group in collaboration with the Supply Chain Sustainability School and its Future Workforce Leadership Group, and Timber in Construction 101, developed by Donaldson Timber Systems.

The first project is a Low Carbon Passport Programme developed by Balfour Beatty, the official sponsor of Net Zero Week 2026. It is a new accredited qualification designed to fix the major shortage of low-carbon construction skills across Scotland and the wider UK. It’s free to enrol with courses currently running up until November 2026. The training is designed to help both existing professionals and new entrants develop the practical skills needed to thrive in the future.

Also brought to life through CITB’s IIF is a two-year Future Workforce project developed by Berkeley Group in collaboration with the Supply Chain Sustainability School and its Future Workforce Leadership Group. The programme is creating new bite-sized learning resources such as videos, animations, and tailored training sessions to help colleges deliver relevant net zero skills and help SMEs understand and access net zero business opportunities. All resources will be free for at least three years to ensure long-term impact, wider industry benefit, and a scalable model that strengthens the UK’s workforce. 

Timber in Construction 101, which has also received funding from CITB’s IIF and has been developed by Donaldson Timber Systems, has been created to bring together industry and academia. The programme’s aim is to help build a skilled and diverse workforce equipped to deliver sustainable construction at scale.  Launched at Futurebuild in May this year, the programme will provide more than 15 fully funded training modules for construction and built environment professionals, apprentices and college students. The modules will range from introductory learning through to advanced technical training.

The construction industry is a major source of carbon emissions, currently representing around 40% of the UK’s total output. As a result, the industry has a huge part to play to ensure the UK reaches its 2050 net zero target.

Vanessa Freeman, Head of Grants and Funding at CITB, said:

"The construction industry has a vital role to play in helping the UK achieve its net zero ambitions, but doing so will require a workforce equipped with the right skills and knowledge.

"Through our Industry Impact Fund, we're supporting employers and training providers to develop accessible training and new qualifications, helping construction employers build the workforce skills they need to deliver sustainable construction.

“This Net Zero Week, we’re pleased to be championing three amazing projects that are all contributing to the development of the UK’s net zero workforce.”

For more information on CITB's Industry Impact Fund and the range of projects supporting the construction industry's transition to net zero, visit the Industry Impact Fund page.