Financed by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), the €2 billion partnership between the European Union and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), the New European Bauhaus Academy (NEB Academy) aims to foster skills in sustainable construction and innovative materials, including bio-based materials. The initiative is part of the European Commission’s broader efforts to accelerate the transition to a greener, more sustainable economy, and will support the implementation of the European Green Deal in the circular bioeconomy. The Academy seeks to inspire and train architects, designers, craftsmen, and other professionals in creating environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing structures.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the NEB Academy as “a solid support for Europe’s construction industry, addressing labour shortages and promoting knowledge sharing including on sustainable bio-based solutions, like the circular use of wood and other innovative materials.”
The Academy will undertake research and provide various educational programmes and resources to support the creation and adoption of innovative solutions that reduce carbon emissions, conserve resources, and enhance resilience to climate change.
The NEB Academy aims to support professionals in acquiring the skills and knowledge (upskilling and reskilling) needed to design and construct sustainable buildings and spaces, by enhancing vocational training opportunities, and especially those related to bio-based solutions for the construction sector. It plans to achieve this by establishing hubs in collaboration with existing education and training providers. These hubs will offer both online and in-person training across Europe, making it easier for people to access and participate. Additionally, the Academy will encourage the sharing of skills and best practices between different regions.
Overall, the New European Bauhaus Academy aspires to empower a new generation of professionals with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to address the challenges of sustainability in the built environment, contributing to the creation of healthier, more resilient, and aesthetically appealing communities that harness the potential of circular bioeconomy systems.