Efficient Buildings Europe, together with other 17 organisations, signed a joint letter addressed to the European Commission and the 27 governments to highlight the importance of addressing skills and labour shortages in key sectors for the European green transition.
We are hiring an EU Project and Policy Officer!
Efficient Buildings Europe is seeking to recruit an entry level dynamic and engaged person to take on the role of EU Project and Policy Officer at its Secretariat in Brussels. The successful applicant will join a small, hard-working team and will be expected to rapidly take responsibilities related to their role and the work of Efficient Buildings Europe and its Renovate Europe Campaign (REC).
Download the Job Ad in pdf format
Based in the Association’s offices in Brussels, the EU Project and Policy Officer is expected to manage the delivery of Efficient Buildings Europe’s commitments in EU-funded project(s) and to assist in policy work streams. All tasks are expected to be delivered in an accurate, timely and impactful manner.
The candidate is expected to quickly gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) at national level and bring that understanding to bear on the success of our EU-funded project(s) and to our work on EU policymaking developments. The candidate will grow her/his skills on EU energy efficiency policies whilst keeping track of their implications at national level.
The candidate will report to the Secretary General and General Assembly of Efficient Buildings Europe and to the Steering Group of the REC, and will be supported by the Project and Events Managers, colleagues in the office and external partners in the relevant projects.
Principal duties and activities
The following list is for indicative purposes only. It will be adapted to meet the priorities of the association and in response to skills demonstrated by the successful candidate.
The role is structured around two main pillars: 1) the management of EU-funded project(s) in which Efficient Buildings Europe is a partner, and 2) assisting in policy development work.
Project Management
- Representing Efficient Buildings Europe in the project team(s) of EU-Funded, and other, project(s). The first project in which the candidate will be involved is a LIFE Project (EPBD.wise) on the implementation of the EPBD. This will include coordinating input from REC national partners as sub-contractors and translating the challenges and opportunities of EPBD implementation at national level into relevant insights for EU level policy work.
- Ensuring the technical implementation and administrative management of the project(s) in which Efficient Buildings Europe is a partner (Horizon Europe, LIFE, etc.).
- Co-planning and implementing dissemination and communication actions related to our project(s), presenting project results, updating communication channels relevant to the project(s) (e.g., websites, social media etc.).
- Co-organising and facilitating technical workshops, project meetings, and dissemination events, engaging with EU and national level stakeholders.
- Reviewing technical documents and reports relevant to the project(s), and summarising relevant information.
Policy Work:
- Assisting the Head of EU Policy through research, position paper drafting, and meeting preparation whilst supporting the advocacy activities of Efficient Buildings Europe related to the EPBD implementation (e.g., coordination of the policy efforts with REC partners).
- Ensuring the exchange of best practices and experiences on the delivery of EU energy policies through meetings with the national partners of the REC.
- Attending relevant meetings of Efficient Buildings Europe and the REC and contributing to meetings with policymakers.
- Assisting with the organisation and running of meetings of the Work Group Implementation under the supervision of the Head of EU Policy.
- Strengthening and expanding our network among relevant stakeholders involved in the implementation of the EPBD.
The EU Project and Policy Officer will be given the opportunity to:
- Deepen his/her knowledge and contacts in the expanding EU policy field of energy efficiency.
- Co-define a Personal Professional Development Plan with Efficient Buildings Europe.
- Engage with the members of Efficient Buildings Europe, the partners of the REC, and the Secretariat.
- Take on further responsibilities over time.
The EU Project and Policy Officer is expected to have the following qualifications, experience, and skills:
- Exemplary written and spoken English with a high level of competence in at least one additional EU language.
- Strong organisational, time management, and problem-solving skills complemented by good attention to detail.
- A diplomatic disposition with excellent communication, engagement, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
- University degree with strong motivation and interest in the following areas: energy efficiency, EU policy and affairs, collaboration with industry, and EU-funded projects.
- Excellent understanding of IT tools (MS Office –Word and Excel are essential, Outlook, Project Management software etc.) and videoconferencing tools (e.g., GoToMeeting, Microsoft Teams, etc.).
- Self-motivated and capable of productive homeworking, whilst also being a committed team player.
- Availability to travel within the European Union.
- Candidates with previous exposure to project management (i.e., EU-funded projects with some knowledge of the required administrative procedures) and a willingness to undertake financial tasks related to the project(s) (costing, budgeting, reporting) will be prioritised for this role.
Contract
This is a call for applicants for a full-time post (38 hours per week). It will be a contract of employment under Belgian Law and only applications from persons legally entitled to work in Belgium will be considered.
The successful applicant can expect an annual gross salary in the range of €28,000 to €34,000, depending on previous experience, with benefits such as a group pension, health insurance, lunch vouchers, mobility allowance, and eco-cheques.
Process
Applications for this post must be submitted before 12h00 on Monday 8th of July 2024 by e-mail to: adrian.joyce@efficientbuildings.eu with info@efficientbuildings.eu in copy. Please put Application for EU Project and Policy Officer as the subject line of your application. The applications must consist of a short letter of motivation, a curriculum vitae that demonstrates that the required qualifications and skills have been acquired and the names and contact details of two referees that can be contacted by Efficient Buildings Europe during the recruitment process.
Efficient Buildings Europe reserves the right not to appoint any of the applicants, even after interviews are completed.
EUSEW2024 – Europe’s industrial revolution for efficient buildings
We are starting the new year off featuring as the first article in the EUSEW 2024 new blog series.
Read our contribution below:
Europe’s industrial revolution for efficient buildings: shaping the future
In the midst of a crucial electoral season, EU citizens will cast their votes to shape Europe’s future. In pursuit of a more sustainable and competitive Europe, the energy efficient buildings industry stands at the forefront of change. As over 85% of today’s buildings will still be standing in 2050, the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has the potential to boost the efforts for the renovation of buildings, enhancing competitiveness and bolstering resilience in the process.
The multiple benefits of energy efficient buildings for the economy
Efficient buildings hold the key to a brighter future. At the building level, energy efficiency solutions significantly reduce energy consumption, resulting in lower energy bills. These solutions also offer greater comfort, improved health, and increased productivity, all of which have a substantial positive impact on the European economy.
Europe has long championed energy efficiency solutions for buildings to play their part in climate mitigation. Yet, as we approach the critical point of massively accelerating energy renovations, upscaling energy efficiency solutions, hiring and training more workers, a holistic and dedicated approach to the efficient buildings industry is needed.
Investing in energy renovations and empowering the next generation of skilled workers
Behind every successful industry are skilled workers, and the energy efficient buildings sector is no exception. Training and expanding the workforce are top priorities. Investing in energy renovation of buildings can create an average of 18 jobs in the EU for every €1 million spent. These jobs stimulate local economic activity and pave the way for a sustainable future.
To drive this transformation further, the provision of affordable funding for energy renovations is key. Additionally, improving collaboration between the European Commission, EU regions, and cities can streamline the process and unlock private finance, making energy renovations more accessible to all. Funding is available, e.g. via the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the newly created Just Transition Fund but it must be channelled towards the sectors which can drive the green transition.
Decarbonising Europe
Above all, the industry is ready to decarbonise Europe. Buildings account for one-third of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, making their decarbonisation a top priority. Existing energy efficiency technologies can be used to fully decarbonise homes and workplaces, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future. The “Buildings Breakthrough” launched at COP28 brings together countries from all over the world with the aim of decarbonising the built environment.
Digitalisation: revolutionising how we create and use buildings
Digitalisation is also playing a pivotal role in the transformation of buildings. Technologies like digital twins, energy-efficiency metering technologies, submeters, and building automation control systems are revolutionising the way we gather data and optimise building operations but also how we design buildings. They also empower citizens and businesses to become active participants in the energy market, generating and storing energy on-site. With more renewable energy being produced in Europe, digitalisation will be key to support its roll-out.
Way forward: Europe’s industrial revolution for efficient buildings
The energy efficient buildings industry is at the forefront of a green revolution in Europe. Its commitment to sustainability, job creation, and economic growth makes it a driving force for positive change. By supporting energy efficiency cleantech, developing industrial policies, and investing in energy renovations, we can all contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future for Europe. For this, we need:
- a dedicated industrial policy for energy efficient buildings
- swift and complete implementation of adopted EU legislation
- an Energy Efficiency Academy to support upskilling and reskilling of workers
Deal on the Buildings Directive, no time to lose for its roll-out
Download the Press Release in pdf
The political agreement found on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is a positive signal for the efficient buildings industry in Europe. EuroACE now urges the European Parliament and the Council to finalise and formally adopt the text.
As 118 countries are calling for doubling the pace of efficiency improvements this decade, today’s agreement starts to put words into practice in the EU buildings sector. The European Union is finally making progress on structural measures to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and durably shelter its citizens and businesses from energy price hikes while also improving living conditions.
The political agreement found on the EPBD is a balanced compromise. While the text maintains a clear roadmap for owners and industry players in the non-residential sector through Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), negotiators opted for a more flexible, so-called “trajectory” approach for the residential sector. EuroACE calls for more clarity and concrete requirements in the early implementation phase to drive finance into decarbonising the building sector.
The text also brings welcome provisions facilitating the energy renovation process – rolling out one-stop shops, clarity on deep renovations as well as improving access to quality information and finance to ensure affordable renovations. It also looks at efficiency in buildings more holistically, with provisions to increase digitalisation, empower occupants with greater control over their energy consumption, address whole-life carbon, and improve indoor environmental quality.
“The EPBD is the final cornerstone of the Fit-for-55 package. It is our roadmap to ensure that Europeans have buildings that are decarbonised, energy efficient, and healthy. The political agreement found today should boost confidence in the renovation market and spur holistic renovations. The technologies to deliver are ready,” said Julie Kjestrup, President of EuroACE and Head of Policy and Thought Leadership at VELUX.
“Together with the Electricity Market Design and the Net Zero Industry Act, the EPBD paves the way to make buildings central actors of the energy system. The promotion of new digital tools and upgrades in both active and passive technologies will empower citizens and businesses to become actors of the transition,” said Bertrand Deprez, Vice-President of EuroACE and VP EU Government Affairs at Schneider Electric.
“Reaching such an agreement in the current adverse political context is a strong achievement. We now urge the co-negotiators to swiftly finalise and formally adopt the text. EuroACE and its members stand ready to support Member States throughout the implementation phase,” said Adrian Joyce, Secretary General of EuroACE.
ENDS
The actual performance of buildings
We are excited to invite you to our webinar with smartEn, which will take place on Thursday 23 November, from 09h30 to 11h00. System Operators, building experts and market players will exchange on the actual performance of buildings and how a digitally-enabled evolution would further valorise the system-integration of new and renovated buildings.
Here’s a sneak peek of what we’ll discuss:
• What’s new for smart and flexible buildings in light of the revised EPBD?
• Why is data on the actual performance of buildings so important for System Operators?
• What are some real-life projects that already facilitate this evolution?
This event is a unique opportunity to learn, engage, and connect with experts in the field. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable, active and flexible buildings.
Click here to register
Agenda
5min Welcome and introduction: Michael Villa, Executive Director, smartEn
10min The revised Energy Performance of Buildings: what’s new for smart buildings? Pau Garcia Audi (tbc), DG ENER, European Commission
35min (presentations and Q&A)
Quantification of actual performance of buildings: a selection of real-life projects
• Barry Lynham, Managing Director Knauf Energy Solutions
• Johnson Controls
• C40 project
Moderator: Marion Malafosse, Policy Manager, smartEn
35min (incl. 5 min Q&A) Panel discussion with System Operators: why data on the actual performance of building is precious for System Operators?
• Luis Cunha, E-REDES (Portuguese DSO)
• Tomi Mäkelä, Elenia (Finnish DSO)
• Kalle Kukk, Elering (TSO Estonia)
Moderator: Simon Anderson, Traxis Group and Chair smartEn Active Buildings & Neighbourhoods Committee
5min Conclusion: Adrian Joyce, Secretary General, EuroACE