Inspiring demand for sustainable energy skills by providing
clear learning interactions, transparency of upskilling transactions
and recognition of qualifications achieved

_ Duration 2021 – 2024

_ Programme Horizon 2020

_ Call H2020-LC-SC3-EE-2020-2

_ Total Project Budget € 1.121.668,75

_ Grant Agreement model Budget-Based

Short description 

The ARISE project is a European Union-funded initiative aimed at transforming the learning and recognition of sustainable energy skills within the construction sector. It developed a comprehensive recognition scheme for digital energy-efficient Building Information Modelling (BIM) construction skills, emphasising a learner-centric approach. Central to this innovation is the introduction of stackable micro-credentials, each corresponding to specific learning modules. These micro-credentials are supported by a blockchain-based system, ensuring secure, transparent, and verifiable recognition of acquired competencies. This approach shifts the focus from traditional accreditation to a system based on skills recognition, enhancing the flexibility and accessibility of professional development in the sector.

The Architects´ Council of Europe’s involvement 

The Architects’ Council of Europe was in charge of the dissemination and communication activities of the ARISE project. As the project’s dissemination leader, ACE was responsible for coordinating various communication channels to ensure widespread awareness and engagement. This included managing the project website, establishing the visual identity, producing promotional materials such as brochures and banners, and overseeing the distribution of newsletters. ACE also maintained an active presence on social media platforms and facilitated webinars connected to the BUILDUP portal, European Vocational Skills Week, EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) and Sustainable Places conferences. These efforts were aimed at promoting the project’s objectives and outcomes to a broad audience. In addition to its communication responsibilities, ACE supported the pilot phase of the ARISE platform by connecting project partners to national architectural bodies, notably the Portuguese Order of Architects.

Project results 

The ARISE project developed a comprehensive digital framework to upskill professionals in sustainable energy and Building Information Modelling (BIM) within the construction sector. Its key outcomes include a user-friendly, gamified e-learning platform offering micro-learning modules and personalised learning pathways, alongside a blockchain-based system of stackable micro-credentials that ensures secure and verifiable recognition of skills. The project also produced guidelines for integrating its training modules into Continuing Professional Development (CPD) systems, facilitating international recognition of sustainable energy competencies and professional mobility across Europe. ARISE’s innovative approach was recognised with the VocTech Future of Skills Award in 2023, highlighting its transformative impact on skills recognition in the sector.

The relevant project results include the ARISE e-learning platform for microlearning on energy efficiency and Building Information Modelling, alongside Guidelines for using ARISE trainings to gain CPD points, Policy recommendations for a pan-European approach to sustainable energy skills recognition and an Overview on EU directives implementation.

Coordinator

Belfast Metropolitan College – United Kingdom

Project Partners

_ Technological University Dublin – United Kingdom
_ Institute for Research in Environment, Civil Engineering and Energy – Macedonia
_ ISSO – Netherlands
_ Architects´ Council of Europe – Belgium
_ Institute for Building Information Modelling – Italy
_ Building Changes – Netherlands
_ KEA Copenhagen School of Design & Technology – Denmark
_ Instituto Superior Técnico – Portugal

For more information

ARISE website | Twitter page | YouTube channel | LinkedIn page | LinkedIn Forum

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under a grant agreement No 101033864.