How can Europe equip the construction sector with the skills needed for a more sustainable, inclusive and beautiful built environment? This question guided the NEB Academy Alliance presentation delivered at the European Construction Technology Platform (ECTP) Conference 2026, held in Brussels on 26 and 27 May.
Claudio Biondi, representing InnovaWood, introduced the work of the NEB Academy Alliance and its contribution to skills development and innovation in sustainable biobased construction. The presentation took place in a dedicated session on the New European Bauhaus in the construction sector, focused on lesson learnt, gaps & priorities for the NEB Facility.
The speech highlighted the mission of the NEBA Alliance: training, upskilling and reskilling the construction ecosystem. Ultimately, the goal is to support a carbon-neutral built environment. Several achievements were presented. For example :
- Mapping skills and training needs across the sector.
- Delivering pilot training activities.
- Reaching more than 5,000 participants through in-person events.
- Offering 48 online courses.
- Awarding around 500 certificates.
These results show how the Alliance is building connections between knowledge, skills and innovation.
As the construction sector seeks more resource-efficient solutions, biobased materials can complement traditional materials. They help reduce environmental impact while supporting sustainable construction.
Meanwhile, the construction sector is increasingly seeking more resource-efficient solutions. In this context, biobased materials can complement traditional materials and help reduce environmental impact.
Furthermore, when combined with circular building, digitalisation, restorative design, cultural heritage and prefabrication, biobased solutions can support a more innovative built environment. At the same time, they strengthen connections with local resources and communities.
Therefore, organisations interested in skills development, EU project collaboration or the practical implementation of the New European Bauhaus are invited to connect with the Alliance.
To learn more, you can explore our presentation slides.
About the New European Bauhaus Academy
The New European Bauhaus Academy is the European Commission’s flagship initiative for skills development, knowledge, experimentation, and innovation enabling the clean transition of the construction sector. Initially launched by President von der Leyen in 2022 to address critical skills gaps in sustainable construction, the NEB Academy is now evolving into a broader learning and innovation infrastructure for the New European Bauhaus. Its mission is to help people, communities, and organizations access knowledge and inspiration from existing NEB projects, develop the skills needed to turn ideas into reality, and connect with the networks, partners, and environments that can support implementation and scale-up across Europe.
About the New European Bauhaus Academy Alliance
The NEB Academy Alliance laid the foundation of the NEB Academy. Bringing together researchers and practitioners from 11 Member States, the Alliance mapped skills gaps and training opportunities in the European construction ecosystem and established the first five regional NEB Academy Hubs. The Hubs have piloted training models on bio-based materials, timber engineering, building design, circular economy, cultural heritage, digitalisation, and more. The NEB Academy’s initial collection of open trainings can be consulted in the online catalogue of courses.
