Level(s) Newsletter

03 March 2021
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Contents

Level(s) in the spotlight
A new Level(s) LinkedIn group and helpdesk
We’re pleased to announce two new features from Level(s), the European framework for sustainable buildings:

  • A Level(s) LinkedIn group. The new group launches today and is your hub to share experiences of Level(s) with other members. It is also a perfect place to stay up to date. Join the group here!

  • A new helpdesk is now live. Simply email your queries about any aspect of Level(s) to levels@ecorys.com. Ecorys Europe manages the helpdesk on behalf of the European Commission. Their team of experts can respond to your enquiries in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Polish.

Watch out for more updates throughout the year, including webinars, events, and publications to help you get going with Level(s) and to support its roll-out in Member States. Also, read this edition’s Lindblom Interview about plans for new e-learning and web-based tools.
Noticeboard
A New European Bauhaus movement
At its core, Level(s) is about helping the construction and real estate sectors to take a full lifecycle approach to the sustainability of buildings. President von der Leyen’s recent announcement launching the New European Bauhaus movement has given this mission a huge boost. Inspired by the Bauhaus pioneers, the Commission wants to pool the expertise of architects, designers, artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, engineers, and students to produce radical, holistic solutions to sustainable living and boost the green transition. You, and your networks, can be part of this new movement by joining the discussion on the New European Bauhaus online platform. There, you will also be the first to hear about plans for five New European Bauhaus projects in EU Member States. Find out more
New UN report highlights innovative pathways for sustainable construction
A new report by the UN Environment Programme includes a detailed chapter examining the global construction value chain, exploring the scope for improvements in the areas of natural resource use and environmental impacts. It highlights the potential for the sector to contribute to the UN sustainable development goals and sets out ways in which the levers of government can make construction more sustainable.
Author
Author United Nations Environment Programme
SeeAlso
See also Catalysing Science-Based Policy Action on Sustainable Consumption and Production: The Value-Chain Approach and Its Application to Food, Construction and Textiles
Contact
Contact Contact
Have your say! Consultation on changes to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)
In 2020, the Commission presented its Renovation Wave strategy to boost the energy renovation of buildings in the EU. This strategy contains an action plan with: (i) regulatory, financing and enabling measures; and (ii) the goal of at least doubling the annual energy renovation rate of buildings by 2030. This goal requires a revision of the relevant EU legal act, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. The revision will focus on provisions that are central to boosting building renovation. The Commission would like to hear your views.

This roadmap is open for feedback. Feedback will be taken into account for the further development and fine tuning of the initiative. The Commission will summarise the comments received in a report, explaining how feedback will be taken on board and, if applicable, why certain suggestions can't be taken up. View the inception impact assessment for the EPBD revision and share your views before 22 March 2021.
Funding
Deadline 22/03/2021
SeeAlso
See also Energy efficiency – Revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
The Lindblom Interview
Interview with Susana Saiz, Arup Spain
For this edition, Josefina Lindblom interviews Susana Saiz, Associate Director in the sustainability team of Arup Spain. Arup is a firm of designers, planners, engineers, architects, consultants and technical specialists, working across every aspect of today’s built environment. Josefina and Susana discuss some exciting new Level(s) tools and training materials planned for release later this year.

JL: What does Arup do and how did you become involved in Level(s)?

SS: Arup is an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, architects, consultants and technical specialists, working across every aspect of today’s built environment. We help clients solve their most complex challenges – turning exciting ideas into reality. Since Arup participated in the Level(s) test phase in 2019, we have acquired a great understanding of the Level(s) framework.

JL: You're currently working on some exciting new tools for the Level(s) community. Can you give readers a hint about what to expect?

SS: Arup is developing web-based content and e-learning materials to help users in the building sector gain a better understanding of the framework, so they can start implementing it. We’re working with sustainability experts and learning and development professionals to design the tools. The web-based and e-learning materials will enable users with different learning needs and knowledge of sustainability assessments to reach their learning objectives, whether they seek to understand the key concepts or undertake a complete building assessment.

JL: Why are these tools needed?

SS: We believe that an easy to grasp introduction for the wide range of Level(s) stakeholders as well as a Level(s) e-learning pathway are necessary to bring the framework to market successfully. We’re excited to be taking part in this process and in contributing to the Level(s) rollout.

JL: Who are the new tools aimed at and how will they help readers to get going with Level(s)?

SS: The e-learning material and web-based content tools are aimed at specialists involved in the fields of the built environment or sustainability. They’re also for policymakers, procurers, or public authority officials working in related fields, as well as property investors, owners and landlords. The materials will allow users to progressively advance their knowledge of Level(s), while customising their learning experience to achieve their desired learning outcomes.

JL: When do you plan to release the new tools and how can readers stay informed?

SS: The plan is to have the web-based content before the summer and the e-learning content by the end of the year.

Subscribe to the Level(s) newsletter to be the first to stay up-to-date with all the latest on the European Framework for Sustainable Buildings. Visit: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/eussd/levelsnewsletters/index_en.htm
Events
Webinar: An introduction to Level(s) for organisations in Slovakia and Czechia
The Green Building Councils of Slovakia and Czechia are hosting a 90-minute webinar introduction to Level(s). If you work in the construction or built environment space in Slovakia or Czechia and would like to find out more about the European framework for sustainable buildings, be sure not to miss this opportunity. Speakers include Josefina Lindblom (European Commission), Jean-Pierre Pigeolet (Knauf Insulation), Judit Kimpian (Architects Council of Europe) and Andrea Moro (President of the International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment, Italy). There will also be plenty of time to ask questions during panel discussions.
Date
Date 09/03/2021
Organiser
Organiser The Green Buildings Council (Slovakia and Czechia)
Registration
Register Register your place
EU Green Week 2021
EU Green Week is your annual opportunity to debate and discuss European environmental policy. This year’s focus is on the Commission’s zero pollution ambition. We encourage organisations and stakeholders in the buildings and construction space to be part of this flagship event, and share your expertise in cutting pollution through improving the sustainability of buildings throughout their lifecycle. You can host a partner event, including, of course, online events and webinars. Activities can take place at all levels (local, regional, national, or European) and may be hosted online, offline, or in hybrid format.
Date
Date 31/05/2021 - 04/06/2021
Organiser
Organiser The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment
SeeAlso
See also European Green Week 2021 event website
Contact
Contact Contact
What’s your level?
Quiz - The New European Bauhaus movement
In this issue, our quiz tests you on the New European Bauhaus movement.

Try the quiz!

Share your results in the LinkedIn group!
About this newsletter

This newsletter is issued at least four times a year as part of the Level(s) initiative, and managed by Ecorys Europe on behalf of DG ENV.

Visit the Level(s) page

Contact us at: levels@ecorys.com

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