All modalities of project activities, like preparatory and coordinative transnational project meetings, intensive methodologically funded and empirically-based and tested approach of the short term joint staff training events, recognizable and disseminative promotional multiplier events for various categories of program beneficiaries, like for business sector, local and governmental institutions, NGO’s, professional networks of associations and institutions, non-for profit sector, specialized sustainability institutions etc., inter-disciplinary, innovative and multi-contextual orientation in preparing all detailed intellectual outputs, have been performed in accordance with the expected project outcomes. Throughout this process, project partner experiences in the field of sustainability leadership have entirely been shared and inter-disciplinary analysed and evaluated, aimed at entire accommodation of the developed solutions for current and future challenges of the leadership model and sustainability development techniques, particularly important at creation of institutional environment for enhanced sustainability leadership practices.It is evident that all project partners manifest an opened satisfaction of the project achievements, as well as of the degree of exchange of theoretical and applicative knowledge, skills, abilities and expertise in the field of sustainability leadership, best illustrated through the tendency for entering the process of accreditation as Joint master degree diploma. The achieved level of analytical and communicative dedication and fulfilment of projects objectives, methodology and expected outcomes prove the synergetic cohesion among all project partners, originating from Macedonia, Slovenia, Lithuania and Austria.Main elements to be mentioned are. Please be concise and clearThe integral and structural implementation of the project particularly entirely enabled implementing the following key project achievements, precisely detailed as:Developing of integrated, contemporary inter-disciplinary Courses in the field of sustainability leadershipCreating a modern and unique in this part of Europe a Curricula for the Joint study program on Sustainability LeadershipEnabling and continuously supporting various curriculum modules through the integration of different study modalities, like development of flexible learning and teaching and evaluating approaches, modular and blended learning, in-field visits, real case – study analyses, in-field visits, sectoral and inter-sectoral analyses etc.Development of e- based Moodle platform for the validation of teaching, learning and training objectives and most influential project elements, through E-based learning platform, for the entire structure of courses within the curriculum, Continuous on-line communication and collaboration particularly between teachers and students originating from various national environments, aimed at transfer of applicable knowledge skills and expertise by illustrating best practices for successful implementation of the integration between methodological and empirical segments of all curriculum courses,Benefiting from the application of the Open Education Resource teaching and training system at the newly designed joint program on sustainability leadership, with an emphasize to joint determination of individual and group project priorities, topics for analyses, methodological techniques to be implemented, as well as indicators for level of applicability of the determined sustainability leadership solutions,Professional guidance from teachers and experts in various fields of sustainable development and leadership, supported by testing and validating solved sustainability challenges and inter-relating the key findings and expected course outcomes,Permanent and consistent counselling and coaching methods and tools for evaluation of obtained knowledge, skills and experience, through methods and methodological tools for identifying sustainability leadership challenge to be solved, selection of combination of most appropriate techniques, testing the proposed solution, as well as techniques for assessing and evaluating the degree to which the solution changes the internal and external sustainability environment in particular organization or institution, Entire transfer of the learning and teaching materials, applicative testing and evaluation of the theoretical and empirical level of students abilities and capacities from various sustainability leadership courses, Preparation and distribution of Sustainability Leadership Practicum, Handbook for Joint program for Sustainability Leadership, Quality Assurance Manual, Booklet of results achieved, Exploitation plan for ensuring sustainability of the Joint program, as well as Study paper for projects activities and achievements,Creating a sustainable network of organizations and institutions that participated in various forms in effecting o

Professional Courses for preservation and preventive conservation from climate change influences of the built cultural heritage The wider objective of the project was to improve Macedonian conservator`s and engineer`s performance through improvement of their knowledge in the field of conservation and prevention from the climate changes of the built cultural heritage. The target group consisted of 20 conservators, architects and engineers on position, entrepreneurs and participants who wish to have carriers in the preservation of built cultural heritage, from Macedonia and the Western Balkans region countries. The professional courses for preservation and preventive conservation from climate change influences of the built cultural heritage improved their knowledge, linked to their professional profiles, increased opportunities for professional development and increased the motivation in their daily work. The major aim of the project was to jointly develop and implement professional courses for preservation and preventive conservation knowledge, which addressed European standards for conservation, as well as was built on rigorous research evidence and principles for VET education. The professional courses were practice-oriented and modular, online, and increased conservation knowledge of conservators, architects and engineers working in the field in Macedonia and in the region prospectively. Successful realization of the project activitie provided integrated professional courses for preservation and preventive conservation to be developed, implemented and evaluated. These courses were tailored made according to the assessed challenges and needs of conservators, architects and engineers in Macedonia and the region, as well as analysis and benchmarking of the conservation standards in Europe and VET training courses in this field. Also specially designed learning environment meet the needs of the VET learners, providing flexibility and innovative approaches of delivery of these courses. All professional courses were taught using contemporary training methods, combination between traditional and e-learning concepts. All course material and activities were available to VET learners through distance learning system. The professional courses were developed based on EU wide transparency and recognition tools, the European Qualification Framework and in line with EU policy in the field of VET learning. In order to ensure the quality and recognition, the professional courses were recognized by the National certification instrument. Certification of the courses was enhanced the sustainability of the project and offer opportunity new VET learners from Macedonia and the region to take the courses and improve their knowledge. Project results and lessons learned were disseminated using several medias: web portal, internet, social media, engineering networks, events, open days and conferences.

<< Background >>In addition to the European Green Deal, the European Commission published five communications, which are likely to have an impact on skills development in Europe, namely: a) a New Industrial Strategy for Europe; b) an SME strategy for a sustainable and digital Europe; c) long-term action plan for better implementation and enforcement of single market rules; d) identifying and addressing barriers to the Single Market; e) a Circular Economy Action Plan and; (f) a European Skills Agenda.Construction enterprises (esp. SMEs) often require highly specialised candidates and request highly specialised VET programmes. Innovation in the construction sector is achievable by applying green and sustainable technologies and digitalisation towards a more sustainable resilient and inclusive Europe.The BEWARE project arises from the need to qualify engineers and other professionals in the construction industry for the job market in line with the requirements of the European Green Deal based on technology - sustainable - resilience, knowledge, and skills. Climate change proofing of building is influenced by geographical adaption and socioeconomic environment. The partners of this project have different background expertise and practice in dealing with climate conditions. For instance, the southern European partners are more used to deal with extreme heat and water scarcity, while central European partners are more prepared to deal with heavy rain, floods, and cold.Effective and efficient sustainable solutions are essential to improve climate change and extreme events resilience in buildings. A comprehensive VET programme is lacking that can teach key methodologies to choose the best solutions to respond to these challenges required to move to a low carbon, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient economy by 2050.The project BEWARE will present practical cases, where different solutions for building envelope will be studied and discuss, in line with EU legislation (e.g., Ecodesign, Energy Performance of Buildings, Waste, etc.), recommendations and strategies (e.g., nearly zero-energy buildings, environmental product declarations, circular economy, wellbeing, and sustainable growth strategy).<< Objectives >>The project BEWARE aims to teach professionals to turn the buildings envelope more resilient for weather extremes and prepared for climate change by using innovative and sustainable solutions. Moreover, low carbon footprints will be taught at the site scale. The project will enable the trainees to:(i) assess building's vulnerability;(ii) evaluate the characteristics of the building, at the design phase that should be addressed in the design of buildings' resilience to climate change;(iii) identify and learn to apply several sustainable solutions to improve the envelope buildings' resilience;(iv) increase the energy efficiency of the building, in compliance with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive with an economic perspective;(v) learn how to use digital tools to benefit the building envelope's resilience and sustainability to extreme weather events.The specific objectives are: (a) To improve the level of competencies and skills of engineering professionals in the field of Building Resilience and Sustainability to climate change and extreme weather events;(b) To help in the integration of digitalisation and innovative technologies and practices in the construction;(c) To develop and implement new and innovative professional courses for the buildings’ resilience in line with the Green Deal framework;(d) To close the gap between the needs of new knowledge, lack of educational programs, and challenges of organizations (private, public, and NGOs);(e) To rethinking the buildings solutions for adaptation to weather extreme events, contributing to long-term planning solutions for buildings’ resilience and, considering different countries realities;(f) To increase the energy efficiency of housing stock and reducing carbon footprint, contributing to EU greenhouse gas emissions reduction ambition for 2030. By tackling the skills and knowledge of the participants, the project is enlarging their individual capacities.<< Implementation >>The project Development of Professional Courses in Building Resilience and Sustainability to Extreme Weather Events - BEWARE will be developed jointly following the competence-based approach: acknowledging needs, challenges, and trends of professionals working in the construction sector, architecture, civil engineering, etc. The program, training materials, digital platform, videos, guidelines, tools, practicum, and materials will be developed using already proven instruments and forms and the peer review system to assure the highest quality standard. The project “BEWARE” is structured into four consecutive modules: Development, Implementation, Evaluation, and Sustainability. The goal of the dissemination activities is to invite professionals to take part in the Program and promote the VET Platform, its options, and features to relevant stakeholders. During this phase, the 6 Modules will be piloted, with joint contributions from all project partners. The BEWARE Program will train at least 100 participants through the BEWARE VET Platform from Portugal, Germany, N. Macedonia, Cyprus, and Spain. The innovative VET digital game-based training platform with gamification tools will enable learners to develop new skills and independently pursue new approaches and strategies in their everyday work.Interviews and benchmarking will be done in the scope of project result 3 BEWARE Practicum, to find the best examples and case studies from different European countries, representing different professions and industries. Part of the activities in project result 4 BEWARE Guidelines and Policy Recommendations will be reaching out to 10 organisations (5 per country) and provide them advice and support on how to approach the topic of building resilience and sustainability to extreme weather events.Throughout the project, via the implementation of the project dissemination strategy as well as the 6 multiplier events, stakeholders, including other employing organisations from both the public and private sector, VET/HE institutes, and business /enterprise support agencies, will be made aware of the project results. They will be exposed to a series of core messages via the project website, e-newsletters, blog posts, and articles. They will also be invited to take part in a consultation process as part of project results 3 and 4. Globally the project expects to involve directly in its activities along with the project development of about 100 professionals, 50 organisations and owner/managers/entrepreneurs, and 10 key actors (governmental organisations, decision-makers). Indirectly, considering the involvement of other users in the network, public events, and all the dissemination actions. The BEWARE project is expected to reach about 500 - 1,000 individuals in each participating country.<< Results >>BEWARE project will have 4 major results:1- VET training programme is founded on 6 modules, where trainees can choose(s) which module(s) is/are relevant for their professional activity: (A) Module 1 - Ecodesign and social needs: Ecodesign is thinking buildings considering the efficient use of materials and energy through recycling, remanufacturing, or refurbishment, considering the life cycle of the building and users’ needs.(B) Module 2 - Insulation materials: A good selection of thermal insulation materials can contribute significantly to reducing energy consumption, operating costs, and adverse effects on users.(C) Module 3 - Nature-based and waste-based solutions: these solutions can contribute to climate change mitigation since they can diminish energy consumption, reducing urban waste and heat island effect.(D) Module 4 - Energy efficiency and economic assessment: Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is a key tool to achieving less energy consumption of the building, resulting in cost reduction. (E) Module 5 - Digitalisation: The construction industry has been hesitant to embrace digital innovation, where IT spending does not exceed 1%. However, the increasing digitalisation of the construction sector can contribute significantly to sustainable development and the EU 2020 Strategy.(F) Module 6 - Risk assessment - For risk-based analysis, it is necessary to identify, evaluate, and mapping all relevant vulnerabilities (e.g., heat stress in conurbations, water use, heavy rain and flash floods, and river flooding) and impacts.2- BEWARE VET Digital training platform and the development of training materials and resources: will serve as information support and will provide a database of articles, resources, tools, and cases available for professionals to expand their knowledge. BEWARE Platform will also provide a rich, experiential experience enabling learners to understand the choices they have at their disposal and the implications of them. 3- BEWARE Practicum with case studies - will address the challenges learners face when starting with Building Resilience and Sustainability to Extreme Weather Events, and will serve as an inspiration to them when dealing with real-life scnerations, by presenting good real-life examples, best practice examples, and case studies of professionals and organisations who have experience in the field.4- BEWARE Guidelines and Policy Recommendations - will set out the economic and social benefits of extending the BEWARE project to a wider European audience. The report will set out a series of concrete recommendations and arguments and build the case for a national and European-wide strategy promoting and extending the use of BEWARE in many organisations that want to improve employee’s skills in Building Resilience and Sustainability to Extreme Weather Events.

The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on the regular delivery of education and training. At such a critical time for our societies, access to education is proving, more than ever, to be essential and the digital transformation of the educational systems is more than needed. The sudden shift to online and distance learning has revealed the lack/insufficiency of digital readiness and has caused serious difficulties for higher education institutions to provide high quality online education. The integration of digital technology with teaching and learning practices will contribute to the modernization of the educational systems and to the digitization of course contents and by that will give students the possibility to easily share and adopt learning contents anytime and anywhere.The BIMaHEAD project gathers 5 partners from 5 different EU Member States (France, Germany, Sweden, Poland and the Republic of North Macedonia) having complementary profiles allowing them to have the ideal competence-based mix to design and implement a truly impactful collaborative project. Jointly, they have identified three urgent needs in the European Union and its higher education sector: - Lack/Insufficiency of digital readiness of HEIs ; - Low levels of digital literacy among HE students and lecturers; - The need of improving key sectorial digital competences of students in construction related degrees.The main objective of the BIMaHEAD project is to support building digital readiness in higher education institutions and to support students in construction related degrees to adjust to the new online education environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic through integrating digital technology with teaching and learning practices. In addition, the project highlights the importance of digital literacy and subject-specific digital skills for the future professionals in the construction industry (architects, designers, engineers, builders, constructors etc.) and the focus is set on a specific software product, Building Information Modelling (BIM), as it becomes an integral part of the needed qualification of the future workers in the construction sector.Specifically, the project will aim to: benchmark good practices and pedagogical scenarios (WP1 - IO1) ; design of an innovative methodological framework (WP2 – IO2) ; development of a customised content of BIM e-learning material (WP3 – IO3) ; produce an assessment report & guidelines for replicability (WP4 – IO4). As a result the following will be achieved: 4 Intellectual Outputs will be released, 5 Universities in 5 countries (France, Germany, Sweden, Poland and the Republic of North Macedonia) will be engaged in the elaboration of the tailored BIM online course and modules ; 6 Multiplier events (5 national and 1 international) would be organised engaging more than 250 stakeholders ; More than 2000 stakeholders will be made aware of the project and its results.The final result from the BIMaHEAD project is the development of a tailored online BIM course for HE students in construction related degrees and potentially being replicated in other educational contexts. The long-term impact will be to i) support the EU higher education system transition to delivering high-quality online education and ii) empower students to foster their own employability through increased sectorial digital competences and skills. BIMaHEAD will contribute to building a new generation of highly skilled professionals in terms of digital literacy which will positively impact the local, regional, national and European economic development.

As a result of the steady economic development Europe is facing a huge number of low-skilled adults that need to be integrated into the labour market. But for a successful integration of low-skilled adults into their social environment good education is essential. DECOS combines labour market integration with social integration via environmental awareness and green skills. The environmental standards and awareness in Europe’s workplaces and societies is very high. E.g. waste separation and management is an important issue to many European people, neighbourhoods, communities and cities. Often these topics are rarely developed at low-skilled adults, either in their social environment or at the workplace. DECOS addresses these education gaps and will contribute to a more successful integration of low-skilled adults in their social environment AND the labour market.The main objectives of this project are:- developing a new and innovative curriculum (based on ECVET and EQF standards) for fostering social AND labour market integration of low-skilled adults through green skills- train DECOS trainers (min 10) in a TtT seminar- develop teaching materials for trainers - develop an DECOS guide-book for trainees (about 40 pages)- develop a three-module training course (waste management, energy management and cleaner production)- develop three easy to use e-learning modules (blended learning)- develop e-testing system- train low-skilled adults (min 100) in pilot trainings and evaluate the training and teaching materials- disseminate project results in partner countries and beyond - set up a cross-media platform as a transfer centre to ensure the sustainability of the projectWhile the waste and energy management modules of the DECOS training could be applied in any social and professional environment, the third module: cleaner production/sustainability will exclusively focus on the applicability of green skills on the workplace and thereby enhance the employability of successful DECOS trainees.Although there are VET trainings for achieving green skills and there are also initiatives and trainings for improving environmental awareness, the specific target group of low-skilled adults has not been targeted so far. They often lack green skills and environmental awareness, therefore it is important focusing on this lack for and increase environmental competences and awareness towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Because of the individual knowledge-gaps, a training designed towards the specific needs of this highly relevant and growing target group is needed. The participants of the DECOS training need to be willing to improve their competences and skills to be more employable on the market and active in the society on green issues and environmental awareness. To ensure the quality of the DECOS training and its outcomes, every participant of the training needs to fulfil some formal criteria: minimum age of 18 years and a certain language level. These minimum criteria ensure that the participants will understand the content of the training properly and that they can apply for jobs during or after the training.