More than 1,000 construction professionals have now completed the Low Carbon Passport programme, a training initiative designed to equip the workforce with the skills needed to deliver low-energy, high-quality buildings.
The programme, led by Scotland’s innovation centre for the built environment, BE-ST (Built Environment – Smarter Transformation), is funded through the CITB Industry Impact Fund and aims to train 1,200 people by the end of 2026.
Developed by contractor Balfour Beatty in collaboration with Morrison Construction, Kier Construction, Robertson Group, Coaction and the Passivhaus Trust, the programme provides free training on topics including energy efficiency, construction quality, airtightness, insulation, moisture management, thermal bridging and building services.
Training combines online learning with practical sessions and is delivered through colleges across Scotland and northern England. Participants include site operatives, apprentices, supervisors, housing professionals, educators, contractors and manufacturers, reflecting the need for a shared understanding of building performance across the construction supply chain.
BE-ST has also worked with partner colleges to embed the programme into its own teaching through a train-the-trainer model, creating a longer-term skills legacy. The programme is now being delivered by institutions including City of Glasgow College, Inverness College UHI and the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE).
Kirsty Duncan, associate director of skills infrastructure at BE-ST, said: “Reaching 1,000 learners is a significant milestone, but more importantly it shows the appetite across the industry to develop the skills needed to deliver better-performing buildings.
“We’ve seen learners from right across the built environment take part, reflecting the fact that delivering low carbon, high-quality buildings depends on everyone understanding the principles of building performance.
“We’re particularly proud that the programme is creating a lasting legacy. Alongside delivering training ourselves across the UK, we’ve worked with colleges through a train-the-trainer approach so they can embed the learning into their own curriculum.”
The Low Carbon Passport programme remains free to access until December 2026, with around 200 learner places still available. The final practical training sessions will take place at City of Glasgow College, NMITE and the Energy Transition Skills Hub.
The programme will also feature at BE-ST Fest 2026, where attendees can take part in a workshop exploring how hands-on training can support better low-energy construction.
