Project Continuous Professional Development for Green Building, CPD4GB, is funded by means of grants from the European Social Fund under the program 2014-2020. Project ID UP.04.2.1.02.0127.
This project seeks to address the challenges of sustainability and environmental protection in the field of construction through the establishment of socially useful green building learning programs which will give students the opportunity to learn and apply the acquired knowledge and skills and to develop professional competences for green building through work with mentors on relevant projects.
The main objective of the project is to enable students to work in the field of green building, to establish a sustainable program of socially useful learning and to strengthen the professional and analytical capacities of associations-partners.
The objectives of the project are to educate teachers by gaining knowledge from world-renowned experts in the field of green building, in order to transfer this knowledge to students, to establish cooperation on educational programs between professional associations and higher education institutions and to include volunteers / young experts for addressing the local community problems in specific areas of sustainability.
The project beneficiary is the Croatian Engineering Association (HIS), and partners are the Croatia Green Building Council (HSZG), the Croatian Association of Civil Engineers (HSGI) and the higher education institutions of the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Forestry and Faculty of Agriculture.
The program of education is to be held is HIS premises, Berislavićeva 6, 10000 Zagreb.
The project was supported by the University of Zagreb and the Academy of Technical Sciences of Croatia, which recognized its value and contribution to the modernization of educational programs by including the contents of green building within the framework of formal and informal education.
The letters of support for the project were also given by the cities of Ivanić Grad, Karlovac, Pazin, Sveti Ivan Zelina, Velika Gorica, Zagreb, Rijeka and Jastrebarsko, which will participate in the project through their programs and projects.
1 CALL ON THE PROJECT (call text)
Call: Support for the development of partnerships of civil society organizations and higher education institutions for implementation of socially useful learning programs
Area: Management
Applicants: Non-Profit Organizations, Civil Society Organizations
Contest value: 27,000,000.00 kn
Fund: European Social Fund (ESF)
Program: Operational Program Effective Human Resources 2014 – 2020
Abstract
The call emphasizes the importance of cooperation between higher education institutions and civil society organizations in the education of socially responsible and active citizens, thereby contributing to the overall development and improvement of the community. Socially useful learning is recognized as an effective way of connecting students and higher education teachers to civil society organizations and social community, as well as an important incentive in finding the first job after graduation.
This Call is intended to encourage the development of sustainable partnerships of higher education institutions and civil society organizations in the development and implementation of socially useful learning programs. This is in line with the need to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations to better manage and contribute to socio-economic growth, strengthen the professional, analytical and advocacy capacities of civil society organizations, but at the same time, by engaging students and employees in the higher education system, to contribute to raising quality of existing but also in designing innovative services of public interest in different sectors.
2 DECISION ON FINANCING THE PROJECT (text of the Decision and the link)
Decision on financing projects under the ESF Call Support for the development of partnerships of civil society organizations and higher education institutions for the implementation of socially useful learning programs
Government of the Republic of Croatia Office for Cooperation with NGOs as an intermediary body Level 1 within the operational program “Effective Human Resources 2014-2020” issued a decision on financing calls for proposals “Support to the development of partnerships of civil society organizations and higher education institutions for the implementation of service learning programes “, funded by the European Social Fund on March 9, 2018.
24 projects totaling HRK 23,865,649.13 are to be financed.
The overall goal of the Call is to increase the number of students with acquired practical knowledge and skills to address specific social problems and community development, while specific goals are to strengthen the professional, analytical and advocacy capacities of civil society organizations through cooperation with higher education institutions and to establish sustainable programs of socially useful learning at higher education institutions as part of a systematic approach to strengthening the social responsibility of teachers and students.
The decision to fund the projects is here.
https://udruge.gov.hr/UserDocsImages/UserFiles/File/vijesti/Odluka%20o%20financiranju_DKU.pdf
The second Project Financing Decision is here.
https://udruge.gov.hr/UserDocsImages/UserFiles/File/Odluka%20o%20financiranju%20DKU_II.pdf
3 PROJECT
3.1 INTRODUCTION
The key problem that the project seeks to solve is to respond to the challenges of sustainability and environmental protection in building through the establishment of socially useful green building learning programs that will give students the opportunity to learn and apply acquired knowledge and skills and to develop professional competences for green building through work with mentors on relevant projects.
The main objective of the project is to enable students to work in the field of green building, to establish a sustainable program of socially useful learning and to strengthen the professional and analytical capacities of associations-partners.
3.2 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROJECT
Project title: Continuous Professional Development for Green Building
Project reference UP.04.2.1.02.0127
Project Logo: CPD4GB
Grant Agreement signed on 19 March 2018
Contract implementation period: 24 months
Start of implementation: 19 March 2018
Last day of implementation: 19 February 2020
Amount of grants: 1,160,156.28 kuna
The project will be implemented by the user and partners:
User: Croatian Engineering Association (HIS),
Croatian Council for Green Building (HSZG)
Croatian Association of Civil Engineers (HSGI)
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Faculty of Architecture, University of Zagreb
University of Zagreb Faculty of Civil Engineering
University of Zagreb Faculty of Forestry
Place of the program of education: The premises of the Croatian Engineering Association, Berislavićeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Parties, signatories of the Treaty:
Government of the Republic of Croatia Office for Cooperation with NGOs,
Mediation Body 1 (PT1), Opatička 4, Zagreb
National Foundation for Civil Society Development,
Mediation Body 2 (PT2), Strigina 1a, Zagreb
User: Croatian Engineering Association (HIS), Berislavićeva 6, Zagreb
3.3 ABOUT US
Name: Croatian Engineering Association
Type of legal entity: Private non-profit sector
Berislavićeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Republic of Croatia,
Phone +385 1 488 0985
Email tajnistvo@his-hr.hr
Website https://www.his-hr.hr/
Prof. Vjera Krstelj,PhD, President of HIS
Phone +385 1 488 0985
Email vk@his-hr.hr
Mrs.Mihaela Zamolo, Head of Project
Phone +385 98 984 4093
Email cpd4gb@cpd4gb.com.hr, zamolo.mihaela@gmail.com
Project website: https://www.cpd4gb.com.hr/
3.4 DATA ON PROJECT PARTNERS
- Croatian Council for Green Building 99702507717 Ulica grada Vukovara 274, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Private Nonprofit Sector
- Croatian Association of Civil Engineers 57450863852 Berislavićeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Private Nonprofit Sector
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture 76023745044 Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Other public law bodies
- Faculty of Architecture, University of Zagreb 42061107444 Fra Andrija Kačića Miošića 26, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Other public law bodies
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Civil Engineering 62924153420 Fra Andrije Kačića Miošića 26, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Other public law bodies
- University of Zagreb Faculty of Forestry 07699719217 Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Other public law bodies
3.5 LETTERS OF PROJECT SUPPORT
The project was supported by the University of Zagreb and the Academy of Technical Sciences of Croatia, which state that the project is considered to be very useful in the interest of supplementing and modernizing the educational program by including the contents of green building in both, formal and informal education.
The letters of support for the project were also given by towns of Ivanić Grad, Karlovac, Pazin, Sveti Ivan Zelina and Velika Gorica and Zagreb.
The towns’ letters of support are published on the website under “USER AND PARTNERS” section LOCAL COMMUNITY.
3.6 SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
Purpose and justification of the project
The Croatian Engineering Association (HIS) is the largest engineering association in Croatia representing 32 members (associations) and about 20,000 engineers. It focuses on gathering and unification of technical forces for working on a common good; promoting and protecting the strategic interests of engineers, taking care of protection and improvement of economic situation, social position, working conditions, reputation and honor of engineers and taking care of education as well as of scientific and professional development of its members.
This project seeks to address the challenges of sustainability and environmental protection in the field of construction through the establishment of socially useful learning programs for green building.
Students in this project will gain the opportunity to learn and work with mentors on relevant projects, to apply acquired knowledge and skills and develop professional competences for green building. Mentors will be teachers from universities and associate staff members (all project partners). Volunteers and young experts will be involved as well.
Why green building? Green building refers to the building and processes that are environmentally responsible and resource efficient throughout the lifecycle of the building itself. It has an impact on reducing energy use, increasing comfort in buildings and increasing environmental protection, including the use of acceptable building and other materials / products, taking care of raw materials, affecting human health, transportation, human and material resources, production, construction, recycling and disposal at the end of the lifespan of the building. It supports sustainable development and takes care of the environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainability. There are only 3 buildings certified according to the international certification system for green building in Croatia, which means that we are at the very beginning, we need to improve and intensify our approach.
Why socially helpful learning? A new, innovative way of transferring knowledge and skills enables professionals to recognize tasks quickly and effectively and transfer their knowledge to address the specific problems of the society / local community. Socially useful learning encourages interdisciplinary approach to learning and a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving, as well as teamwork, which is necessary in establishing green building.
Obtained Specific Call Goals
The first specific target of the Call will be realized through mutual cooperation between associations and faculties-partners on the development and implementation of socially useful learning programs which will strengthen the existing and build new capacities for their professional and educational activities in the field of green building. Working on the methodology associations and faculties will analyze the state of green building, informal educational programs as well as the needs of employers and professions, they will exchange their own experiences, knowledge and methods that will strengthen and build the analytical and professional capacities of the associations.
The second specific target of the Call will be achieved through the establishment of a Program Implementation Support Center that will bring all project partners together and will be open to inclusion of other relevant organizations and faculties of the University of Zagreb to ensure the participation of as many key stakeholders which are competent to maintain and improve the program in future.
The project is fully aligned with the Call objectives and will offer solutions:
Objective 1 – To develop a learning program based on the latest knowledge and methods in the field of green building which will suit the needs of society, industry and employers.
Solution: Creating a methodology for socially useful learning program in green building and the establishment of the Program Implementation Support Center. The existing state of formal and informal educational programs in Croatia will be determined, the goals of the new non-formal program will be defined, the methodology for selection of learning programs, teachers / lecturers and students / course attendants will be developed and analysis of the possibilities of transferring positive results and social useful learning for green building will be conducted in other higher education institutions in Croatia.
Objective 2 – To develop a learning program that will consider the educational and social dimension of socially useful learning and to ensure the complementarity of educational goals and the activities that will be undertaken by students under the guidance of a mentor.
Solution: Creating a socially useful learning program for green building in cooperation with all project partners (associations and higher education institutions).
Objective 3 – To transfer the latest relevant knowledge in the field of green building to the students, to ensure application for future programs and analysis of the problems and needs of the local community related to green building.
Solution: Implementing a program of socially useful learning includes studying (lectures, workshops and expert discussions). The most recent acquired relevant knowledge in the field of green building will be implemented under the guidance of a mentor through making of teaching information and communicational materials for future program participants as well as for identification of local community needs, problem and needs analysis and making of solution (“of the project”). It is a way of checking the acquired knowledge, skills and competencies based on learning programs, solving tasks and issues related to green building.
The project will train 40 students who will develop competences in the areas of planning, design, construction and buildings’ management according to the principles of green building and thus be able to respond to the challenges of sustainability and environmental protection in the field of construction.
Target groups of the project are students, teachers of higher education institutions (faculties-partners), employees of civil society organizations (association-user and partners) and volunteers.
In the project activities will be included: 40 graduate students from different components of the University of Zagreb; 10 faculty members from partner faculties of the University of Zagreb (Faculty of Civil Engineering – 1 professor, 2 assistant professors and 1 assistant, Faculty of Architecture – 1 professor and 1 assistant professor, Faculty of Forestry – 1 professor and 1 assistant professor, Faculty of Agriculture – 2 assistant professors), 5 civil society organizations employees (Croatian Engineering Association (2), Croatian Council for Green Building (2), Croatian Association of Civil Engineers (1) and 8 volunteers.
Students: Difficulty to find work which derives from the mismatch between educational programs and the needs of the labor market is the problem students encounter.
Teachers of higher education: the problem is associated with incorporating the social dimension of education into the prescribed programs and timetable, which is the reason why they can not prepare students for taking an active civic role in society in their areas of knowledge and skills. The changes are long lasting and difficult.
Associations’ employees: The problem is the lack of adequate engagement in solving problems related to sustainable development, environmental protection and pollution reduction.
Volunteers: The problem concerns the lack of opportunities for working with students / course participants on activities that are simultaneously beneficial to students / course participants and to the community.
Students will acquire competences in the field of green building that will meet market and professional needs and be competitive in the labor market, teachers will be given an opportunity to actively participate in shaping students into socially responsible and active citizens, employees of associations will be able to engage students and train them for solving green building related problems while the volunteers will be given the opportunity to work with students on socially useful activities.
The project has an innovative approach to solving the problem of target groups by including two components of innovation – a new approach to learning and inclusion of new educational contents on green building in higher education, an interdisciplinary non-formal education at University and associations levels and also by encouraging students to create competences for their new jobs and manage their career by choosing from various educational contents, thus responding adequately to the needs of the modern labor market. Experts are observing the building throughout its life cycle by means of the new contents of education, taking into account sustainable development based on criteria of sustainability, respecting and incorporating ecological, social and economic aspects.
The project acknowledges the application of good practice at the EU level by incorporating a study trip to Vienna where students will present buildings constructed respecting the principles of green building and through the education of teachers and volunteers / young experts which will be conducted by well-known green building experts from the EU with whom partners have long-term cooperation.
The project will have long-term impact on targeted groups: After the completion of the project, informal programs of socially useful learning in the field of sustainable / green building will continue to be implemented thus providing significant long-term benefits for students and young professionals. Teachers will gain long-term benefits that are reflected in contributing to the development of socially useful learning programs by participating in project implementation.
By participating in the project, the employees of the associations will gain long-term benefits through cooperation with teachers and experts from other associations with whom they will exchange their knowledge and experience thus further strengthening their own competences. By participating in the project, volunteers (young professionals) will achieve long-term benefits through education in the field of green building (they will be included in educational programs with teachers as well as project programs), thereby acquiring the knowledge and skills they can apply in solving the problem of sustainable development in the field of construction and environmental protection.
Information on the implementation capacities of user and partners
All project participants are presented on the website under section “USER AND PARTNERS”.
Associations and higher education institutions, as well as individuals participating in the project (participants), have competences and experience to carry out various activities, from creating methodology, socially useful learning programs for green building and implementing studies to the application of knowledge in the field of green building. The lessons learned include formal and / or informal educational programs.
How and why did user and partner organizations connect? Two civil society organizations and four components of the University of Zagreb were included in the project as partners.
The associations, the Croatia Green Building Council and the Croatian Association of Civil Engineers, are involved in the project due to their linkage to the project theme, the experience of organizing and implementing educational programs, and the expertise and competencies of their employees which are necessary for successful project implementation and the transfer of knowledge and skills to the students.
The Croatia Green Building Council, a member of the Croatian Engineering Association, was selected for its active role and activities in the area of information, education and promotion of application and adaptation of the best green building practices in Croatia. Croatian Association of Civil Engineers is a member of the Croatian Engineering Association, and it was selected for its contribution to the promotion, development and improvement of the architectural profession and to the care of lifelong education and training of civil engineers.
Partners from the higher education institutions were selected among the constituents of the University of Zagreb, the Faculty of Civil Engineering, the Faculty of Architecture, the Faculty of Forestry and the Faculty of Agriculture, because of their cooperation with the NGOs on the project and because of their involvement in similar topics within their study programs. The capacities of the selected institutions guarantee quality implementation of the elements and activities of the project, not only because of the number of teachers involved in the project but also because of their competences in the field of education for the contents of green building.
All partners will participate in project activities in Project elements 1, 2, 3 and 4, within which tasks and responsibilities will be deployed according to the area of their own expertise, interests and competences, thus encompassing and contributing to the implementation of an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary program of socially useful learning. Contribution and participation of partners will be highlighted and acknowledged, and their views and suggestions will be welcomed and taken into account. Partners will act on the principle of good partnership, which implies to be equal and respect each other, respect each other’s obligations, duties and responsibilities. The information will be shared timely and in good faith in order to ensure the successful realization of the project and to achieve common goals as well as to provide a quality program of socially useful learning that will enable students to work in the field of green building. Without one of the partners the project would not be feasible because each partner covers a certain area that is an integral part of the interdisciplinary area of green building.
Information on inclusion of students and volunteers on the program
Students: Students will be informed about the opportunities of participating in a program of socially useful learning for green building on courses covering educational programs in the field of green building conducted by teachers involved in project implementation through the publication on the faculty’s and associations-partners’ websites and social networking sites, through brochures, posters and flyers with general information about the program. The number of students is limited and greater number of interested students is expected, the final decision on student selection will be made by teachers based on a predefined methodology. Basically, students need to be graduates coming from various components of the University of Zagreb.
On the website section “STUDENTS”, the STUDENTS on the Project are presented.
Volunteers: Involvement of volunteers will be realized through the introduction of assistants and demonstrators with the possibility of participating in the project by the participating teachers and by getting acquainted with the possibility of involving young experts, practitioners from the associations involved in the project. Those who will show the greatest motivation for participating, will be selected.
The VOLUNTEERS in Project are presented on the website section ” VOLUNTEERS “.
The end-users of the project to which the project has an impact on.
The ultimate beneficiaries of the project are the society in general, young experts, higher education institutions and civil society organizations.
The Society will benefit because the knowledge and skills of green building acquired in the way of socially useful learning contribute to increasing the quality of life of people, relieve local infrastructure, increase air and water quality, protect biodiversity and eco-system, and improve the health of users.
Within the project, a program of socially useful learning in the field of green building will be developed and continue to be implemented in the future, while besides the students, young experts who want to acquire practical knowledge and skills in the green building sector and who want to continue their professional development in that direction, either in the profit or non-profit sector, will be able to participate too.
The project represents a pilot project that seeks to establish the criteria and preconditions which need to be fulfilled in order to make the transition of socially useful learning program for the green building from the informal to formal educational system faster and more efficient.
After the realization of the project, the implementation of socially useful learning programs and the dissemination of project results will attempt to include other civil society organizations which are active in the field of sustainable development, the circle of economics and environmental protection and are willing to participate in the training of young experts. Apart from direct involvement in the programs, the users and partners will be open to other civil society organizations that want to implement similar projects and support them in their implementation. The Center presented on the site section “ABOUT CENTER” will have an important part in the process.
External experts for the implementation of professional education of teachers and volunteers in the field of green building
Three recognized experts with great competences in the area of knowledge and good practice in the field of sustainable / green building will be engaged for the needs of educating teachers and volunteers.
Local community on the project
The cities participating in project are: Ivanić Grad, Karlovac, Pazin, Sveti Ivan Zelina and Velika Gorica and they will ensure and appoint a person(s) for cooperation and access to the necessary information in order for students to be able to identify problems and needs of the local community, to analyze, offer solutions and to make projects.
Under the website section “USER AND PARTNERS” presentations of all cities participating and their letters of support to the project can be found.
3.7 MAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE PROJECT
The project contains several elements (“PROJECT ELEMENTS”) within which certain activities are determined.
All project elements and the activities within each element are presented under the web page sections EP1I, EP2I, EP3I, EP5/VI and EP6/PMI.
All or some of the partners / participants in the project are involved in the activity, thus being the part of project team.
Volunteers are incluced in all project activities.
Students are involved only in activities within project element 3.
The elements of the project are as follows:
EP1, Element Project 1 – Preparation, development of a methodology for socially useful learning program for green building and the establishment of the Program Implementation Support Center
EP2, Element Project 2 – Participation of teachers, associations’ employees and volunteers in the socially useful learning program for green building
EP3, Element Project 3 – Participation of students in a program of socially useful learning for green building
EP5 / V, Project Element 5 – Promotion and visibility
EP6 / PM, Project Element 6 – Project management and administration
3.8 ACCURACY WITH EU AND NATIONAL REGULATIONS AND CONTRIBUTION TO NATIONAL AND EU STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS
The project helps to achieve specific goals at the level of EU and national legislation and contributes to certain strategic documents.
Compliance with EU regulations (EU list of regulations)
Regulation (EU) No. 1303/2013: a) 6. Conservation and protection of the environment and promotion of resource efficiency through the promotion and understanding of the importance of green building in every sphere of life; (b) 10. investing in education, training, professional training and lifelong learning as well as in the associated aim of improving the quality, efficiency and access to tertiary or equivalent education with a view to increasing the level of participation and the level of education achieved, especially for the neglected groups through the training of associates’ employees, teachers and volunteers.
Regulation (EU) No. 1304/2013: Article 2 stating that ESF should increase employment opportunities, strengthen social inclusion, combat poverty, promote education and lifelong learning and develop an active, comprehensive and sustainable policies.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 215/2014. – Information on the methodologies and criteria applied to selected performance indicators for the performance framework will be recorded in accordance with the EC Regulation
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 821/2014. – Visibility and advertising materials as well as the equipment to be purchased will contain technical features of information and communication measures in accordance with EC Regulation
Commission Regulation (EU) No. 651/2014 – The project is in accordance with the Regulation and does not disrupt the internal market, no state aids subject to registration have been received for project activities.
Commission Regulation (EU) No. 1407/2013 – The beneficiary and the partners received no support that could be considered de minimis aid.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) no. 480/2014 – the project will take place in accordance with the regulation which includes operations contributing to the transition to a low-carbon, climate-friendly, energy-efficient economy, which productively exploits resources and is environmentally sustainable.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) no. 240/2014 – The user and partners will publish relevant information in a timely manner and ensure easy access to the information in accordance with the above mentioned regulation, the need for sufficient time to analyze and comment on the partner’s tasks will be taken into account.
Compliance with national regulations (list of regulations)
- a) Treaty of Accession of Croatia to the European Union (OG, International Agreements, No. 2/2012) (Treaty of Accession);
- b) Law on establishing the institutional framework for the implementation of the European Structural and Investment Funds in the Republic of Croatia in the financial period 2014-2020. (OG 92/14);
- c) Regulation on bodies in the Management and Control Systems of the use of European Social Fund, the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund for the purpose of “Investment in growth and jobs” (OG 107/2014, 23/2015);
- d) Ordinance on Acceptability of Expenditure within the European Social Fund (OG 149/1412 and 14/1613, 74/1614);
- e) Public Procurement Act (Official Gazette 90/11, 83/13, 143/13 and 13/14);
- f) State Aid Act (OG 47/14) (ZDP);
- g) Labor Law (OG 93/14);
All working relationships will be regulated in compliance with the regulations of the Law defining the relationship between employer and employee.
- h) Law on Volunteering (Official Gazette 58/07 and 22/13);
Abiding the Law which defines the basic principles of volunteering, the volunteers engaged in the project will sign a volunteering agreement and records of volunteer work will be kept.
- i) Volunteer Code of Ethics (OG 55/08);
The applicant will act as a volunteer organizer in accordance with the Code of Ethics and will respect the principles of: participation in social processes, voluntariness and free choice, prohibition of discrimination, solidarity, promotion and human rights protection, personal potential development, as well as the principle of intercultural learning and exchange, environmental protection and concern for sustainable development.
- j) Ordinance on the Content of Reports on Services Performed or Activities of Volunteer Organizers (OG 101/08);
The applicant will keep records and submit volunteering reports in accordance with the bylaw and ensure the accuracy of all data.
- k) Law on the Croatian Qualification Framework (OG 22/13, 41/16);
The project implements informal learning and the project will be implemented in accordance with the Law in question. The project will contribute to the building of informal learning system, which is one of the goals and principles of this law.
- l) Social Welfare Act (Official Gazette, 157/13, 152/14, 99/15, 52/16)
The project is in accordance with the Law on Scientific Activity and Higher Education regulating the functioning of higher education institutions. Particularly important is the compliance with the Law in the area of interaction with the social community and the obligation of universities, polytechnics, colleges and public scientific institutes to develop the social responsibility of students and other members of academic and scientific community, since green building, whose importance is promoted through the project among academic community members (students and teachers), contributes to the sustainable development of the entire society.
The project, in the part that regulates non-formal adult education (organized learning processes directed at adult training, different social activities and personal development), will be conducted in accordance with the Adult Education Act. The project is designed to educate teachers, associations’ employees and volunteers to work with students on green building projects.
Contribution to National Strategic Documents and EU Documents (Document List)
- a) Agreement on partnership between the Republic of Croatia and the European Commission for the use of the European Structural and Investment Funds for the period 2014-2020; – thematic objectives 4, 6 and 10
Thematic Objective 4: Supporting transition to a low-carbon economy in all sectors, within which the building sector is the main priority.
Thematic Objective 6: Preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency.
Thematic Objective 10: Investing in education, training and vocational training for lifelong learning in a way that will improve the employability skills through better alignment of the educational system with market needs at the level of tertiary education.
- b) Operational Program Effective Human Resources 2014-2020;
Priority Axis 4: Good governance (helps to achieve the goal of sustainable development in the Republic of Croatia and the EU), Investment priority 11.ii “Capacity building for all stakeholders providing education, lifelong learning, training and employment and social policies, including specific goal 11.ii.1. “Capacity building of civil society organizations, particularly associations and social partners, as well as strengthening of civilian and social dialogue for better governance” through sectoral and territorial pacts for facilitating reforms at national, regional and local level,
- c) Europe 2020 – a strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
Project objectives are represented:
within the “smart growth” priority, through the main initiative “union of innovation” and the project contributes to:
EU level: “strengthening the link between education, business, research and innovation”
National level: “strengthening cooperation between universities, research centers and companies”, strengthening of cross-border cooperation “in the future, the expansion on the young professionals (domestic and foreign) is foreseen through the Center for Development of Professional Competences for Green Building,” providing a sufficient number of experts of all professions for green building and orientation of curricula on creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship “-
within the “smart growth” priority, through the “Youth on the Move” initiative and the project contributes to:
EU level: “accelerating the program of modernization of higher education (curricula, programs, etc. and “promoting the recognition of informal learning ”
National level: “ensuring efficient investment in education and training system at all levels”, “correcting educational outcomes … within an integrated approach, including key competences,”, “improving youth access to the labor market through integrated activities”
within the framework of the “sustainable growth” priority, through a leading initiative “resource-efficient Europe” initiative and the project contribute to:
EU level: “Encouraging the wider use of green public procurement”, “Adopting and implementing a revised Energy Efficiency Action Plan and promoting a significant program of efficient resource use …, to stimulate changes in consumption and production; “More efficient use of resources and resistant to climate change till 2050”
Within the framework of the “sustainable growth” priority, through the leading initiative “industrial policy for the globalization era” and the project contributes to:
EU level: “more efficient use of energy and resources”, “development of horizontal approach to industrial policy by using different policy instruments (e.g. “smart” regulations, modernized public procurement, competition rules and standard setting); “Promoting technologies and production methods that reduce resource utilization
within the “inclusive growth” priorities, through the Leadership Initiative “new skills and jobs program” and the project contributes to:
EU level: “Facilitating and promoting the mobility of the work force within the EU and better linking the labor demand-supply, flexibly responding to the priorities and needs of the labor market”, “Delivering strong inception to the strategic framework for cooperation in education and training, which includes all stakeholders”, “the implementation of lifelong learning principles and flexible learning methods between different educational sectors…” Ensuring that the competences required for participation in further learning and on the labor market are acquired and recognized through higher education
National level: “Ensuring that the competences needed for participating in learning and on the labor market are gained and recognized through the entire cross-section of higher education, including informal learning; “Developing partnerships between the world of education / training and work”
within the framework of the “inclusive growth” prioritiy, through the lead initiative “European Platform Against Poverty” and the project contributes to:
EU level: “fighting discrimination (disabled persons, e.g.)”
National level: “measures targeting specific circumstances of the groups at special risk (such as… disabled persons” – just as well as for the EU level.
- d) Notification on EU Policies and Volunteering: Recognizing and promoting cross-border volunteering aactivities in the EU (2012).
The project is also in compliance with the Notification, especially with the item 1.3. Added value of volunteering, where it is said that volunteering is contributing to the Europe 2020 development strategy, particularly in reaching the targeted 75% employment rate in the EU untill 2020, by helping people learning new skills and adapting to changes in the labor market. It was also reported that
volunteering directly contributes to key EU policy goals such as social inclusion, employment, education, skills development and citizenship.
- e) Volunteering in Europe, European Commission – DG EAC, EACEA, 201034;
The project responds to the EU report, with the goal to increase the number of volunteers in the EU and to raise awareness of the benefits of volunteering.
- f) National strategy for creating an incentive environment for civil society development from 2012 to 2016;
The strategy aims are: a) raise the awareness of children and youth about the benefits of volunteering and to increase the number of volunteering citizens; b) increase the share of employees in civil society organizations by recruiting new staff. By engaging volunteers and employing new staff, the analytical, professional and educational capacities of the NGOs will increase.
- g) Education, Science and Technology Strategy
The Strategy defines the objectives of higher education in the Republic of Croatia: Goal 5: Enhance the system of permanent professional development and improvement of educational workers through teacher training for applied teaching methods of socially useful learning and valuation of student work, part Higher Education, Goal 3: Ensure quality staffing of higher education institutions as a basis for improving the quality of higher education, i.e. 3.1. To increase the scientific and teaching quality of teachers through further education of teachers and create new program of non-formal education for the green building sector and in the part of adult education; Goal 1: Ensure the preconditions for increasing adult engagement in lifelong learning and education through the training of volunteers and employees of organizations in order to work with students and project management.
- h) National Youth Program for the period 2014 to 2017;
Objective 2.1. Facilitate the integration of young people into the labor market by enabling students to work on green building projects through a socially useful learning program that will be developed, among other things, on the basis of needs of the profession and employers, thus enabling students to be more competitive in the labor market.
- i) Strategy of the development of the social welfare system in the Republic of Croatia 2011 – 2016;
The project includes work with volunteers, thus coordinated with the Strategy where under item 4.5.2. Cooperation with civil society organizations one of the measures is related to the promotion and development of volunteering programs and the inclusion of these programs in social welfare institutions.
- j) Strategy for combating poverty and social exclusion in the Republic of Croatia (2014-2020).
The project is in accordance with the Strategy and assists in achievement of prioritiy 1. Ensuring conditions for successful fight against poverty and social exclusion and reducing inequalities in society: through the education of students who will be more competitive in the labor market, thereby reducing their risk of poverty and social exclusion. Capaciting students for constructing by green building principles which include adapting work and living spaces to people with special needs will contribute to their more successful integration into society.
3.10 PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY
Implementation of the project will provide guidelines for continuing the Constant Professional Development for Green Building through non-formal learning programs, respecting project methodology, socially useful learning for green building programs as well as guidelines for implementing the same or similar programs through formal education at higher education institutions, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary studies (multiple components included).
The Center for implementation and monitoring of the program “Constant Professional Development for Green Building”, i.e. for education and permanent professional development with the aim of maintaining and extending knowledge and skills through informal education was established during the implementation of the project. The center is presented at the site section „ABOUT CENTER“.
The Center is a virtual organization, established within the project, more adaptable to the partnership of various interested associations or higher education institutions in a particular informal educational program. It is only important to follow the methodology that will be developed and defined within the project, which will be the goal of “new” informal education, the method of making, evaluating and verifying educational programs, establishing the methodology for selecting teachers and students (beneficiaries) of the educational program, the way of monitoring and evaluating educational programs.
For the purpose of this project the Center includes all project participants; user, partner associations, higher education institutions partners, students and volunteers.
The Center should include other associations and components of the University with technical competencies as well as associations and components of the University of Zagreb, which carry and develop social and economic competences directed at sustainable development and green building, after the implementation of the project.
The place of the educational program for this project will be HIS premises, which in the future does not have to be uniquely determined. It is important that rooms and other tools are appropriate for the program, which also will be determined in the methodology, where all the resources will be taken into an account and not only the human potentials of a particular partner.
Partners on each future project (Partner list) will be listed on the website of the Center, while the costs, which will be minimal, will be taken over by new partners.
Following the long-term plan, engineers of the Croatian Diaspora (HIS members), who have been recently showing interest to participate in Croatian economy, will also be included in the Center as students / program participants, or lecturers. Because of this, the Center needs to adapt its educational programs to their needs in the future, and lectures should be in English. This creates the possibility for the Center’s programs to be a motive and a trigger for the decision to bring young experts from other countries to Croatia, which is partly solved at formal education level through Erasmus programs and not solved at the level of informal education (potential for Croatian migration).
The specific project activity in the future is aimed at identifying opportunities for incorporating socially useful learning for green building into formal education programs at the University of Zagreb and other universities in the Republic of Croatia. The risks and opportunities for transferring knowledge and experience from this project to other educational programs will be recognized.
Sustainability of the project results from the letter of support from the University of Zagreb and the Academy of Technical Sciences of Croatia.
3.11 EVALUATION OF RESULTS
The project is being monitored and the project results and its impact on the fulfillment of the Project Call objectives are evaluated. Quantitative and qualitative indicators and evaluation methods are mentioned.
In addition, certain common indicators will be collected for all participants from target groups (teachers, organizatons’ employees, students and volunteers) at the time of entry into the project and in the period from the date of termination of the participation. All indicators which refer to the participants will be sorted by sex.
1 Civil society organizations participating in capacity building activities of their field of work
The project involves 3 civil society organizations (associations): the Croatian Engineering Association, the Croatian Council for Green Building and the Croatian Association of Civil Engineers.
By mutual cooperation and co-operation with faculties-partners on the development and implementation of socially useful learning programs for green building, associations will strengthen the existing and build new capacities for professional and educational activities in the field of green building.
Quantitative Indicator:
– participation of 3 civil society organizations in capacity building activities
Qualitative Indicators:
– strengthened and built professional, educational and analytical capacities for the green building sector
– strengthened and built capacities for project implementation
Evaluating and tracking results:
According to the project plan project performance dynamics, project benchmarks, success criteria and accountability are foreseen. The project leader will monitor the performance, engagement and results and compare them with the plans to determine the state and progress of the project and take any corrective actions that may be required.
2 Number of mentoring programs developed and implemented for socially useful learning
The project anticipates the development and implementation of 1 mentoring program for socially useful learning for the green building, mentioned integrally, and the implementation will ensure the mentoring to be carried out on every student and his work on the development of teaching as well as promotional materials and the design of a project / solution of a problem for the local community.
Quantitative Indicator:
– 1 mentoring program for socially useful learning for green building has been developed and implemented
Qualitative Indicators:
– student activities within the program are harmonized and complementary to the educational goals
– the educational content, knowledge and skills that students acquire are relevant to their area of educational and professional interests
– the educational content, knowledge and skills that students acquire are coordinated with the needs of the profession and employers
– the projects that the students will make meet the real needs of the local community
Evaluating and tracking results:
The number of mentoring programs developed and implemented for socially beneficial learning refers to a green education mentoring program that will include 40 graduate students of the University of Zagreb components in the associatons-project partners activities.
3 Number of qualified teachers of higher education institutions and employees of civil society organizations for implementation of socially useful learning programs
Through the education that will be provided for teachers and employees through the work on the development and implementation of the mentoring program, the additional knowledge and skills needed to implement socially useful learning programs will be acquired. The training of teachers will be carried out by recognized experts in the field of green building participating in the performance of multidisciplinary education of green building professionals conducted by the Croatia Green Building Council.
Quantitative Indicators:
– 10 faculty-partner teachers trained to implement socially useful learning programs
– 5 associations’ employees trained to implement socially useful learning programs
Qualitative Indicators:
– teachers gained additional competences for the implementation of educational programs for green building domain
– associations’ employees gained competences for working with students and project management
– associations’ employees and faculty-partner teachers gained the competence to develop and implement socially useful learning programs
Evaluating and tracking results:
The participation of teachers and associations’ employees will be recorded in the list of participants of educations carried out with accompanying evidence.
4 Number of students involved in project activities
Students of graduate studies with components of the University of Zagreb will be included in project activities.
Quantitative Indicators:
– 40 students involved in project activities
Qualitative Indicators:
– students gained the latest relevant knowledge in the field of green building
– students are able to identify and analyze the needs and problems of local communities
– students are trained to apply knowledge and to find solution for local community problem
– students gained practical knowledge and skills to address social issues related to environmental protection, sustainable development, efficient use of natural resources and improving the quality of life, health and well-being of people.
Evaluating and tracking results:
Students’ inclusion in the performance of activities will be recorded in the records
5 Number of volunteers, volunteers’ work hours, work value of volunteers involved in project activities
The project will include 8 volunteers who will participate in performing project activities and 2536 volunteer work hours.
Quantitative Indicators:
– 8 volunteers involved in project activities
– 2536 hours of volunteer work spent on project activities
– total value of volunteer work on project 86,224 kn
Qualitative Indicators:
– volunteers capacitated with the necessary knowledge and skills to work in the program
– volunteers applied their knowledge and skills to solve social problems as well as for the benefit of others
Evaluating and tracking results:
Number of volunteers refers only to volunteers who directly participate in activities for which a description of the volunteer position has been noted and a written volunteering agreement has been concluded. Volunteers’ work will be documented by the volunteer’s working hours record
3.12 HORIZONTAL THEMES
The project contributes to equal opportunities
The project contributes to equal opportunities in relation to “gender equality and non-discrimination” as well as “accessibility for people with disabilities”.
In compliance with the provisions of the Anti-Discrimination Law and the Gender Equality Act, the user will draw up an internal gender equality manual which is to be shared within all project participants. Participants will be aware of the importance of involving women’s and men’s interests and experiences in all political, economic and social spheres in order to achieve equal benefit for all, and inequality would not be renewed.
Records on the proportion of women and men in target groups, and qualitative and quantitative monitoring of the participation of women, members of minorities and disadvantaged groups in order to promote equality of women and men and prohibition of discrimination will be conducted. By enabling students to construct buildings according to the principles of green building, which include adapting work and living spaces to people with special needs, project will contribute to a more successful integration into the society of such persons.
The project contributes to sustainable development and environmental protection
The project contributes to sustainable development and environmental protection, including “green public procurement,” climate challenges”, “resource efficiency”, “green growth” and more.
By implementing the project, students will acquire practical knowledge and skills to work in the green building sector, which ensures efficient use of natural resources and energy resources throughout the lifecycle of the building and achieves ecological sustainability. Green building refers to environmentally responsible construction and processes as well as resources throughout the lifecycle of a building: from planning, design, construction, management, maintenance, reconstruction to demolition and removal of buildings, which also includes finding a balance between indicators of a particular stage. The green building affects reducing energy usage, increasing comfort in buildings and increasing environmental protection. Green building affects the use of acceptable construction and other materials / products and raw materials, takes care of the impact on human health, transport, human and material resources, production, construction, recycling and disposal at the end of the lifecycle / lifetime of the building. Green building also applies to green urbanism through the application of certain rules; (1) not to be built on a natural, unpolluted land, because construction always degrades greenfield; (2) strive to achieve as high density as possible in order to minimize the use of the natural terrain for new construction; (3) strive to keep the building as small as possible; (4) avoid scattering of buildings; (5) to build on already existing, brownfield site, and in addition to meet a number of other criteria. Like spatial planning and urban planning, green building also looks at space and construction over a long period of time, i.e. throughout the entire lifecycle / lifetime of a building. Green building takes care of sustainable development and affects it by meeting the ecological, social and economic aspects of development. Information, communication and promotional materials (leaflets, brochures and posters) to be procured for the needs of the project will be made of recycled paper and with use of ecological colors.
The project contributes to the promotion of good governance principles, including cooperation with civil society
The project promotes the principles of good governance through cooperation with NGO partners, the Croatian Green Building Consortium and the Croatian Association of Civil Engineers. Principles of good governance: participation, transparency and accountability are stongly influenced by the project. Participation refers to the involvement of all partners in the design and implementation of socially useful learning programs. Transparency is ensured by implementation of the project in accordance with EU rules and timely sharing of information among partners. Responsibility will be ensured through the implementation of the project on the principle of a good partnership that implies equality, mutual respect and respect for reciprocal tasks, obligations and responsibilities.
The project was supported by the University of Zagreb and the Academy of Technical Sciences of Croatia, which recognized its value and contribution to the modernization of educational programs and the cities of Ivanić Grad, Karlovac, Pazin, Sveti Ivan Zelina and Velika Gorica who expressed readiness to participate.