ABSTRACT
This chapter is set in the context of European Union (EU) policy to reduce environment carbon emissions through the European Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which – despite EU equality objectives – remains gender-blind and in accordance with ecological modernisation, technology-driven, and oriented to innovation. Difficulties in implementing the EPBD relate to vocational education and training (VET) and the labour process requirements for nearly zero energy building (NZEB). The reasons for the failure of VET and labour market policies and practices to improve the participation of women and what is needed to overcome barriers to their inclusion are highlighted. Combined, the requirements for the inclusion of women and a sustainable construction process, provide the pillars on which a transformed industry can be constructed. In examining local and organisational examples of where women have been successfully included and/or NZEB has been achieved, the ingredients are identified for developing an eco-equitable and socially useful construction sector and the coalition of actors involved – above all the public authorities, VET institutions, unions, women in construction, and environmental organisations.
