What distinguishes a new building from a renovation is that there is an existing (mostly insufficiently documented) building which needs to be modernised or renovated. From ecological and user specific viewpoints, it is recommendable to profit from renovation by making an effort to achieve the greatest possible improvement under given circumstances: The facade is renovated to the highest possible standard while at the same time insulation saving energy and reducing emissions is applied; the roof is renovated to the highest possible standard while a solar energy system for warm water preparation is installed saving energy and reducing emissions.

Usually, renovation measures are similar in most countries: Facade maintenance and facade insulation; maintenance and insulation of the roof; repair or replacement of heating- and air conditioning-system; repair or replacement of windows, floors, sanitary installation and electric wiring.

Technologies and material applied vary in individual countries depending on climatic conditions and local environmental impact levels.

Since damages often trigger renovation, the building owner directly contacts a specific craftsman who assumes an advisory function. It is essential that the craftsman provides state-of-the-art service in his own area of competence. Furthermore, the craftsman must have interdisciplinary knowledge regarding other affected areas of the building enabling him to inform the building owner of further improvement potentials in other areas of the building.

Yet, qualifications required to provide this service are rarely provided during vocational training or continued education. Vocational training mainly focuses on new building. There are few renovation-specific training modules and even fewer subjects taking ecological aspects into consideration. The Netherlands are an exception in this context and can serve as a model in many areas.

A common problem in all investigated countries is the fact that the building sector seems to be a reservoir of unqualified staff. Differing training systems cannot explain this: It is the bad image of skilled trades setting in motion a vicious cycle.

This is a grotesque situation in light of the far-reaching consequences high quality skilled workmanship bears on each one of us: Most people in Europe live and work in buildings.