The main aim of U-CERT is to introduce a next generation of user centred certification schemes to value buildings in a holistic and cost-effective manner. This aims to: - facilitate convergence of quality and reliability, using the under the M480 mandate developed national annexes standards, enabling a technology neutral approach that is transparently presented; - encourage the development and application of holistic user-centered innovative solutions, including the smart readiness of buildings; - encourage and support end-users in decision making (e.g. on deep renovation); U-CERT has a focus on strengthening actual implementation of the EPBD by providing insights from an user perspective and creating a leveled playing field for sharing implementation experience, (Mandate M/480 and product related) to all involved stakeholders, facilitated by the EPB-center. U-CERT has the following five measurable objectives: 1: Facilitating the implementation of the new generation of Certification Schemes with a wide based support 2: Making the new certification schemes more practical, reliable and ‘desirable’ by a holistic and user centered approach 3: Making the new certification schemes easy accessible for a wide range of users and stakeholders by the services of the EPB center This objective has a twofold approach: 1) by accelerating the implementation by the development of a set digital supporting tools and 2) by incubating new certification concepts and business models, empowered by the U-CERT results. The EPB center has a central role in achieving this objective by offering services to all relevant stakeholders in order to promote and foster a harmonized and comparable implementation of the EPBD. 4: Providing evidence of the usefulness and meaningfulness of developed means by testing the U-CERT approach in selected cases by the EPB center. 5: To foster a EU-wide uptake by motivating and activating EU interest groups and certifying bodies (not involved in U-CERT)

A successful design and construction process for NZE buildings and renovation requires to follow an integrated design approach and to work in multi-disciplinary teams. However, this approach is still not common PROF-TRAC offers a solution for this barrier by developing and maintaining an education platform for dedicated trainings and continuous development for professionals, i.e., both technical experts as architects, in integrated multi-disciplinary approach for nZEB principles, in a Post Graduate qualification/curriculum. PROF-TRAC has the following objectives: 1. Mapping of the required skills and current skills gap of professionals in NZEB. 2. Development of an open training platform including methods for a systematic and sustainable access to knowledge. 3. Development of a Train the Trainers programme for the developed curriculum and/or qualification scheme This training programme will be tested on a national scale in six national pilots and on an international scale by a train-the-trainer program provided by two EU umbrella organisations representing engineers (REHVA) and architects (ACE). 4. Development of a repository of the training material for use in education and post-initial education PROF-TRAC is specifically targeting the need to train architects, engineers, building managers and other building professionals in the necessary skills for designing, constructing, managing and operating NZE construction and retrofitting. The proposed approach will lead to a substantial reduction of skills mismatch for professionals, Increased managerial capacity to support innovation and sustainable energy use in buildings through new leadership, design, construction and management skills for professionals at middle and senior level and fostering of a better cooperation between disciplines. PROF-TRAC is building upon previous IEE projects (BuildUpSkills, IDES-EDU etc.) and is initiated by the largest European associations for the sector (REHVA, ACE, CECODHAS).