The energy transition requires not only innovative technologies but, above all, a skilled workforce capable of planning, developing and operating future-proof heating and cooling systems while incorporating European and national legislation and climate ambitions in their daily work. The workshop “The skill transition for the energy transition – what does the district heating and cooling sector need?” addresses this challenge by examining current gaps and emerging solutions in training and education for the DHC sector.
In short expert pitches, representatives from Austria, Germany, and European initiatives will present concrete qualification programmes- ranging from training for blue collar workers to new academic curricula - recruitment approaches and digital learning formats. In the subsequent World Café, participants will jointly discuss future competency needs, effective knowledge-transfer models and the organisational and policy frameworks required to accelerate the heat transition.

This workshop offers a unique opportunity to bring together international experience, link with ongoing initiatives such as Skills4DHC, and jointly shape a skilled and forward-looking DHC workforce.

The workshop invites participants to examine how Austria and China are jointly advancing the decarbonisation of the built environment through state-of-the-art façade technologies and integrated energy concepts. Moving beyond the presentation of isolated research findings, the session provides a focused exploration of how renewable-energy-active façades, serial renovation methodologies, digital planning environments, and low-carbon design strategies can be synergistically applied to deliver scalable, high-impact solutions. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how complex façade and fenestration systems can significantly reduce thermal loads, enhance on-site energy generation, and accelerate climate-neutral renovation, particularly in dense urban settings.

Through concise impulse presentations and scientific discussion, the workshop will highlight transferable insights from ongoing Austria–China collaborations: Which advancements in complex façade and fenestration systems are approaching market readiness? How do technological concepts perform across contrasting climate zones? And in what ways can digital twins and advanced simulation workflows support robust design and decision-making? The session aims to equip attendees with evidence-based knowledge and applicable methodologies that can inform future research, policy development, and large-scale implementation efforts.

How can digital technologies accelerate the transformation toward a sustainable energy system—and what does this mean for companies across different sectors? This 90-minute interactive workshop brings together leading representatives from the energy industry, manufacturing, and the construction sector to share their digitalisation journeys, challenges, and successes. Participants will also gain insights into the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) initiative and the support they offer to companies of every size.

A moderated panel discussion with audience involvement will explore key questions:
How do organisations in energy-relevant sectors approach digital transformation?
Do SMEs and large enterprises differ in their needs and strategies?
How can EDIHs create value for diverse stakeholders?
What can industries learn from one another—and what new collaboration models emerge for highly digitalised companies working with third-party partners?

Join us to discuss concrete pathways, shared obstacles, and new opportunities at the intersection of digitalisation and the energy transition.