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The EFCA newsletter has just been published, it contains information on the following:

 

The full newsletter is available here.

ConsultA is an information ezine for ACEI members established in March 2020.  On a monthly basis, the ezine covers the key issues facing the consulting engineering profession at national, EU and global levels.  


ConsultA contains useful advice and critical information for member firms to support their businesses.  In addition, ConsultA tells the story of the ACEI members and the brilliant work they undertake daily.  Members are welcome to contribute to the ezine in many ways.  Those wishing to do so should click here.


Included in the newsletter are weblinks to the European (EFCA) and International consulting engineering association (FIDIC).

ConsultA 01 January 2024
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The EFCA newsletter has just been published, it contains information on the following:

The full newsletter is available here.

The EFCA newsletter has just been published, it contains information on the following:

The full newsletter is available here.

The EFCA newsletter has just been published, it contains information on the following:

The full newsletter is available here.

The EFCA newsletter has just been published, it contains information on the following:

  • EFCA welcomes ambitious EU 2024 Work Programme 
  • Decarbonising Transport Infrastructure
  • Future Leaders Webinars 
  • EFCA joining HELLASCO Conference in Athens

The full newsletter is available here.

The EFCA newsletter has just been published, it contains information on the following:

  • EFCA supports its Ukrainian member with keynote address.
  • Adam Bialachowski appointed to the FIDIC Board
  • Webinars with EFCA Future Leaders of the Year 2023 – featuring Irish runner up Patrick Kavangh, BDP on 19 October
  • EFCA supports further rapid digitalisation.
  • State of the Union Speech 2023:  Engineers develop the solutions.

The full newsletter is available here.

The EFCA newsletter has just been published, it contains information on the following:

  • The enlargement of the EFCA team in Brussels with the arrival of two new interns!
  • Advancing sustainable infrastructure: Standard Operating Procedure and Toolkit.
  • EFCA’s contribution to EU’s building carbon emission reduction.
  • EFCA’s recommendations and support for the Ukrainian Facility proposal.


The full newsletter is available here.

Joint publication to be launched with EIC
Later this week, EFCA and the European International Contractors (EIC) will release the Standard operating procedure and toolkit for the procurement of sustainable infrastructure. This publication is the result of years of experience by contractors and consulting engineers, of submitting tenders for infrastructure projects in other continents, particularly those that are subject to investment by the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). The tool kit contains  best practice and aims to guide procurement staff at MDBs, borrowers, public promoters, and implementing agencies in incorporating quality and sustainability criteria into large infrastructure tenders. EFCA will post more information on LinkedIN in the coming days.

Why consulting engineers are ‘more crucial than ever’

In a recent exclusive interview with International Construction Magazine, our EFCA President, Inés Ferguson, highlighted the pivotal role of consulting engineers in shaping a sustainable and digitally transformed future. Consulting engineers are leading the charge in driving the green transition and embracing digital technologies. Through their expertise, they design and implement solutions that reduce carbon emissions, enhance resilience, and promote circularity in our built environment. By leveraging tools like BIM and digital twins, consulting engineers optimise project outcomes and unlock new possibilities. In the interview, Inés shed light on her vision for EFCA’s work. She emphasised the importance of collaboration and engagement with European institutions, as well as advocating for policies that benefit the consulting engineering industry. Finally, she also discussed EFCA’s role in influencing legislation at both European and national levels, ensuring a unified voice and impactful outcomes.  More information is available here.

Introducing the Ukraine Facility

The European Commission is working on a regulation that will establish the Ukraine Facility, a flexible instrument aimed at providing the country with predictable financial support from 2024 to 2027. This initiative seeks to address Ukraine’s short-term state and recovery needs while also supporting its medium-term reconstruction and modernisation efforts. To gather input and feedback on the proposed regulation, the Commission has initiated an open consultation, which will close on 5 September. EFCA and its Ukraine Support Group welcome the Commission’s proposal and will submit a common view, following consultation with its members.  More information is available here.

Study’s findings on Circular Approaches in Construction 
The European Commission has recently published a study that examines the application of circular approaches within the construction industry ecosystem. This study not only emphasises the potential benefits of transitioning to a circular economy in construction but also identifies key barriers that must be overcome for widespread implementation. EFCA made a key contribution to this study, highlighting the need for a broader perspective on circularity and advocating for standardised measurement practices.  More information is available here.

Newsletter on summer break
While the EFCA office will remain operational throughout the summer, our newsletter will take a break. The next issue will be delivered to your mailbox on September 07.


Advancing the adoption of open standards and digital technologies in construction

We are thrilled to announce the strategic partnership between European Engineering Consultancies and buildingSMART International. Together we want to promote the adoption of open standards and digital technologies in the construction industry. In spite of the growing use of BIM, we still need full interoperability and standardised work practices. Open standards provide a framework for seamless integration and collaboration, fostering efficiency and innovation. EFCA brings industry expertise and a vast network of professionals, while bSI’s global presence and experience in developing open standards has long supported the transformation of the design and construction process. Together, we will work for the industry’s efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability.

Through this partnership, EFCA and bSI will develop guidelines and push for a more connected, digitally advanced construction ecosystem.  More information is available here.

 


Supporting the Transition Pathway: EFCA’s commitments
Following the publication of the Transition Pathway for Construction by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) earlier this year, EFCA has presented its commitments in response to this document. Concrete actions taken by EFCA involve strengthening partnerships and cooperation with stakeholders such as industry associations, research institutes, policymakers, and other key participants in the construction value chain to enhance the promotion of skills and talent in the sector. Additionally, EFCA is interested in exploring the development of Level(s) for infrastructure and supports the creation of Digital Building Logbooks, which will improve access to vital information and efficiency. 


EFCA responds to consultation on external financing instruments
EFCA has submitted its response to the EU’s public consultation on the Evaluation of the EU’s External Financing Instruments for the 2014-2020 and 2021-2027 financial frameworks. EFCA’s preliminary analysis highlights both positive and challenging aspects of the new financing instrument. While the new partnership instrument has increased cooperation with partner countries, accessing EU funds has become more complicated for the European engineering industry, particularly for SMEs. The absence of dialogue with EU Delegation staff and the introduction of new procurement criteria have deterred European engineering firms from engaging in EU external aid tenders. Additionally, the shift towards budget support mechanisms and delegated management has reduced the visibility of EU external cooperation. The consolidation of separate instruments into the NDICI-GE has led to fewer service contract tenders from the European Commission, affecting the activity level of the European consulting industry.

EFCA welcomes the European Commission’s evaluation of the external financing instrument but urges an assessment of its impact on the European consulting industry. Ongoing dialogue and addressing these challenges will be vital for optimising the instrument’s potential and supporting a thriving consulting industry in Europe. More information is available here.


EFCA Green Deal Committee Discusses Taxonomy
During the meeting of the Green Deal Committee earlier this week, members exchanged views on the latest developments in taxonomy and its implications for the consulting engineering field. To help us better understand the subject, we were delighted to hear from Philippe Moseley (DG GROW) and Pekka Vuorinen (Finnish Association of Construction Product Industries), whose contributions really informed our discussions. Given the European Union’s ambitious sustainability objectives, the taxonomy assumes a vital role in facilitating the transition towards a more sustainable economy. The focal points of the discussion included the challenges and opportunities that arise from aligning with the taxonomy’s criteria and standards. Given that engineers will be responsible for performing the calculations for taxonomy reporting, it is crucial for our members to actively engage in these discussions and ensure that the criteria are workable. EFCA remains fully committed to actively collaborating with policymakers and industry stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of the taxonomy solves the problems it aims at solving. EFCA is also advocating for a taxonomy that is equitable, inclusive, and supportive of the industry’s transition towards sustainability.