ZVAZ STAVEBNYCH PODNIKATEL'OV SLOVENSKA

Their core work

ZSPS is the Slovak Construction Industry Association, representing building contractors and construction enterprises in Slovakia. Within EU projects, they focus on building energy efficiency — specifically training construction professionals, developing qualification schemes for energy-efficient renovation, and facilitating national-level finance mechanisms for building decarbonization. Their role bridges construction industry know-how with EU energy policy implementation at the national level.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

ZSPS began with a focus on workforce qualification — ingREeS (2015) and CraftEdu (2018) were about setting up training schemes for middle/senior-level construction professionals and craftsmen in energy-efficient building practices. By 2021, their scope expanded significantly with GreenDeal4Buildings, moving from pure training into financial instruments, renovation passports, and national-level Green Deal implementation. The trajectory is clear: from "how do we train people" to "how do we fund and coordinate the entire building renovation ecosystem."

ZSPS is moving from skills training toward becoming a national facilitator for building renovation finance and decarbonization policy, making them increasingly relevant for Green Deal implementation projects.

How they like to work

ZSPS started as a participant in two projects before stepping up to coordinate GreenDeal4Buildings — their largest and most ambitious project. With 17 unique partners across 4 countries, they operate in moderately sized consortia typical of Coordination and Support Actions. Their progression from participant to coordinator signals growing confidence and capacity to lead EU-level work, particularly where national industry representation is needed.

ZSPS has worked with 17 unique partners across 4 countries, likely concentrated in Central and Eastern Europe given their Slovak and Czech project contexts. Their network is focused rather than sprawling, built around the building energy efficiency community.

What sets them apart

ZSPS brings something rare to consortia: direct representation of the construction industry at national association level. While many project partners are universities or research institutes, ZSPS can mobilize actual construction companies, tradspeople, and contractors. For any project that needs real-world uptake of building renovation measures in Slovakia or Central Europe, this kind of industry body is essential for bridging policy and practice.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GreenDeal4Buildings
  Their only coordinated project and largest grant (EUR 183k), directly implementing the EU Smart Finance for Smart Buildings initiative at national level in Slovakia and Czech Republic.
• ingREeS
  Their entry into H2020, establishing the qualification scheme for senior construction professionals that became a foundation for their later building efficiency work.