About this course
This course is about using the Built Environment Sustainability to assess and improve the sustainability performance of neighbourhoods.
The Built Environment Sustainability Tool supports an integrated and responsive approach to achieving sustainable neighbourhoods. The tool is based on a holistic approach to addressing sustainability and includes social, economic and environmental criteria. It is easy and low-cost to use and is particularly suitable for developing country applications.
What this course offers
The course will show you how you can use the BEST to assess neighbourhoods and propose and test interventions to improve their sustainability performance. It guides users on how to follow a standardised methodology and protocols in order to carry out accurate assessments.
What you will learn
The course covers the following topics.
1. What is sustainability?
In order to address sustainability in buildings, it is important to understand what this means for buildings. The course describes sustainability and shows how it relates to global climate change and sustainable development commitments. It presents a practical working definition of sustainability which enables this to be effectively addressed and integrated into the planning, design, construction, operation and demolition of buildings.
2. How do you measure sustainability performance in neighborhoods?
The Built Environment Sustainability Tool use criteria in the following areas to measure sustainability performance of neighbourhoods.
- Shelter
- Mobility
- Food
- Goods
- Services
- Waste
- Biocapacity
- Health
- Education
- Employment
Each criteria is introduced and simple protocols provided for the measurement and recording of performance. Detail is also provided on how to interpret results and use this to develop high performance synergistic interventions that can be used to improve the sustainability of the neighbourhood.
3. How do you use the BEST to improve the sustainability performance of neighbourhoods?
The course provides access to the BEST and a manual on how to apply it. The tool and manual provide a valuable framework that can be used to structure how sustainability is addressed in neighbourhoods.
How you will learn
The course is online and you will be able to access the following resources
- Course presentation
- Course book
- Course quiz
- Templates and guides
- Course work
- Additional reading
The course is self-paced and you can work through the material in your own time. Course numbers are capped, so the length of access to courses will be limited to provide access to new participants. However, we aim to provide access for at least 1 month.
Course certificate
A course certificate can be provided should you wish to receive formal confirmation of your successful completion of the course. For this, you must download and apply tools and guides provided and submit coursework. This will be reviewed by the Course Instructor and, where requirements are met, a course certificate will be issued.
What do I need to attend the course?
You will need access to the Internet and a Gmail account with a password to access the course.
Who developed the course?
The course was developed by Instructors who have designed and run management and technical courses for the United Nations, government departments, universities, professional bodies and community organisations.
Accessing the course, course books, tools and guides
Access to the course enables you to view the presentations, the course book, tools and guides, the additional reading, the coursework and take the quiz. You can access the online courses through the shop. Live courses are also held from time-to-time, if you are interested in these please register here.
Course books, tools and guides can be viewed online during the course. If you would like to download and use these, these can be accessed through the shop.