About this course

The course is about how carbon emissions associated with built environments can be reduced to mitigate climate change. About 40% of the global carbon emissions are attributed to buildings and construction.  The course describes measures such as mixed-use planning, passive, low energy design and the use of low embodied materials that can be used to reduce carbon emissions in built environments.

What this course offers

The course outlines how carbon emissions associated with buildings and construction can be reduced to mitigate against climate change. Taking the course will provide you with knowledge, skills and processes that will make you more capable of developing buildings that mitigate against climate change. 

What you will learn

The following topics will be covered by the course.

1. The sources of carbon emissions in buildings and construction

The sources of carbon emissions in buildings will be described. The course shows how carbon emissions vary through a  building’s life cycle and how emission these differ across building types.

2.Urban density and neighbourhood

The relationship between urban densities, energy and carbon emissions is explored. The course shows how measures such as increased density and mixed-use planning can be used to reduce carbon emissions.

3.Low energy and passive design

Operational energy use in buildings is described and measures that can be used to reduce this are presented.

4.Energy sources and renewable energy

Common energy sources used in buildings and their associated carbon emission factors are described.  The course shows how carbon emissions can be reduced by switching energy sources.

5.Embodied energy

Embodied energy is described and different building materials compared. The course shows how selecting low embodied energy materials can be used to reduce carbon emissions.

6. Are there tools and guides that you can use? 

The course introduces tools and guides that can be used to support the development of built environments that mitigate against climate change.

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. Please contact us with your Gmail address and the course you would like to attend here.

Course books, tools and guides can be viewed online during the course. If you would like to download and use these, these may be available through the shop.