The built environment currently contributes around 40% of annual CO2 emissions globally. Therefore, improving the sustainability of the built environment is imperative if we are to stay within a 1.5-degree world.

UKGBC has partnered with FutureLearn, a global on-line learning platform, to deliver a course that is available for free, to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

On this four-week online course, you’ll be introduced to the different approaches that can improve sustainability in the built environment across the globe. By the end, you’ll feel equipped to advocate for sustainable building design and delivery and be empowered to apply this knowledge in your own context.

Learn from the experts at UKGBC

Throughout the course, you’ll be guided by the experts at UKGBC and take part in a range of activities to understand the key challenges in achieving sustainable buildings and net zero.

Explore green building practices

You’ll gain an understanding of core sustainability concepts and how they play out in the built environment. This will include:

  • Climate change
  • Resources use
  • Nature and biodiversity
  • Social value
  • Health and wellbeing

You’ll also discover building typologies and interpret variations in green building practices. Next, you’ll delve into a variety of case studies to see green building in real-life contexts.

Learn how to take action for a sustainable future

Finally, you’ll learn how to turn your knowledge into action. You’ll investigate the unique role you can play in influencing the sustainability in the built environment around you.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to apply your knowledge to your work, community, or home and take action to positively influence sustainability outcomes.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to…

  • Describe the key concepts and examples of sustainability in the built environment
  • Assess variations in green building practices globally
  • Apply your knowledge to your work, community or home
  • Contribute positively to influence sustainability outcomes
  • Collaborate with your new-found sustainable building community to continue learning

Who is this course for?


This course is perfect for upskilling those who are at the beginning of their sustainability journey. This might include clients, sub-contractors, supply chain and those who work support roles (marketing, finance, admin).


You may already be working in the built environment and looking to upskill in the field of sustainability or you may have knowledge of sustainability and want to apply this to the context of the built environment. If you have limited knowledge of both buildings and sustainability and want to learn more about sustainable design and delivery, this course will give you a solid introduction.


To view more of UKGBC’s learning and development opportunities, see here.

Event details

Open to

All are welcome.

Get involved

Learn more and sign up to join here.

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