Part of: Building Knowledge & Networks
Stage 1 of 3
1
Ongoing Course
On-demand

An Introduction to Climate Change and Carbon Reduction in the Built Environment (On-demand)

Understand how the built environment contributes to climate change and how sustainable buildings can lead to a low carbon future in this four module introductory on-demand course.
Climate Change Adaptation Nature Biodiversity and Environmental Net Gain Resilient Buildings Course
On-demand
Future opportunity


The built environment currently contributes around 25% of annual CO2 emissions in the UK. Therefore, improving the sustainability of the built environment is imperative if we are to avert the worst of climate change. 

On this four-module on-demand course, you’ll be introduced to climate change and low carbon design in the built environment, and the different approaches to reduce carbon in buildings in the UK. 

We’ll look at the frameworks, tools and resources from UKGBC and across industry that help to understand, measure and reduce the embodied and operational carbon emissions from the built environment.  

By the end, you’ll feel equipped to advocate for low carbon building design and delivery, and be able to apply your knowledge to your work. 

What Will you Achieve?

On completing this course, you’ll be able to:

Understand key concepts relating to carbon emissions and reduction in the built environment
Compare practices and techniques to reduce carbon in buildings globally
Know what tools and resources are available to help drive down emissions
Confidently apply your knowledge to your work
Develop a plan to positively influence low-carbon outcomes within your own built environment and your role.

About the course

This self-directed online course runs every other month throughout the year. The course is a combination of reading, self-led activities, quizzes and discussion.  You’ll be part of a cohort of people from across industry taking the course at the same time; you’ll have opportunities to discuss the concepts raised in the course with your peers.   
 
Alongside discussion and other activities, the UKGBC team will be on hand to support your learning and answer any questions. 

Course dates

1 – 26 September 2025 

3 – 28 November 2025 

5 – 30 January 2026 

2 – 27 March 2026 

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What does the course cover?  

Through your four weeks of learning, you’ll work through the following modules:  

Module 1: Context. In this module you’ll be welcomed into the course and begin your learning journey by exploring why carbon and other greenhouse gases play a central role in climate change, and the role the built environment plays in either exacerbating or mitigating this issue. 

Module 2: Concepts. Here, we’ll explore key concepts relating to carbon and climate change including: net zero carbon buildings, scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions, energy performance and climate risks and resilience. 

Module 3: Cases. In Module 3 you’ll delve into a variety of case studies and be given the opportunity to develop and share one of your own. 

Module 4: Change. Our last module is where we take action. We will be investigating the unique roles each of us individually play in reducing the carbon of the built environment through our influence and action. 

How does it work?

1
Sign-up for course dates that work for you via Eventbrite. You’ll receive a confirmation email.
2
The Friday before your course starts we’ll add you to our learning platform. You’ll receive a notification.
3
From the course start date, you’ll be able to log in and start learning!
4
You’ll have access to the course for four weeks, but you can progress through the course at your own pace.
5
Read through all modules and participate in the activities to compete the course and receive a certificate.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone working in the built environment and construction sectors who wants to deepen their knowledge on climate change, the impacts the built environment has carbon emissions and what we can do to bring emissions down to create sustainable built environment.  

You may already be working in the built environment and be 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 carbon emissions as they relate to buildings, and want to learn more about sustainable design and delivery, this course will give you a solid introduction. 

CPD hours: 16  

Tickets

Member tickets are free 
Non-member tickets are: £300  
 

Do you want to enrol a whole team? 

UKGBC can offer this course to closed cohorts, running at a time of your convenience – please get in touch with our learning team to get more information: learning@UKGBC.org.   


Cancellation and refund policy 

Please see our website for more details on our cancellations and refunds: https://ukgbc.org/ukgbc-cancellation-and-refund-policy/ 

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Organisational Partners

We’d like to thank our Organisational Partners for their ongoing support

Event details

Keystone

Free

Member

Free

Non-Member

Starting at £300

Open to

All are welcome.

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Get involved

Learn more and sign up to join here.

Related

Future event

Site Visit to Unusual Rigging HQ 

Members are invited to join UKGBC to visit Unusual Rigging HQ, a 4-acre site in Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire, that stands as an example of circular workplace design and innovation.
9 Oct, 2025
Event
Site-visit