Aim of the course:
This module aims to provide students with the criteria and tools needed to make informed and responsible technical decisions in the building and civil works sector, understanding sustainability as a strategic factor that directly influences project viability, costs, risks, and long-term performance.
Learners will explore how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria affect design choices, material selection, construction processes, and business competitiveness, within a sector characterised by high regulatory pressure and significant resource use.
The course promotes a practical and decision-oriented understanding of sustainability, encouraging students to apply it to real construction contexts where early planning and design decisions largely determine environmental impact, economic efficiency, and future adaptability of buildings and infrastructures.
By the end of the module, students will be able to integrate sustainability criteria into everyday professional decisions, anticipate technical and regulatory risks, identify opportunities for innovation, and contribute to more efficient, resilient, and competitive construction projects and organisations.
Main ideas:
- In the building and civil works sector, sustainability is a practical criterion for managing resources, costs, and long-term project performance.
- Early design and planning decisions largely determine the environmental impact, economic efficiency, and durability of buildings and infrastructures.
- Eco-design and circular economy strategies help reduce material use and waste while improving efficiency throughout the life cycle.
- Sustainable management supports regulatory compliance, reduces risks, and strengthens the competitiveness of construction companies.
Course Features
- Lectures 32
- Quizzes 6
- Duration 10 weeks
- Skill level All levels
- Language English
- Students 0
- Certificate No
- Assessments Yes
Curriculum
- 7 Sections
- 32 Lessons
- 10 Weeks
- Key concepts of sustainability in the productive world6
- 1.1What is sustainability really about?
- 1.2International overview of sustainability
- 1.3Importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda in business
- 1.4Assessment of sustainable performance in building and civil organizations
- 1.5Promoting sustainability: socially responsible investment in the building and civil works sector
- 1.6Sustainability fundamentals quiz10 Questions
- The planet's major challenges and their impact on businesses6
- 2.1Main environmental and social challenges of the 21st century
- 2.2The economy and its relationship with the environment
- 2.3Impacts of economic activity on people and on the building and civil works sector
- 2.4Strategies to successfully address environmental and social challenges in the building and civil works sector
- 2.5Alliances and international cooperation for a sustainable world
- 2.6The planet’s major challenges10 Questions
- Professionals who transform: sustainability in action5
- 3.1The importance of the SDGs in the professional sphere
- 3.2Risks and opportunities for professionals in the building and civil works sector
- 3.3Sustainable habits in the workplace
- 3.4Sustainable habits in everyday life and personal environments
- 3.5Sustainability in the professional and personal sphere10 Questions
- Products and services In the Green and Circular Economy6
- 4.1The current model of production and consumption
- 4.2Green and Circular Economy
- 4.3Principles of eco-design in the building and civil works sector
- 4.4Life cycle of the product in the building and civil works sector
- 4.5Responsible products and services in the circular economy
- 4.6Sustainability of products and services in the green and circular economy10 Questions
- Sustainable activities with low environmental impact6
- 5.1Environmental impact assessment in building and civil works activities
- 5.2Sustainable strategies in the building and civil works sector
- 5.3Applying Eco-design principles in the building and civil works sector
- 5.4Environmental regulation and compliance
- 5.5Certification of sustainable activities
- 5.6Assessing and managing environmental impacts in construction activities10 Questions
- The corporate sustainability plan in the building and civil works sector (6 h)7
- To know more2
