A continuing education programme to build skills and
leadership across the sustainable construction value chain

Build the skills and leadership to make construction more sustainable, from start to finish. Sustainability in the Built Environment is a fully online, interdisciplinary continuing education programme for professionals across the construction value chain, designed and delivered jointly by EPFL and ENPC.

The programme is built from stackable modules. Each one earns you a microcredential, and together they lead to a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS).

It all begins in September 2027 with the Sustainability module. Registrations open in March 2027.

Designed and delivered by

The course at a glance

Degree

Microcredential for each module (from 2027)
CAS on completion of three modules (in development)

Format

Individual modules, with or without credits (from September 2027)
Full CAS pathway (in development)

Registrations open

Sustainability Module: March 2027
Further Modules: to be announced

Programme start

Sustainability Module: September 2027
Elective Modules: to be announced

Admission criteria

Bachelor’s degree or relevant professional experience

ECTS (European Credit Transfer System)

Sustainability Module: 4 ECTS
Elective Modules: 3 ECTS each
CAS: 10 ECTS (Sustainability + 2 electives)
Delivered by EPFL & ENPC jointly

Programme language

English

Duration

Minimum 1 year
Maximum 2 years

Fees and scholarships

Sustainability Module: EUR 2’350 (with ECTS)
Sustainability Module: EUR 1’350 (without credits)
Elective Modules: EUR 1’750 (with ECTS)
Elective Modules: EUR 1’000 (without credits)
CAS: EUR 5’500
Scholarships available upon request

A programme to shape tomorrow’s built environment

The programme offers 3 course options –  individual course with credits, indvidual course without credits and a full CAS (available in 2028)

Lecturers and participants from the Global North and South mean shared perspectives and global expertise

Supporting a mutual learning and practical knowledge exchange for professionals across the construction value chain

The course modules

The programme is designed as a pathway of stackable modules.

It opens in September 2027 with the Sustainability module, the foundation of the CAS. Six elective modules are in development and will be added progressively. Take any module on its own, with or without credits, or combine the Sustainability module with two electives to earn the full CAS.

Full descriptions of each module, including learning outcomes and key topics, are provided in the Programme section of this site.

Build a systemic, 360° understanding of sustainability challenges: planetary limits, circular economy, sustainability finance, and LCA methodology applied to buildings, through both Global North and Global South perspectives.

Available September 2027

Full description

Evaluate, select and apply sustainable materials using life cycle thinking, circular design principles, and digital tools.

Availability to be confirmed

Full description

Identify practical levers to reduce the environmental footprint of building structures, from material efficiency and value-chain inefficiencies to design for assembly, disassembly and reuse.

Availability to be confirmed

Full description

Design new structures for adaptability and reuse, and rehabilitate existing ones to minimise carbon footprint.

Availability to be confirmed

Full description

Design construction systems and urban spaces that are resilient to climate hazards, drawing on vernacular logic and passive engineering.

Availability to be confirmed

Full description

Design high-performance, energy-efficient buildings, from renewable integration to passive envelope optimisation and smart building systems.

Availability to be confirmed

Full description

Analyse traditional masonry and earthen construction techniques from around the world, and apply structural design methods to enhance their safety and resilience to climate change.

Availability to be confirmed

Full description

Download the course brochure

Modules download

Please complete the short form below to access the free download.

Name
Name
First
Last
Privacy acknowledgement

Course skills and learning outcomes

Understand the global challenge of the built environment across the full value chain for contextual problem-solving

Integrate technical solutions in low-carbon materials, efficient design, and climate-resilient practices into real world projects

Strengthen national and local climate strategies, policies, and governance, helping achieve ICBC and GlobalABC goals

Support the programme

Help build the skilled global workforce needed for low-carbon sustainable communities worldwide.

  • Showcase your leadership
  • Collaborate with international talent
  • Strengthen your sustainability profile
  • Share knowledge and expertise

If you would like to become a sponsor or partner please email us at: cwsc.education@epfl.ch