Sustainability in the built environment Frequently asked questions

To help you quickly understand the programme, we have answered the most common questions here – from structure and workload to fees, certification and timelines.

If your question is not covered, we would be happy to help. Contact the CAS admin team at cwsc.education@epfl.ch.

A CAS is a Certificate of Advanced Studies. A certificate is a credential provided to a learner after the completion of a certified course, capstone project and/or exam. Earning a certificate through continuing education displays your dedication to your profession, provides verification that you are well-trained to effectively use the tools of your industry and can help you gain recognition for your commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement. More information.

The programme is addressed to working professionals involved in the built environment, such as architects, civil engineers, urban planners, sustainability consultants, building material specialists, construction managers, policy makers, and professionals in the public and private sectors.

The programme will give you the knowledge and skills to adapt to future sustainability demands with multidisciplinary solutions. It will also help you build a network of other professionals in the built environment around the world.

If you are taking the CAS (10 ECTS): Once you have started the mandatory sustainability module, you have a maximum time of 2 years to complete the programme.

For individual modules with credit: you have a semester to complete the module. A second attempt is allowed for participants who fail the first attempt. The second attempt has to be taken the next time the module is available.

For individual modules without credit: participants get access for 4 months.

The programme can be paid in instalments, payment of 30% will be requested before the start of the programme.

The cost for the CAS is EUR 5’500. This amount can be paid in instalments.

The cost for individual modules with credit is the following:

EUR 2’350 for the Sustainability module (4 ECTS)

EUR 1’750 for all other modules (3 ECTS)

The cost for individual modules without credit is the following:

EUR 1’400 for the Sustainability module (4 ECTS)

EUR 1’000 for all other modules (3 ECTS)

The programme can offer scholarships to participants who request them and who fulfil the admission requirements. Please send an e-mail to us.

For the CAS (10 ECTS): the registration fee covers all teaching costs for the Sustainability module and 2 elective modules, as well as the EPFL/ENPC certificate you will receive by postal mail.

For individual modules with credit (4 ECTS or 3 ECTS): the registration fee covers all teaching costs of the chosen module, as well as the EPFL/ENPC certificate you will receive by postal mail.

For individual modules without credit: the registration fee covers all video recorded teaching of the chosen module (no access to: weekly Q&A, homework, group projects), as well as the EPFL/ENPC Certificate of Enrollment you will receive by e-mail.

All modules are exclusively online.

You will need a computer with multimedia facilities (sound, video, etc) and internet access. There are no other requirements in terms of equipment.

For the CAS (10 ECTS): You will receive a certificate awarded jointly by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and École nationale des ponts et chaussées (ENPC). You will obtain a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Sustainability in the Built Environment if you have validated the required modules and satisfied all evaluation requirements.

For individual modules with credit (4 ECTS or 3 ECTS): You will receive a Certificate of Successful completion awarded jointly by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and École nationale des ponts et chaussées (ENPC). You will obtain a Certificate of Successful completion for the Module you have followed if you have satisfied all evaluation requirements.

For individual modules without credit : You will receive a Certificate of Enrollment awarded jointly by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and École nationale des ponts et chaussées (ENPC).

Registrations are not open yet. Please send an e-mail to express your interest and we will let you know as soon as registrations are open.

A workload of 100 to 120 hours is estimated for the 4-ECTS sustainability module, this represents approximately 7 to 8 hours per week. A workload of 75 to 80 hours is estimated for all other 3-ECTS modules, this represents approximately 5 to 6 hours per week. This covers lectures, weekly Q&A sessions, homework and assessment preparation.

All classes will be given in English.

The classes aim at personalized teaching thanks to the weekly Q&A sessions. Maximum 30 students per class will be accepted.

Participants will be from around the globe.

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or a higher education institution is recommended. Professional experience may also be considered. Please contact us for more information.

Established Professors from all partner universities and invited guests from the industry.