Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport from edX

This course is designed for the next generation of policy makers, sustainability consultants or professionals and students from other fields who want to introduce themselves to climate change mitigation strategies in the building and transport sectors and apply them to their projects.

This course covers a wide variety of topics in the building and transportation domains, with the focus on the importance of designing climate friendly systems. Specifically:

Buildings– you will learn about trends in energy use and CO2 emissions that result from heating and cooling buildings, cooking and the use of electricity for appliances and lighting. You will be able to compare various alternatives to limit GHG emissions from buildings and quantify their impact.
Transportation – you will gain knowledge of decarbonization efforts carried out in various sub-sectors of transportation (including freight, aviation and passenger transport). You will learn about trends, fuel alternatives such as electrification and hydrogen applications, examine energy intensity and calculate GHG produced by transport. Additionally, you will have the chance to evaluate different transportation modes and their impact on climate.

In addition to the lectures, the course also includes interviews with experts and various exercises that will demonstrate how to practice what you have learnt and explore GHG emissions through real life examples. Enriched by relevant readings and discussion forums, this course will let you dive deeper into specific areas of interest you might have and further facilitate your learning experience.

Course material and exercises will be complemented by relevant content about policy, through which you will also discover current measures taken by governments world-wide.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the big picture of how buildings contribute to global ghg emissions and differences between climate zones.
Analyze the contribution of heating, cooling, cooking, and use of electrical appliances to greenhouse gas emissions and examine options to mitigate co2 emissions from these activities.
Perform basic calculations on ghg emissions relating to different activities in buildings.
Consider how policies affect ghg emission in buildings.

Discuss the transport sector and its contribution to ghg emissions.
Calculate ghg emissions relating to different modes of transport and fuels.
Discover the efficiency and potential of alternate fuels and a variety of measures needed to decarbonize transport.

Understand the big picture of how buildings contribute to global ghg emissions and differences between climate zones.
Analyze the contribution of heating, cooling, cooking, and use of electrical appliances to greenhouse gas emissions and examine options to mitigate co2 emissions from these activities.
Perform basic calculations on ghg emissions relating to different activities in buildings.
Consider how policies affect ghg emission in buildings.
Discuss the transport sector and its contribution to ghg emissions.
Calculate ghg emissions relating to different modes of transport and fuels.
Discover the efficiency and potential of alternate fuels and a variety of measures needed to decarbonize transport.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops a deep understanding of the role buildings and transportation play in global warming

Taught by experts, including Mirjam Harmelink, Natalia Barbour, Samantha Eleanor Tanzer

Suitable for non-experts who want to learn about climate change mitigation strategies in the building and transport sectors

Provides relevant policy content to understand current measures taken by governments worldwide

Covers a wide range of topics in the building and transportation domains, focusing on designing climate-friendly systems

Requires no prerequisites and is accessible to learners with varying backgrounds

Reviews summary

Comprehensive climate mitigation overview

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and timely overview of climate change mitigation in both the building and transport sectors. Students particularly value the practical exercises on GHG emission calculations and the inclusion of expert interviews, which provide real-world insights. The course is seen as a solid foundational resource, especially for those interested in policy discussions and global measures. While it provides a broad introduction, some more experienced learners felt certain topics could benefit from greater in-depth technical analysis, making it potentially more suited for beginners or those seeking a high-level understanding.

Features valuable perspectives from experts and policy discussions.

"The inclusion of expert interviews really enriched the learning experience, bringing real-world insights."

"The policy discussions were also very relevant to my work as a sustainability consultant."

"I particularly appreciated learning about global measures taken by governments worldwide."

Focuses on real-world application and quantitative analysis.

"The practical exercises on GHG emission calculations were particularly useful, as they allowed me to apply the concepts directly."

"I learned practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

"The exercises helped solidify my understanding of how to quantify impact in real-life examples."

Offers a wide-ranging overview of climate mitigation strategies.

"This course provided an incredibly comprehensive and timely overview of climate change mitigation in buildings and transport."

"A solid foundational course. It covers a broad range of topics, from energy use in buildings to alternative fuels in transport."

"The course material is well-organized, making it easy to follow, covering a wide variety of topics."

Provides a broad introduction, but some seek more advanced topics.

"While some sections felt a bit introductory for my background, the overall scope and emphasis on policy frameworks were excellent."

"The course offers a good introduction, but I was hoping for more in-depth technical analysis."

"Some topics felt only superficially covered, especially for professionals already familiar with basic concepts."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport with these activities:

Participate in Local Climate Action Initiatives

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Gain practical experience and connect with others passionate about climate action.

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Research local organizations involved in climate mitigation efforts.
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Participate in activities such as tree planting, energy efficiency audits, or community outreach.

Build a Repository of Resources on Climate Change Mitigation

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Enhance your knowledge by compiling a comprehensive resource collection.

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Search for articles, reports, and websites related to climate change mitigation.
Organize and categorize the resources based on topic or sector.
Create a central repository to share these resources with others.

Solve GHG Emissions Calculation Problems

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Strengthen your understanding of GHG emission formulas through practice.

Browse courses on Climate Mitigation

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Review the formulas and concepts for calculating GHG emissions.
Solve a series of practice problems to apply these formulas.
Check your answers and identify areas where you need further practice.

Five other activities

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Attend a Workshop on Climate Mitigation Technologies

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Stay up-to-date on emerging technologies and best practices for decarbonization.

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Search for upcoming workshops or seminars on climate mitigation technologies.
Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests and learning goals.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and activities.

Collaborate on a GHG Emissions Reduction Plan

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Engage with peers to develop practical solutions for reducing GHG emissions.

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Form a small group with peers.
Select a sector or industry to focus on.
Brainstorm and evaluate different GHG emission reduction strategies.
Develop a comprehensive plan outlining specific actions and timelines.

Read 'Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming'

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Expand your knowledge of climate solutions by exploring a comprehensive overview of drawdown strategies.

View Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book 'Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming'.
Read the book and take notes on the key concepts and solutions presented.
Engage in discussions or write a summary to reinforce your understanding.

Analyze Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Building or Transportation System

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Reinforce your understanding of GHG emission calculations by quantifying emissions from a real-world system.

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Identify a specific building or transportation system to analyze.
Gather data on energy consumption, fuel use, and other relevant factors.
Apply the formulas and methods learned in the course to calculate GHG emissions.
Analyze the results and identify potential areas for emission reduction.

Develop a Policy Brief on Decarbonization Strategies

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Apply your knowledge of climate mitigation strategies to propose policy recommendations.

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Research current decarbonization policies and best practices.
Identify key challenges and opportunities for decarbonization in a specific sector.
Develop specific policy recommendations based on your analysis.
Write and format a concise and persuasive policy brief.

Career center

Learners who complete Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Climate Change Analyst

Climate Change Analysts design and implement strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comply with environmental regulations. Understanding the environmental impact of buildings and transport systems is very important to this role. This course on Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport will equip you with knowledge of how buildings and transport systems contribute to climate change, and strategies that can be used to mitigate their impact, giving you valuable insights to excel in this industry. Its focus on real-life examples and policy measures will also help you stay up-to-date with current industry trends and regulations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants help organizations understand and comply with environmental regulations, find sustainable solutions, and reduce their environmental impact. This course covers trends and techniques to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and transport, providing you with valuable knowledge for this role. By learning about energy use, fuel alternatives, and the impact of different modes of transport, you'll gain the skills to develop and implement effective environmental strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement strategies to make their organizations more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This course on Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport provides you with the knowledge and skills to excel in this role. By understanding the environmental impact of buildings and transport, you can develop innovative solutions to reduce emissions and create a more sustainable future.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Urban Planner

Urban Planners design and shape the built environment to create sustainable and livable cities. This course on Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport will provide you with a solid foundation for this role. It covers the environmental impact of buildings and transport systems, as well as strategies to mitigate their impact. This knowledge is crucial for designing urban areas that are both sustainable and resilient.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Energy Efficiency Engineer

Energy Efficiency Engineers design and implement solutions to improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption. This course on Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport will provide you with valuable knowledge for this role. It covers trends in energy use, fuel alternatives, and the efficiency of different modes of transport, equipping you with the skills to develop and implement effective energy efficiency strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Efficiency Engineer

Transport Planner

Transport Planners design and manage transportation systems to ensure efficiency and sustainability. This course on Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport will provide you with the necessary knowledge for this role. It covers trends and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, including fuel alternatives, modal shifts, and infrastructure improvements. By understanding the environmental impact of transport systems, you'll be able to develop and implement sustainable transportation solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transport Planner

Building Energy Modeler

Building Energy Modelers use software to simulate and analyze the energy performance of buildings. This course on Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport will provide you with valuable knowledge for this role. It covers trends in energy use and different strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, equipping you with the skills to create energy-efficient building designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Energy Modeler

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to prevent or reduce environmental pollution. This course on Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport will provide you with a strong foundation for this role. It covers the environmental impact of buildings and transport systems, as well as strategies to mitigate their impact. This knowledge is crucial for developing sustainable solutions and protecting the environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policies. This course on Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport will provide you with valuable knowledge for this role. It covers policy measures taken by governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and transport, providing you with insights into the policy-making process and the impact of different policy options.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Climate Scientist

Climate Scientists study the Earth's climate system and its impact on the environment. This course on Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport provides a strong foundation for this role by covering the impact of buildings and transport systems on climate change, as well as strategies to mitigate their impact. Understanding the science behind climate change is crucial for developing effective solutions and informing policy decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Scientist

Energy Auditor

Energy Auditors assess the energy performance of buildings and make recommendations for improvement. This course on Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport will provide you with valuable knowledge for this role. It covers trends in energy use and different strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, equipping you with the skills to conduct thorough energy audits and develop effective energy-saving measures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Auditor

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations improve their environmental performance and sustainability. This course on Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport will provide you with a strong foundation for this role. It covers the environmental impact of buildings and transport systems, as well as strategies to mitigate their impact. By understanding sustainability principles and best practices, you'll be able to help organizations reduce their environmental footprint and transition to a more sustainable future.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineers design and develop renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind power. This course on Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport provides a solid foundation for this role by covering the environmental impact of buildings and transport systems, as well as strategies to mitigate their impact. Understanding the role of renewable energy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial for developing sustainable energy solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects to achieve specific goals. This course on Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport may be useful for Project Managers working on sustainability-related projects. It covers the environmental impact of buildings and transport systems, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities of designing and implementing climate-neutral projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform decision-making. This course on Designing Climate-Neutral Buildings and Transport may be useful for Data Analysts working in the sustainability field. It covers the environmental impact of buildings and transport systems, providing insights into the data and metrics used to measure and track progress towards climate neutrality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst