Sustainable Architecture & Building Design from Udemy

With increasing scrutiny on buildings' sustainability performance and a rapid rise in demand for green buildings, building designers can no longer afford to ignore their impact on the environment and society. Clients, investors and regulators across the globe are increasingly demanding green buildings, however, there are so many different and contrasting approaches to Sustainable Architecture & Building Design that it is difficult to understand where to begin.

I strongly believe, if building designers are given the right tools, they can decide which of the various sustainable design approaches are right for their project. This course provides the foundations for understanding the key approaches to sustainable building design and allows architects to avoid paying expensive consultancy fees while increasing their market appeal.

This course is split into 6 main sections, that is based on the standard Building Plan of Work:

Introduction: Understanding what Sustainable Architecture and Building Design is and why it is vital to start adopting it.
Pre-Design: Investigating the importance of Green Building Certifications, Community Engagement and Lifecycle Assessments (LCAs) and how your project can benefit from them before starting design.
Design: Exploring Net Zero Carbon, Circular and Biophilic design approaches and how to implement in your project successfully.
In-Use: Exploring Passive, Active and Water Conservation design approaches and how to implement in your project successfully.
End of Life: Exploring Design for Reuse, Durability, Adaptability and Deconstruction design approaches and how to implement in your project successfully.
Industry Case Studies: Consolidating the knowledge from the first 5 modules and looking at how Sustainable Building Design is implemented in industry with an interview with Managing Director of JKT Architecture.

This course will prepare everyone from architectural students, looking to secure a job in the hugely growing green building market; sustainability and ESG professionals just starting out a career in the built environment and those who are managing their own home design and construction.

By the end of this course, you will have a solid understand of why Sustainable Architecture and Building Design is so important and how to begin incorporating the principles in your own projects. This course will provide you with a how-to guide on what you need to know, and how you can implement this knowledge successfully. In 2 hours, this course will accelerate your career and give you the cutting edge in one of the fastest-growing fields globally.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand why sustainable architecture is so important.
Understand the core principles of sustainable architecture and building design.

Understand the key approaches to sustainable architecture and building design.
Have the knowledge to be able to implement these principles and approaches in a real life setting.

Understand why sustainable architecture is so important.
Understand the core principles of sustainable architecture and building design.
Understand the key approaches to sustainable architecture and building design.
Have the knowledge to be able to implement these principles and approaches in a real life setting.

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction

Introduction to the Course & Instructor

What you will learn on this course

Why should you care about Sustainable Architecture & Building Design?

Testing your knowledge on what we have covered in Module 2

Test your knowledge on what we covered in Module 3: Design.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores green building certifications like LEED, WELL, BREEAM, IGBC & PassivHaus, which are essential for professionals in sustainable architecture

Examines Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), which are increasingly important for evaluating the environmental impact of buildings

Covers Net Zero Carbon, Circular, and Biophilic design approaches, which are cutting-edge concepts in sustainable building design

Discusses design for reuse, durability, adaptability, and deconstruction, which are important considerations for end-of-life building design

Features an interview with the Managing Director of JKT Architecture, providing real-world insights into sustainable building design implementation

Requires learners to understand standard building plans, which may require additional study for some learners

Reviews summary

Introduction to sustainable building design principles

According to learners, this course provides an excellent overview of sustainable architecture and building design. Students appreciate the clear and concise delivery, making it a great starting point for understanding key concepts like green certifications, LCA, Net Zero, Circular, Biophilic, Passive, and Active design. The course covers a wide range of important topics and is particularly well-received by those new to the field or seeking a foundational understanding. While praised for its breadth as an introductory course, some learners note a lack of deep dive into specific areas, suggesting it serves primarily as a comprehensive introduction rather than an advanced study.

Concepts are explained clearly by instructor.

"The instructor explained things clearly and made complex concepts easy to grasp."

"Easy to follow along with the lectures and understand the material."

"The content is well-presented and easy to digest."

Includes real-world examples and applications.

"The case studies were very helpful in illustrating how these principles are applied in practice."

"Gave practical steps and considerations for implementing sustainable design."

"I appreciated the real-life examples discussed throughout the course."

Provides a solid foundation for newcomers.

"This course is perfect for someone just starting out or wanting to get into sustainable building design."

"It gave me the basics I needed to understand the core principles."

"A good starting point to learn about sustainable architecture principles and implementation methods."

Covers a wide range of key topics.

"This course provides an excellent overview of sustainable architecture and building design, touching upon key concepts."

"I got a good understanding of all the main topics discussed, from certifications to end-of-life design."

"It covers a wide range of sustainable design strategies and principles which was very helpful."

Not enough detailed coverage of topics.

"While broad, the course could go into more detail on certain topics like LCA or specific design methods."

"Felt a bit rushed at times, could use deeper dives into some modules."

"I wish it covered [topic] more thoroughly, it's more of an introduction than in-depth."

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 Sustainable Architecture & Building Design with these activities:

Review 'Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things'

Show steps

Understand the principles of Cradle to Cradle design to enhance your understanding of circular economy and sustainable material selection.

View Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book 'Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things'.
Identify key concepts related to material selection and circular design.
Reflect on how these concepts can be applied to architectural design projects.

Review Building Lifecycle Assessments (LCAs)

Show steps

Strengthen your understanding of LCA methodologies to better assess the environmental impact of building materials and designs.

Browse courses on Life Cycle Assessment

Show steps

Review the course materials on Life Cycle Assessments.
Research LCA tools and methodologies used in the architecture industry.
Practice applying LCA principles to a sample building design.

Design a Net-Zero Energy Home

Show steps

Apply the principles of net-zero carbon design learned in the course to a practical architectural project.

Show steps

Select a location and climate for your net-zero energy home.
Design the building incorporating passive design strategies.
Select active design technologies to achieve net-zero energy consumption.
Calculate the energy performance of your design.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Create a Biophilic Design Guide

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of biophilic design principles by creating a comprehensive guide for architects and designers.

Show steps

Research biophilic design principles and strategies.
Gather examples of successful biophilic design implementations.
Organize your findings into a clear and concise guide.
Include visual aids and case studies to illustrate key concepts.

Review 'Design for Sustainability' by Janis Birkeland

Show steps

Gain a broader understanding of sustainable design principles and practices to inform your architectural designs.

View Net-Positive Design and Sustainable Urban... on Amazon

Show steps

Read 'Design for Sustainability' by Janis Birkeland.
Identify key sustainability principles discussed in the book.
Reflect on how these principles can be applied to your design projects.

Develop a Sustainable Material Database

Show steps

Create a database of sustainable building materials to aid in future design projects and promote informed material selection.

Browse courses on Sustainable Materials

Show steps

Research sustainable building materials and their environmental impacts.
Gather data on material properties, certifications, and suppliers.
Organize the data into a searchable database format.
Include information on material lifecycle assessments.

Volunteer with a Green Building Organization

Show steps

Gain practical experience in sustainable building practices by volunteering with a local green building organization.

Show steps

Identify green building organizations in your area.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Participate in volunteer activities related to sustainable building design.
Reflect on your experiences and how they relate to the course material.

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainable Architecture & Building Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Green Building Consultant

A Green Building Consultant specializes in helping clients build environmentally friendly and sustainable structures. This course is highly relevant, as it covers various sustainable design approaches, including Net Zero Carbon and Biophilic Design, which are essential for this role. This course also provides an understanding of green building certifications, crucial for a Green Building Consultant who guides projects through the certification process. The lifecycle assessment material helps the consultant evaluate a project's overall environmental impact. Knowledge of the topics covered in this course are crucial to success in a career as a Green Building Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Green Building Consultant

Building Designer

A Building Designer plans and designs building projects. The course on sustainable architecture directly empowers a building designer by giving them the tools to incorporate green building principles into their designs. This course dives into the practical aspects of sustainable design, offering specific modules on Net Zero Carbon, Circular, and Biophilic design. A building designer can use this knowledge to create designs that meet the growing demand for sustainability. The course materials also focus on passive and active design. The course includes practical case studies that can help guide a building designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Designer

Sustainability Consultant

A Sustainability Consultant advises clients on how to make their projects and operations more environmentally friendly. This course directly addresses the consultant's need to understand various approaches to sustainable building design including net zero carbon, circular, and biophilic design principles. Knowledge of green building certifications, community engagement, and lifecycle assessments, all of which are covered in the course, can further enhance a Sustainability Consultant's ability to provide comprehensive advice. Understanding these principles and approaches to sustainability will set you apart.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Architect

Architects design buildings and other structures. This course helps an architect by providing an understanding of sustainable building design, a rapidly growing field. The course's focus on green building certifications and sustainable design strategies helps an architect create buildings that meet the increasing demand for sustainable structures. The course’s exploration of design for reuse, durability, and deconstruction is particularly vital for an architect involved in various phases of building construction. An architect will find particular value in the modules covering design implementation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Construction Project Manager

A Construction Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of construction projects. This course may be helpful to a construction project manager as it provides a detailed understanding of sustainable building design principles and practices, which are becoming increasingly important in modern construction. The course’s focus on pre-design considerations such as life cycle assessments and community engagement can inform project planning and execution. The course also addresses the end-of-life of materials and construction, a key consideration for a Construction Project Manager. This program will give a manager a deeper understanding of sustainable building.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Project Manager

Urban Planner

An Urban Planner helps to develop plans for the growth and development of cities and communities. This course may be useful for an urban planner due to its focus on community engagement and sustainable design principles, which are important considerations in urban planning. The course provides insights into how buildings can be designed to minimize their environmental impact. Understanding green building certifications can help an urban planner ensure that new buildings in the community meet sustainability standards. The course can provide an Urban Planner with an understanding of sustainable, community-focused building design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Environmental Consultant

An Environmental Consultant advises organizations on how to minimize their environmental impact. This course helps an environmental consultant to understand the importance of sustainable building practices and how they tie into an organization's overall environmental impact. Through lifecycle assessments, and green building certification knowledge, an environmental consultant can provide valuable insights to clients seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. This course helps to build a foundation for a successful career as an Environmental Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Real Estate Developer

A Real Estate Developer is involved in the planning, financing, and execution of real estate projects. This course may be relevant to a real estate developer as it highlights the importance of sustainable building design, a feature that is increasingly valued by clients and investors. The course's detailed information on green building certifications, Net Zero Carbon design, and lifecycle assessments can inform a developer's project from the planning stages to completion. A real estate developer can leverage the course to ensure their projects meet sustainability demands.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Developer

Interior designer

An Interior Designer creates functional and beautiful interior spaces. This course may be useful as it includes modules that address Biophilic design, which can be crucial for an interior designer when creating spaces that enhance occupants’ well-being and bring nature indoors. It also covers the use of recycled materials which can guide the selection of eco-friendly furniture and décor. An interior designer can use the information presented in this course to design more sustainable and appealing spaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Construction Manager

A Construction Manager plans, directs, and coordinates activities on a construction project. This course may be relevant to a construction manager because its focus on sustainable building principles will help a manager implement green building practices on job sites. The course can help a construction manager understand how to approach construction with an emphasis on durability, adaptability, and material reuse. A construction manager can use this program to help deliver a project that is both sustainable and successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Energy Auditor

An Energy Auditor assesses a building’s energy consumption and identifies opportunities for improvement. This course may be useful to an Energy Auditor by providing an understanding of passive and active design strategies, which affect the operation expenses of a building. The course content on energy-efficient building practices and sustainable design principles can make an energy auditor more effective at recommending energy-saving measures. This course may increase an auditor's understanding of how sustainable design impacts a building’s efficiency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Auditor

Facilities Manager

A Facilities Manager is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of buildings. This course may be useful to a facilities manager by giving them insight into the principles of sustainable design. This course provides knowledge of building systems, like passive design, that can help a facilities manager reduce operating costs and improve a building’s environmental performance. Understanding the concepts of durability and adaptability can provide a framework for planning building maintenance and upgrades. This course may help a facilities manager optimize their buildings' performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Facilities Manager

Landscape Architect

A Landscape Architect designs outdoor spaces through thoughtful planning. This course may help a Landscape Architect because it offers important insights into biophilic design principles, which are essential when creating green spaces that connect people with nature. The course's focus on sustainability and water conservation can result in landscape designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. A landscape architect can use these principles to integrate building and outdoor environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer designs and oversees the construction of infrastructure projects. This course may be relevant to a civil engineer, as it covers sustainability principles that can be applied to different aspects of civil engineering, including design considerations and material choices. A civil engineer can apply information on life cycle assessments and efficient resource use to develop sustainable infrastructure projects. The course can provide a foundation for a civil engineer to incorporate more sustainable methods into their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Architectural Historian

An Architectural Historian researches and documents the history of buildings and architectural styles. This course may help an architectural historian gain a deeper understanding of the principles and aims of sustainable design. The course provides a context for how contemporary sustainability challenges have shaped modern building design. This course may help a historian to contextualize historical information related to architectural design and understand how buildings have adapted to different challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Historian

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Sustainable Architecture & Building Design.

Cradle to cradle : remaking the way we make things

Save

Introduces the concept of Cradle to Cradle design, which is highly relevant to circular design principles discussed in the course. It provides a framework for designing products and systems that are not only less harmful but also beneficial to the environment. Understanding Cradle to Cradle design can significantly enhance a student's ability to implement circular design strategies in sustainable architecture projects. This book serves as a foundational text for understanding closed-loop systems.

Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things

Paperback

(Deutsch) Cradle to Cradle: Einfach intelligent produzieren...

Kindle Edition

Net-positive Design and Sustainable Urban...

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable design principles and practices, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the course. It delves into the theoretical underpinnings of sustainability and offers practical guidance on how to integrate sustainable design strategies into architectural projects. It is particularly useful for understanding the broader context of sustainable architecture and its relationship to environmental and social issues. This book is valuable as additional reading to expand on the course material.

Net-Positive Design and Sustainable Urban...

Paperback

Sustainable Architecture & Building Design

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Introduction to sustainable building design principles

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses