What impact can infrastructure have on society and the environment? A holistic approach to sustainability is crucial when thinking about infrastructure if we are to advance sustainable and inclusive social and economic development, as set out in the IDB Group’s institutional strategy.
This approach is key to minimizing negative environmental and climate impacts, reducing social inequality, and boosting productivity, all of which are key to a full recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic.
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What impact can infrastructure have on society and the environment? A holistic approach to sustainability is crucial when thinking about infrastructure if we are to advance sustainable and inclusive social and economic development, as set out in the IDB Group’s institutional strategy.
This approach is key to minimizing negative environmental and climate impacts, reducing social inequality, and boosting productivity, all of which are key to a full recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic.
What impact can infrastructure have on society and the environment? A holistic approach to sustainability is crucial when thinking about infrastructure if we are to advance sustainable and inclusive social and economic development, as set out in the IDB Group’s institutional strategy.
This approach is key to minimizing negative environmental and climate impacts, reducing social inequality, and boosting productivity, all of which are key to a full recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic.
For these reasons, sustainable infrastructure is recognized as a foundation for meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the goals of the Paris Agreement aimed at warding off the impacts of climate change.
In this MOOC you will learn how the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) defines sustainable infrastructure and what its benefits are. You will identify how to include sustainability throughout the cycle of a project so that efforts are aligned with global and national priorities in terms of social, environmental, economic, and institutional sustainability. In addition, you will become familiar with some practical examples and learn about the universe of climate funds that allow scaling up sustainable infrastructure financing.
Seize this opportunity and enroll to learn side by side with IDB experts and international leaders who share their experiences and lessons learned in this course.
This course is "self-paced," so you can enroll any time, even if the course has been open for a while. You can take it at the time that is most suitable for you inside the enrollment period of the course.
If you choose the Audit Track , you will have unlimited access to the course content, but you won't be able to complete the assessed activities or receive the certificate.
If you opt for the Verified Track , you can access the course in an unlimited way and complete the qualified evaluations until the closing date after making a payment of $29. If you pass, in addition to the verified certificate, you will obtain a digital badge that allows you to change the way you share your academic and professional achievements, for example, on social media.
*Did you know there is financial aid to opt for the verified certificate?
edX offers financial assistance for learners who want to earn Verified Certificates but who may not be able to pay the Verified Certificate fee. Subscribe to the course and apply for financial assistance.
See more information in the Frequently Asked Questions section below.
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Learn about the region’s main challenges to the development of sustainable infrastructure projects and compliance with global sustainability commitments.
- Learn about the idb’s vision of what the infrastructure of the future should look like, i.e. infrastructure aligned with four sustainability dimensions: economic and financial, environmental, social, and institutional.
- Learn how sustainability principles can be incorporated during the preparation, design, construction, and operation of infrastructure projects.
- Learn about the universe of climate funds to align funding sources with the delivery of sustainable infrastructure.
- Learn about the region’s main challenges to the development of sustainable infrastructure projects and compliance with global sustainability commitments.
- Learn about the idb’s vision of what the infrastructure of the future should look like, i.e. infrastructure aligned with four sustainability dimensions: economic and financial, environmental, social, and institutional.
- Learn how sustainability principles can be incorporated during the preparation, design, construction, and operation of infrastructure projects.
- Learn about the universe of climate funds to align funding sources with the delivery of sustainable infrastructure.
Good to know
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Activities
Review sustainability concepts
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Revisit the basic principles and frameworks used to define and evaluate sustainable development to ensure a strong foundation.
Browse courses on
Sustainability
Show steps
-
Review textbooks and articles on sustainability
-
Attend a webinar or workshop on sustainability
Review and practice algebra
Show steps
Strengthen your foundational algebra skills to enhance your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
Algebra
Show steps
-
Revisit the fundamental concepts of algebra, including operations, variables, and equations.
-
Solve various types of algebraic equations, such as linear, quadratic, and polynomial equations.
-
Practice simplifying expressions involving exponents, radicals, and logarithms.
Compile case studies of sustainable infrastructure projects
Show steps
Gather examples of how sustainability principles have been applied in successful infrastructure projects to enhance understanding of best practices.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Infrastructure
Show steps
-
Search online databases and journals for relevant case studies
-
Contact organizations involved in sustainable infrastructure development
-
Summarize and analyze the findings in a report
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Design a model sustainable infrastructure project
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of sustainable infrastructure principles by creating a project that addresses real-world challenges.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Infrastructure
Show steps
-
Identify a specific infrastructure need or problem that aligns with sustainable development goals.
-
Research and analyze different sustainable infrastructure technologies and solutions.
-
Develop a detailed project proposal that outlines the design, implementation, and impact of your project.
Follow sustainability assessment tools and frameworks
Show steps
Become familiar with practical tools and methodologies used to assess the sustainability of infrastructure projects, enhancing your ability to apply these principles in practice.
Browse courses on
Sustainability Assessment
Show steps
-
Explore online resources and tutorials on sustainability assessment tools
-
Select a specific tool or framework and practice its application
Explore case studies of sustainable infrastructure projects
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of practical applications of sustainable infrastructure through case study analysis.
Browse courses on
Case Studies
Show steps
-
Identify and access case studies of successful sustainable infrastructure projects.
-
Analyze the key features, challenges, and outcomes of these projects.
-
Extract lessons learned and best practices that can be applied to your own projects.
Develop a sustainability plan for a hypothetical infrastructure project
Show steps
Apply your acquired knowledge to plan and develop a comprehensive sustainability strategy, integrating principles of environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability.
Show steps
-
Identify a hypothetical infrastructure project
-
Conduct a stakeholder analysis
-
Develop sustainability objectives and targets
-
Create an action plan with specific measures and timelines
Volunteer with a sustainability organization
Show steps
Engage with organizations dedicated to promoting sustainability, gaining practical experience and expanding your network in the field.
Show steps
-
Research and identify potential organizations
-
Contact organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities
-
Participate in activities and events
Participate in a sustainability design competition
Show steps
Challenge yourself by participating in competitions that encourage innovative and sustainable infrastructure design, pushing your creativity and problem-solving skills.
Show steps
-
Identify relevant competitions
-
Form a team or work independently
-
Develop a proposal or concept
-
Submit your entry
Mentor students or individuals interested in sustainability
Show steps
Support the development of others by sharing your knowledge and experience in sustainability, fostering the growth of future leaders in the field.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
-
Identify potential mentees through organizations or platforms
-
Establish clear goals and expectations
-
Provide guidance and support on sustainability-related topics
Review sustainability concepts
Show steps
Revisit the basic principles and frameworks used to define and evaluate sustainable development to ensure a strong foundation.
Browse courses on
Sustainability
Show steps
- Review textbooks and articles on sustainability
- Attend a webinar or workshop on sustainability
Review and practice algebra
Show steps
Strengthen your foundational algebra skills to enhance your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
Algebra
Show steps
- Revisit the fundamental concepts of algebra, including operations, variables, and equations.
- Solve various types of algebraic equations, such as linear, quadratic, and polynomial equations.
- Practice simplifying expressions involving exponents, radicals, and logarithms.
Compile case studies of sustainable infrastructure projects
Show steps
Gather examples of how sustainability principles have been applied in successful infrastructure projects to enhance understanding of best practices.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Infrastructure
Show steps
- Search online databases and journals for relevant case studies
- Contact organizations involved in sustainable infrastructure development
- Summarize and analyze the findings in a report
Design a model sustainable infrastructure project
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of sustainable infrastructure principles by creating a project that addresses real-world challenges.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Infrastructure
Show steps
- Identify a specific infrastructure need or problem that aligns with sustainable development goals.
- Research and analyze different sustainable infrastructure technologies and solutions.
- Develop a detailed project proposal that outlines the design, implementation, and impact of your project.
Follow sustainability assessment tools and frameworks
Show steps
Become familiar with practical tools and methodologies used to assess the sustainability of infrastructure projects, enhancing your ability to apply these principles in practice.
Browse courses on
Sustainability Assessment
Show steps
- Explore online resources and tutorials on sustainability assessment tools
- Select a specific tool or framework and practice its application
Explore case studies of sustainable infrastructure projects
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of practical applications of sustainable infrastructure through case study analysis.
Browse courses on
Case Studies
Show steps
- Identify and access case studies of successful sustainable infrastructure projects.
- Analyze the key features, challenges, and outcomes of these projects.
- Extract lessons learned and best practices that can be applied to your own projects.
Develop a sustainability plan for a hypothetical infrastructure project
Show steps
Apply your acquired knowledge to plan and develop a comprehensive sustainability strategy, integrating principles of environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability.
Show steps
- Identify a hypothetical infrastructure project
- Conduct a stakeholder analysis
- Develop sustainability objectives and targets
- Create an action plan with specific measures and timelines
Volunteer with a sustainability organization
Show steps
Engage with organizations dedicated to promoting sustainability, gaining practical experience and expanding your network in the field.
Show steps
- Research and identify potential organizations
- Contact organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities
- Participate in activities and events
Participate in a sustainability design competition
Show steps
Challenge yourself by participating in competitions that encourage innovative and sustainable infrastructure design, pushing your creativity and problem-solving skills.
Show steps
- Identify relevant competitions
- Form a team or work independently
- Develop a proposal or concept
- Submit your entry
Mentor students or individuals interested in sustainability
Show steps
Support the development of others by sharing your knowledge and experience in sustainability, fostering the growth of future leaders in the field.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
- Identify potential mentees through organizations or platforms
- Establish clear goals and expectations
- Provide guidance and support on sustainability-related topics
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