The Chartered Institute of Building Academy is set to launch a massive open online course (MOOC) on sustainable development.
The move follows the success of the first ever construction-focused MOOC which the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) ran last year, attracting more than 3,000 construction professionals in over 100 countries.
The five-week interactive course, which opens next month, has been developed in partnership with London South Bank University, UK.
The course is free and open to anyone working in the built environment sector globally.
The course will cover:
- The complexities of sustainability in construction and development of built assets
- The important roles of innovations, professionalism, ethics, culture and procurement practices and regulations
- Environmental and economic sustainability and the roles of effective business cases, dynamics of networks and integrated delivery; and procurement practices.
- Social sustainability in construction and the roles of construction processes, outputs and outcomes on people and society
- Lessons learned from good and best practices in sustainability, together with challenges and appropriate guidelines for implementation.
Each week, leadership skills and critical thinking around sustainability issues will be developed as course participants reflect on interactive exercises and explore situations that are relatable to their everyday roles.
CIOB members who can demonstrate sustainability knowledge can also apply for chartered environmentalist status.
Professor Charles Egbu, dean of School of the Built Environment and Architecture at London South Bank University and CIOB senior vice president, is among those who helped developed the new MOOC.
He said: “Almost everything we do could be done more sustainably – it’s all about the way we work, the way we live our lives and what that means for society. It’s about responsibility for what we do for now and for the future. I very much encourage all construction professionals to be part and parcel of this course as you have the opportunity to learn much more about sustainability from both a theoretical and practical point of view. It’s about you and the society you are part of – and what you could be part of creating for the future.”
Adrian Montague, head of CIOB Academy, added “The CIOB has been delighted to be able to work with London South Bank University to open up the global conversation on sustainability in construction with this free course. We hope this brings sustainability to the front of the minds of those involved with the construction or use of buildings.”
The MOOC on sustainable construction and development starts on 17 September 2018. More information about this course can be found online at: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/sustainable-construction-development/
