Overview

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This course provides a comprehensive exploration of building decarbonization, equipping professionals with the knowledge and strategies needed to achieve sustainable, energy-efficient buildings. Through expert-led modules, participants will learn how to use energy efficient, electrification, renewable energy, low embodied carbon materials, and market-based approaches in the design of the next generation of high performance buildings. Featuring case studies from the US, Asia, the EU, and global leaders, the course highlights practical approaches, emerging technologies, and policy frameworks to guide building managers, developers, and policymakers toward impactful, scalable solutions for a low-carbon future. The course is taught by industry veterans and global experts from Stanford including world famous Amory Lovins.

Syllabus

Decarbonization 101: why it matters

Learn the core principles of decarbonization, including the differences between operational and embodied carbon, the financial and regulatory drivers behind sustainability efforts, and the risks of inaction.

Designing for energy efficiency: harnessing innovative building design to lower operational carbon

Investigate the evolution and future of building energy efficiency, and examine how modern buildings use significantly less energy than their historical counterparts.

HVAC innovations: optimizing system performance for maximum impact

Examine advanced strategies for optimizing HVAC systems, focusing on energy-efficient heating, cooling, and distribution methods, while gaining insights into the latest technologies and case studies that drive sustainability and reduce operational carbon in building management.

Electrification: powering the future of low-carbon buildings

Gain a deeper understanding of how electrification reduces operational carbon, enhances efficiency, and supports the transition to renewable energy in building management, and examine the latest technologies and energy-efficient solutions for space heating, water heating, and cooking.

Renewable energy and energy storage: decarbonizing building operations with advanced energy solutions

Examine the integration of renewable energy and storage systems in buildings as a crucial step in achieving operational decarbonization.

Embodied carbon demystified: reducing carbon footprints through smart construction choices

Review how structural system and building material selection impact a building’s embodied carbon, the role of building reuse in carbon reduction, and the tools available to assess and manage embodied carbon.

The business of decarbonization: developer and financial perspectives on building decarbonization

Examine the business case for building decarbonization, particularly through the lenses of developers and building owners, and learn about strategies for making decarbonization both financially viable and impactful in the long term.

Your building decarbonization action plan

In this final activity, you will demonstrate your understanding and application of building decarbonization principles by evaluating a fictional building that is underperforming on key sustainability goals and propose climate-appropriate, actionable strategies for improvement.