Sustainable Architecture Course - ZIGURAT Institute of Tecnology
Posgrados

Postgraduate Programme in Sustainable Architecture and Construction

SCHOOL OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Language
English
Duration
4 months
Starts in
April 2025
Credits
16 ECTS
Methodology
Live Online
POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE
ZIGURAT Institute of Technology
DESIGN A BETTER WORLD: BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION

Build a Better Future with Our Sustainable Architecture Course

As an architect, you have the power to shape the way we live. But with the construction sector responsible for nearly 40% of annual global CO2 emissions, it's more important than ever to prioritise sustainability in your designs and processes.

This is where a sustainable architecture course comes in. In this programme, you will learn how to design Low/ZIB (Zero-Impact Buildings) through energy simulations and innovative solutions that promote the circular economy. By constructing efficient buildings, you will be directly contributing to reducing the carbon footprint of the construction sector. Furthermore, you will learn how to apply building principles, strategies, and techniques for circular economy-based design. And, not only will you be doing your part for the planet, but you will also be adding an asset to the building with energy certifications.

So why not maximise energy efficiency in buildings without increasing costs? Enrol in our sustainable architecture course today and make a positive impact on the environment and the way we live.

Academic content

16 ECTS

Module 1

Introduction

U1 | Fundamentals to sustainable buildings


Module 2

Life-carbon perspective

U1 | Reducing Embodied Carbon (REC)

U2 | Reducing Operational Carbon (ROC)

U3 | Circular Water Design 

Module 3

Tools

U1 | Analysis with Energy Models (Design Builder)

U2 | Life Cycle Analysis (One-click LCA)

U3 | Impact Assessment Techniques

Module 4

Miscellaneous

U1 | Low carbon retrofit projects

U2 | Indoor environmental quality

U3 | Sustainability Certifications & Frameworks

Module 5

Lessons learned

U1 | Approach to holistic design

FCP

Course Final Project

The objective of the TFC is the analysis and redesign of an existing building using what has been learned in the modules to achieve a better building.

Faculty board


Antoni Herena

Jefe de Edificios Sostenibles e Ingeniero Mecánico en Aiguasol Consulting

Martí Riera

Director de Sostenibilidad en SOCOTEC

Olga Barrachina Salleras

Principal Consultant en ESTRATS CONSULTORIA ESTRATÈGICA SL

Daniel Uribe Cáceres

Ingeniero en Aiguasol

Julia Galves

Sustainability Designer en Hawkins\Brown

Arnau Gonzalez

Responsable de Proyectos Europeos e Innovación en Aiguasol


I'm impressed about the amount of things I've learned in this course: lifecycle assessments, analysis of specific materials, and devising efficient sustainable practices.
Unlike many traditional academic institutions, in this course there is no gap between theory and practice. It is designed by active professionals who are engaged in the market, who provide real-world case studies and unveil the specific problems and challenges faced in the industry today

The ZIGURAT methodology

Digital, transformative education, based on real people and real projects.

Active & Social Learning

Training based on participation and collaboration

Studying at ZIGURAT means expanding your professional network and having the unique opportunity to participate in selective working groups, decided on through the expertise of our professors: leaders in technological innovation and construction.

Lifelong Support

A holistic view of the professional profile

From the initial orientation to post-Master's advice, we guide you to have a critical and 360º vision of your future as an expert in the sector.

Online Experience

Interactive and flexible digital experiences

Through live sessions with industry leaders and high-quality materials on global case studies, our learning approach adapts well to the hybrid pace of today's professionals.

Admission process

THE CANDIDATES WILL BE SELECTED FOR THEIR PROJECTION AND PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE.
1
Application for admission
Send us your application, your CV and a short presentation.
2
Personal interview
Our admissions team will arrange an interview with you.
3
Submission of documentation
Send us the necessary documentation to assess your application.
4
Admissions Committee
Our committee will evaluate your application.
5
Admission decision
If you meet the requirements, you will get your place.
6
Enrolment
Follow the enrolment steps indicated by the advisor.

Admission Request

If you wish to start the admission process, click here Admission Process.

ZIGURAT also offers financial aid plans, which 2,000 students have benefited from since we were founded. If you would like to find out more about these plans, you can do so by clicking on the link Institutional Grants.

Applications are open until the end of the available places and financial endowment of each program.

FAQ
What is sustainable architecture?

Sustainable architecture is the practice of designing and constructing buildings in a way that minimizes the negative environmental impact of the built environment. It includes the use of green building materials and technologies, such as solar power, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting.

Will I have opportunities for hands-on experience in this sustainable architecture course?

Yes. In this course you will choose a real-world building and evaluate it in detail throughout each of the 9 modules of the programme. You will have different evaluating criteria depending on the topic covered, so this approach will allow you to analyse the building and to think in ways to improve it in terms of sustainability, coming up with ideas adapted to that building in that particular context.

Do I need previous knowledge in Design Builder to enrol?

No, you don't need this knowledge to enrol in this sutainable architecture course.

Does this sustainable architecture course provide an overview of energy certifications?

Yes. This sustainable architecture course covers PassivHaus, BREEAM, LEED, DGNB, VERDE, WELL, among others.