STEP

The UK-GBC's exciting new online foundation course is designed for any professional working in the built environment sector and will help promote a common language on sustainability.

• deliver an integrated, systemic and holistic understanding of sustainability and sustainable development
• inspire and excite participants with the opportunities that sustainable practices can present
• broaden the understanding of the social, economic and environmental benefits of a more sustainable built environment from the level of the individual to the level of the community
• achieve a broad understanding of the key sustainability issues, challenges, opportunities and drivers for change
• promote and communicate the importance, value and opportunity that a more sustainable built environment represents
• enable delegates to objectively discuss sustainability issues in organisations and communities
• help inform the planning, design, construction, facilities management and refurbishment processes to optimize the sustainability of outcomes
• generate practical and positive responses to sustainability and climate change issues.

The course is suitable for any professional working within the built environment sector.

It is a foundation level course and no previous qualifications are required. The course is suited to participants who are:

• demographically and geographically diverse
• cross-institutional and cross-disciplinary
• working at a variety of seniority levels

These includes the following professions:

• Agents
• Architects
• Designers
• Engineers
• Constructors
• Developers
• Investors
• Local Authorities
• Planners
• Product manufacturers
• Property managers
• Surveyors

Having completed the Introduction Course, you will:

• have a good understanding of what sustainability means, what drives it and how it impacts the built environment
• recognise relevant national and international policy, legislation and governance issues, and expected future direction
• appreciate how businesses are changing in order to address sustainability and explore the risks and opportunities this can bring
• describe the latest evidence and thinking on climate change, energy, water, pollution, waste, biodiversity and efficient use of materials within the built environment
• be aware of the processes necessary to implement a strategic approach to sustainability
• understand and appreciate the critical need for cross-communication throughout all building life-cycle stages
• understand the environmental, social and economical principles and how they are interlinked
• have access to information and tools necessary to introduce and champion sustainability in your organisation
• be able to move the sustainability agenda forward by developing action plans and highlighting personal development areas and thus drive industry change.

The course is delivered by distance learning and will equate to 8 hours of CPD. The online learning experience will be fully inclusive and highly interactive using videos and animations and allowing for collaboration and reflection time with other professionals.

The online delivery method will be via an internet based Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Each course will be of two weeks duration (i.e. delegates will be able to access course materials over a two-week period). During this time, delegates will study five bite-sized modules. This method is an exceptionally convenient approach for the busy professional, although if preferred a face to face option will also be available.

Please be aware that this course requires Flash v10 for video and contains audio. You may need to update your computer Flash v10 and may wish to use headphones.

Download delegate guidance notes here

• Introduction to sustainability, sustainable development and systems in the built environment; identifying sustainability issues;
  Activity: how does sustainability affect your role at work?
• Key responses and events timeline; developing a strategy for sustainable development;
  Activity: a business matrix
• Addressing issues such as energy, water and waste at each stage of the property lifecycle; defining legislation and standards; exploring technical responses and solutions
• Investigating communication and engagement as tools for achieving sustainability; exploring the roles of individual stakeholders;
  Activity: Using four scenarios select who to consult with in order to achieve a sustainable outcome.
• Review of real case studies; identify how to gain an advantage when achieving sustainability.

UK-GBC is partnering with the College of Estate Management (CEM) as its delivery partner for the Introduction to Sustainable Development course for STEP. CEM were chosen after a rigorous and transparent review of 44 submissions made for this course, with a panel of industry judges helping to select the final partner.

CEM, founded in 1919, is the leading provider of supported distance education for real estate and construction professionals; 19 academic courses are offered at diploma, bachelors or masters level, with most also accredited by the relevant professional organisation, such as RICS, CIOB and BIFM. CEM also offers bespoke corporate training and continuous professional development (CPD) courses.

To find out more about CEM visit: http://www.cem.ac.uk/

Course dates 2012:

6 February
5 March
16 April
14 May
11 June

Course fees:
UK-GBC Members £199 + VAT
Non-Members £249 + VAT

Discounts available for corporate bookings


Book your place now!

UK-GBC and CEM welcome corporate bookings and have created a number or corporate packages and discounts for larger bookings.

Corporate Booking Fee Scale

Standard Corporate Package

Any organisation booking more than 10 delegates are eligible for the corporate package that includes:

• detailed feedback on the performance of individual members of staff
• a brief, pre-course facilitation discussion on how to embed the course into your overall training and education strategy and achieve the highest impact from your members of staff who attend the course (by telephone, email or in person at CEM in Reading)
• option of a private corporate cohort (organisation specific) available for an additional cost of £500 + VAT

Corporate Plus Package

There is opportunity to customise the course to reflect your organisation’s own sustainability aspirations and practices. This would involve the inclusion of a bespoke element tailored to your specific requirements, for example:

• Foreword/Conclusion (i.e. introductory/closing video from organisation’s CEO/Managing Director/Chairman)
• Case studies of particular relevance to your organisation
• Additional module (i.e. tailored to an organisation’s internal sustainability strategy)

The cost of a corporate plus package will vary depending on the extent of tailoring required. Please contact the STEP team on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0207 580 0623 for more information.

To book your place please click here and follow the instructions.

For any questions, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Once you have chosen a start date and booked your place on the course, your login details will be sent to you via email on the Friday before your course start date.