About this Course

This course focuses on the latest developments in social and environmental science to provide an understanding of what constitutes sustainable and resilient infrastructure. It leverages the expertise of practitioners and introduces SuRe®, a voluntary international standard for infrastructure, demonstrating how it can enhance sustainability and resilience in infrastructure projects. Given the current global demands due to rapid urbanization, climate change, and biodiversity loss, the course emphasizes the critical need for sustainability in infrastructure development as choices made today will significantly impact future generations. It includes a six-week curriculum of videos, articles, quizzes, and a final project requiring critical reflection and practical application of the course teachings.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the concept of sustainable infrastructure and its essential role in sustainable development.
• Recognize the challenges and obstacles in infrastructure development and learn how these can be addressed through standards like SuRe®.
• Achieve a deep understanding of various local and structural constraints in infrastructure projects across the globe.
• Explore tools for assessing and evaluating infrastructure projects to ensure sustainability and resilience.
• Understand different stakeholder dynamics in planning, implementing, and financing sustainable infrastructure.
• Comprehend the significance of procurement and contracting phases in safeguarding project sustainability.
• Apply learned concepts and tools to real-world infrastructure projects.

Course Structure

• Week 1: Exploring the environmental impacts of infrastructure and the application of the SuRe® standard.
• Week 2: Examining the societal impacts of sustainable infrastructure and practical implications of SuRe®.
• Week 3: Governance aspects of sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects.
• Week 4: Introduction to tools aiding sustainable infrastructure including detailed insights into SuRe®.
• Week 5: Principles and practices of sustainable infrastructure procurement.
• Week 6: Synthesis of learned concepts through a reflective essay on a specific infrastructure project.

Course Information

• Institution: EPFLx
• Subject: Environmental Studies
• Level: Introductory
• Prerequisites: None required.
• Language: English
• Video Transcripts: Available in English
• Associated Skills: Environmental Science, Influencing Skills, Urbanization, Investments, Infrastructure

Course Audience

This course is suitable for anyone interested in sustainable development, urban planning, environmental studies, and infrastructure investment. It is particularly valuable for professionals involved in planning, financing, and managing infrastructure projects seeking a robust understanding of sustainability practices.

Application of Skills

Skills acquired from this course can be applied in various real-world contexts such as urban planning, government policy formulation, project management, and in roles focused on enhancing infrastructure resilience and sustainability. The understanding of SuRe® standards and other assessment tools can directly influence the sustainability and effectiveness of infrastructure projects, capacity building in developing nations, and policy-making at various governmental levels.