Fundamentals of Sustainability in Structural Design

Fundamentals of Sustainability in Structural Design

As the construction industry moves toward net-zero emissions, structural engineers play a critical role in reducing the embodied carbon of buildings and infrastructure. This self-paced online course provides a comprehensive foundation in sustainability principles as they apply to structural engineering practice in Australia.

Through 9 interactive modules with embedded quizzes, you’ll explore embodied carbon measurement, Life Cycle Assessment, low-carbon material selection, Australian green building standards, and practical strategies for designing more sustainable structures. Each module includes visual diagrams, real-world case studies, and knowledge checks to reinforce your learning.

Whether you’re an experienced practitioner looking to upskill or an early-career engineer wanting to future-proof your expertise, this course equips you with the knowledge to make informed sustainability decisions in your structural designs.

What You Will Study

• Introduction to sustainability in the built environment
• Embodied carbon fundamentals and measurement
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) basics for structural engineers
• Low-carbon material selection — concrete, steel, timber
• Australian standards and green building frameworks (Green Star, NCC Section J)
• Circular economy principles in structural design
• Practical strategies for reducing embodied carbon
• Case studies of sustainable structural projects in Australia
• Net Zero pathways for the construction sector
• Interactive quiz modules throughout the course