Sustainable and Resilient Construction Practices and Materials

Course description

This course introduces the principles, regulatory frameworks, and applied strategies for advancing sustainability and resilience in the built environment, with a focus on material and resource selection that minimizes environmental impact and mitigates project risks. Learners will examine lifecycle thinking, energy and water optimization, sustainable material choices, and risk management considerations for long-term durability and climate adaptability.

Global green building frameworks such as LEED and other standards relevant to the Canadian context will be explored. In addition, the course embeds Indigenous worldviews related to land stewardship, sustainability, and community well-being, highlighting the importance of holistic and long-term approaches to development. Emphasis is placed on respectful engagement with Indigenous communities and understanding how community-led perspectives and practices can inform resilient, ethical, and risk-aware construction.

Through real-world case studies and applied tools, participants will gain the skills to make sustainable, inclusive, and risk-conscious decisions that contribute to environmental responsibility, social well-being, and resilient infrastructure in construction projects.