The course supports the mandatory competence in Climate Literacy and is designed to prepare delegates for our Climate Literacy Test. Each module builds the essential knowledge architects need to respond effectively to the climate emergency through their professional practice. The course aligns with the RIBA Climate Challenge and provides Chartered Architects with the understanding and tools required to design for net zero whole-life carbon across every stage of the building lifecycle. Learning Outcomes• Understand climate change and its impact on the built environment • Integrate low-carbon, resilient, and sustainable strategies across the building lifecycle • Develop practical skills in outcome-based design, retrofit, and climate adaptation • Build practical skills in resource-efficient materials, energy, and water management • Make informed design decisions that support net-zero whole-life carbon and healthy, resilient communities ProgrammeModule 1 Global and Built Environment Climate Fundamentalsby Phoebe MacDonald, Director of Policy & Public Affairs, RIBAStrengthen your understanding of climate science and the global drivers for change. You will explore the role of the built environment in greenhouse gas emissions and learn why urgent systemic change is required across architecture and construction. Module 2 RIBA Sustainable Outcomes by Gary Clark, Principal and Managing Director, HKS London Discover how to apply the RIBA Sustainable Outcomes Guide in practice. You will learn how outcome-based design principles, retrofit strategies, and life cycle thinking can improve building performance and help deliver climate-resilient projects. Module 3 Human Factors: Health and Wellbeingby Henry Pelly, Principal Sustainability Consultant, Max Fordham and Lydia Tew, Sustainability Consultant, Max Fordham Learn how to design buildings and places that promote health, comfort and inclusion. This module helps you understand the physiological, social and behavioural factors that shape wellbeing and long-term building performance. Module 4 Circular Economyby Michelle Sanchez, Sustainability Lead, RSHP Build your knowledge of circular economy principles and how they apply to architecture. You will explore approaches to designing for resource efficiency, material recovery and long-term adaptability, supporting more sustainable and ethical outcomes. Module 5 Energy and Carbon in the Built Environmentby Lauma Balina, Principal Engineer, Max FordhamThis module analyses energy and carbon management in building design, focusing on passive design, low-carbon building services and Whole Life Carbon. It examines operational energy modelling, Energy Use Intensity (EUI), and carbon offsetting, encouraging a holistic evaluation of a building’s total carbon footprint. Module 6 Water: Resources and Risk Managementby Sue Illman, Managing Director, Illman Young Landscape Design This module explores efficient water use, reuse and rainwater harvesting, including greywater systems for new and existing buildings. It introduces Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and considers design strategies for flood resilience, drought preparedness, and overall water management to support sustainable, low-risk buildings. Module 7 Ecology and Biodiversityby Michael Collins, RIBA, ARB, RIAS, sustainable Accredited Architect, Passivhaus Designer, Michael Collins Architect LLPDevelop an understanding of how architectural design can support biodiversity and ecosystems. You will explore strategies to deliver biodiversity net gain, integrate nature-based solutions and respond to local ecological contexts. Module 8 Connectivity and Low Carbon Transportby Christopher Martin, Co-Founder + Managing Director, URBAN MOVEMENT LIMITEDThis module discovers how location, street design and building design influence low-carbon lifestyles. It examines walkability, active travel, low-carbon transport infrastructure, and connectivity at the masterplan, community, and building scales, enabling learners to assess carbon impacts and design inclusive environments that support sustainable and accessible transport. Who is the course for? Chartered Architects and RIBA members who need to meet the mandatory Climate Literacy competence and prepare for our Climate Literacy Test Practising architects who want to strengthen their ability to design in line with the RIBA Climate Challenge and work toward net zero whole-life carbon Architecture professionals involved in different stages of the building lifecycle, who need a deeper understanding of carbon impacts and sustainable practice Early-career architects or Part 3 candidates preparing to enter chartered status, since competence will be required going forward Built environment professionals (engineers, designers, project managers) who want to improve their fluency in climate literacy and sustainability principles Speakers Please noteEach recording will expire 12 months after enrolling on the course For more information on this course, or if there are no places available, please email us, or call +44 (0)20 7307 5355 to talk to a member of the team. Please view the Terms and Conditions for more information.
