COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Sustainable Practices in Building & Construction Operations course. This program is designed to provide you with the knowledge, tools, and industry-aligned strategies necessary to embed environmental sustainability into everyday operations. As the construction sector continues to face increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, sustainable practices have become essential for regulatory compliance, cost control, and long-term community benefit.
The course begins by defining sustainability within the construction context, encompassing environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Participants will examine how sustainable practices enhance site performance, reduce resource consumption, and respond to growing community expectations and industry trends such as Green Star, NABERS, and BASIX frameworks. A strong focus is placed on how these principles can be practically applied from project conception through to completion.
Regulatory compliance is a critical foundation of sustainability. This section provides an overview of key policies and legislative requirements under the National Construction Code (NCC), as well as state-based environmental regulations. Participants will become familiar with green building rating tools and how environmental compliance obligations influence project planning, documentation, and reporting.
Sustainability must be integrated from the earliest planning stages. This section explores how to establish measurable sustainability objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) during project setup. Engaging consultants, clients, and contractors in collaborative environmental planning ensures targets are achievable and responsibilities are clearly defined in scopes and contracts.
Site selection and preparation have direct environmental consequences. This section focuses on reducing ecological impacts, managing stormwater and sediment risks, and protecting native vegetation, soil integrity, and heritage assets. Participants will learn to evaluate site-specific risks and plan for low-impact development and preservation outcomes.
Energy efficiency on construction sites is a key performance area. Participants will learn how to reduce fuel and electricity consumption across site sheds, lighting, equipment, and plant. Strategies include specifying energy-efficient systems, reducing idle time, and actively monitoring usage to identify areas for savings and improvement.
Water management is another sustainability priority. This section demonstrates how to reduce potable water use, manage runoff responsibly, and implement water-saving fixtures or harvesting systems. Preventing contamination of natural waterways through proper handling of sediment, chemicals, and waste is also covered in detail.
Selecting sustainable materials is essential for reducing embodied carbon. This section explains how to identify low-impact, recycled, and certified materials such as FSC timber and concrete with reduced cement content. Participants will also explore procurement methods that prioritise circular economy principles and environmentally verified products.
Construction generates substantial waste. This section guides participants in creating and implementing Waste Management Plans (WMPs), setting up efficient segregation systems, and improving resource recovery rates. Practical approaches to minimise offcuts, reuse surplus, and divert waste from landfill are emphasised throughout.
Air quality and emissions control contribute to site sustainability. This section addresses how to reduce emissions from diesel machinery, manage dust and chemical vapours, and select low-VOC adhesives and paints. Tools for monitoring carbon footprint and strategies for offsetting project emissions are also introduced.
Procurement practices influence downstream sustainability. Participants will learn how to engage environmentally responsible suppliers, include sustainability clauses in contracts, and reduce transport-related emissions through local sourcing and bulk delivery planning. A strategic approach to procurement enhances both compliance and reputation.
Innovative construction techniques support sustainability goals. This section introduces passive solar design, prefabrication, modular assembly, and integration of renewable energy systems such as photovoltaics and solar hot water. Participants will explore how innovation can improve performance while reducing site impacts.
Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) affects the health and comfort of building occupants. This section focuses on the selection of non-toxic materials, control of pollutants during construction, and delivery of acoustically and thermally comfortable internal spaces. IEQ considerations support both sustainability and post-occupancy wellbeing.
Onsite sustainability requires active coordination. This section explores how to train workers in environmental best practices, monitor energy and material usage, and assign site-based sustainability roles. Practical checklists and observation protocols will help teams maintain sustainable standards throughout project delivery.
Monitoring and reporting are essential for demonstrating progress. This section outlines how to track sustainability metrics using audit tools, checklists, and digital platforms. Participants will learn how to prepare meaningful reports for clients, certifiers, and internal improvement initiatives.
Risk management applies to environmental concerns as well. Participants will examine common risks such as contamination, erosion, or non-compliance, and develop plans to mitigate these proactively. Preparation for environmental audits and third-party assessments is also covered.
Understanding the cost-benefit implications of sustainability is critical. This section explains how to evaluate the financial impact of sustainable practices, access available grants or incentives, and demonstrate long-term savings and value creation through lifecycle costing and performance tracking.
Continuous improvement ensures sustainability is embedded into future projects. This section provides methods for post-project review, team debriefing, and refinement of sustainability procedures, templates, and goals. Emphasis is placed on building a culture of environmental responsibility across organisations and worksites.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped to implement and champion sustainable practices across building and construction operations—delivering high-performance outcomes that align with environmental standards, client expectations, and long-term industry responsibilities.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Sustainability in Construction
- Defining sustainability in the context of building and construction
- Environmental, economic, and social benefits of sustainable practices
- Industry trends, community expectations, and green building initiatives
2. Regulatory and Policy Frameworks
- Overview of sustainability requirements in the NCC and state regulations
- Green Star, NABERS, and BASIX standards and assessment tools
- Construction industry codes, targets, and environmental compliance
3. Integrating Sustainability into Project Planning
- Setting sustainability objectives and KPIs from project inception
- Engaging stakeholders in sustainable design and construction outcomes
- Aligning sustainability plans with contracts and scopes of work
4. Sustainable Site Selection and Preparation
- Minimising ecological disruption and preserving site biodiversity
- Managing erosion, sediment, and stormwater impacts
- Planning for vegetation retention, soil reuse, and heritage protection
5. Energy Efficiency in Construction Activities
- Reducing energy use in temporary site operations and machinery
- Installing energy-efficient temporary lighting and HVAC systems
- Monitoring energy use and identifying reduction opportunities
6. Water Conservation and Management
- Minimising potable water use on site through efficient practices
- Managing runoff, water harvesting, and sediment traps
- Preventing contamination of waterways and drains
7. Sustainable Material Selection and Use
- Choosing low-impact, recycled, or sustainably sourced materials
- Reducing embodied carbon in concrete, steel, and finishes
- Verifying certifications such as FSC timber or Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
8. Waste Minimisation and Resource Recovery
- Developing a site-specific waste management plan (WMP)
- Segregating, recycling, and reusing construction and demolition waste
- Managing hazardous waste, packaging, and offcuts responsibly
9. Low-Emission Construction Practices
- Reducing air pollution from dust, diesel equipment, and volatile compounds
- Controlling emissions through maintenance, filtering, and low-VOC products
- Monitoring carbon footprint and offsetting project emissions if applicable
10. Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain Management
- Engaging suppliers with green credentials or circular economy commitments
- Including sustainability clauses in tenders and contracts
- Reducing transport impacts through local sourcing and bulk ordering
11. Green Building Techniques and Innovations
- Applying passive design principles and solar orientation
- Prefabrication, modular construction, and low-impact assembly
- Incorporating renewable energy systems
12. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Considerations
- Selecting materials and finishes that support occupant health
- Managing site practices to reduce dust, mould, and air pollutants
- Supporting thermal comfort, lighting, and acoustics in the finished build
13. Managing Sustainable Construction Practices Onsite
- Inducting workers on environmental responsibilities and sustainable behaviour
- Conducting daily site checks for energy, water, and material usage
- Appointing a sustainability representative or environmental officer
14. Monitoring and Reporting Sustainability Performance
- Using checklists, audits, and digital tools to track sustainability metrics
- Collecting data on waste, energy, water, and emissions
- Preparing reports for clients, certifiers, or internal improvement
15. Risk Management in Sustainable Construction
- Identifying environmental risks and developing mitigation measures
- Managing unforeseen environmental impacts or regulatory breaches
- Preparing for audits or external assessments
16. Cost-Benefit Analysis of Sustainable Practices
- Comparing upfront costs with lifecycle benefits and savings
- Accessing government incentives, rebates, or grants
- Demonstrating return on investment (ROI) through performance tracking
17. Continuous Improvement and Legacy Outcomes
- Reviewing project outcomes and lessons learned
- Updating procedures, templates, and checklists for future projects
- Contributing to a long-term culture of environmental leadership in construction
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.