Download brochure Apply Now
August 31, 2026
6 months
$ 3,000

Why Upskill in Sustainability in the Built Environment?

10 Million
new green jobs
projected for the
MENA region by 2050
Source: International Labour Organization
$1.1 Trillion
in green building
investment opportunities
in MENA cities through 2030
Source: International Finance Corporation
54.6%
higher hiring rate for
professionals who
possess verified green skills
Source: CIOB

The Program

Powered by Abdulla Al Ghurair Hub for Digital Teaching and Learning

Future Sustainable Cities Hybrid Graduate Certificate provides the essential skills and tools needed to design sustainable projects that support the region's sustainable development journey.

This program represents a valuable opportunity for engineers, architects, and sustainability professionals to participate in an immersive hybrid learning experience. By bridging technical expertise with practical application, we are empowering professionals to lead the transition toward a Net-Zero future.

City Model

Become a Changemaker

Join an engaging, high impact program that combines online modules, interactive online sessions, and a 3 immersive days in-person, providing you with the opportunity to connect, make strategic decisions and collaborate within diverse, interdisciplinary teams.

Accelerate Your Career

As a core part of the curriculum, the “Building Rating Systems” module provides a foundation for the LEED Green Associate (GA) or Pearl Qualified Professional (PQP) accreditations, aligning your skills with the requirements needed to pursue these global certifications.

Who Is This Program For?

Engineers and Architects

Pioneering sustainable design and technologies for greener, more efficient practices

Sustainability Professionals

Leading projects from policy making to feasibility assessments to implementation

Sustainability Advocates

Strengthening expertise to integrate sustainable thinking into any professional role

The eligibility requirements of this certificate are:

Holding an undergraduate bachelor’s degree and being fluent in English

Key Program Benefits

Develop a well-rounded understanding of the built environement

Gain in-demand skills to secure top-notch job opportunities in the region

Benefit from an engaging face to face experience including workshops, site visits, and exposure to guest speakers

Learn to tackle sustainability challenges from a regional perspective

Build an extensive exposure from networking opportunities with both regional industry experts and esteemed AUB faculty

Earn a professional certificate from AUB, ranked #1 in the Arab Region and Top 1% in Western Asia in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026

Curriculum

This course offers a comprehensive examination of socio-ecological systems within the MENA region, approached through the lens of systems thinking. Students will delve into the basics of systems thinking and its crucial application to understanding and addressing the interconnectedness of social and ecological factors, fostering resilience and adaptability in the face of environmental challenges imposed by rapid urbanization.

This course provides an introduction to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. Learners will explore the four phases of LCA: goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment and interpretation. Key emphasis will be placed on understanding LCA's role in evaluating and communicating environmental and climate performance.

This module focuses on the notions and key drivers for decarbonization in the built environment. Based on the principles of climate responsive design and the integrative building delivery process, students will acquire knowledge regarding environmental approaches to the design, operation and the environmental aspects of construction materials

This immersive 3-day in-person experience is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of sustainability in the built environment. Through a combination of interactive workshops, expert-led sessions, and guided site visits, participants explore real-world applications of sustainability principles. They engage with industry professionals and visit innovative sites that demonstrate sustainable practices, directly applying their learning to the field. As a core requirement of the program, these immersive days provide learners with hands-on exposure, practical insights, and valuable opportunities to connect with peers and experts in the field.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the principles, frameworks, and practices essential for mainstreaming sustainability through effective policy making. It aims to equip sustainability professionals with the knowledge and skills required to develop, implement, and evaluate policies that promote sustainable development in the built environment, with a special focus on the MENA region. The course covers new approaches to data-driven policy making such as True Cost Accounting (TCA), along with stakeholder engagement, policy frameworks as well as monitoring and evaluation. Through interactive lectures, case studies, and practical assignments, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to integrate sustainability into policy making processes.

This course provides students with applied methods for using artificial intelligence (AI) to support sustainability-related decision-making. It functions as a methodological addendum to the Sustainability in the Built Environment diploma and does not introduce new sustainability theories or frameworks. Instead, it builds on existing knowledge of environmental performance, building resilience, and sustainability governance, with recurring reference to extreme climate stress conditions common in arid and semi-arid regions.

This course discusses the regional challenges (climatic, geographic, scarcity, cultural, socio-economic) affecting construction materials flow, availability, and circularity, and highlights the impact of governance, development plans, and behavioral changes on resource management and waste accumulation. It introduces the importance of circularity, cradle-to-cradle design, and digital technologies in addressing construction materials’ challenges and creating social, economic, and ecological value. It also provides learners with the mindset, tools, and knowledge to assess and achieve the circularity of systems and processes in the built environment.

This course addresses the implementation of sustainability principles throughout the building’s lifecycle through common building rating systems, namely LEED and ESTIDAMA/Pearl Building Rating System. The course focuses on the key elements of building rating systems along with an overview of the certification process.
Next Start Date
August 31, 2026
Join our upcoming Future Sustainable Cities Certificate !

Deadline to apply is August 17, 2026! Hurry!
Need more information?
Want to learn more about this program? Interested in a personalized 1-on-1 session with our enrollment coaches? Schedule a session today!

Flexible Tuition Fees

Select the payment method that suits you best!
Pay as you go
Pay your tuition per course
Range: 500 - 700 USD
Early Bird
Pay in full and benefit from a 10% reduction on tuition fees.
Total program tuition: $3,000 $2,700
Corporate tuition rates are available, contact us for more information.
Contact us

What Skills Will You Gain?

Identify key sustainability challenges in the built environment relevant to the region
Familiarize with LEED/Estidama standards for LEED GA or PQP accreditation
Understand the interconnection between the social, economic, and ecological components of sustainability in the built environment
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method and tools
Gain insight into true cost accounting (TCA) and policy making to support ESG reporting
Learn applied methods for artificial intelligence (AI) to support sustainability-related decision-making and build resilience under extreme climate stress

Testimonials

Donia Mandour

The program deepened my understanding of sustainability's real-world applications. It provided practical insights, and strong support from the facilitators.

Donia Mandour | Grad ‘25

Architect Engineer, Smart Home Engineering Consultant

Saif Alketbi

A highly insightful program that deepened my understanding of sustainable design in the MENA region. The practical examples were especially valuable.

Saif Alketbi | Grad ‘25

Civil Engineer, Government of Sharjah

Jad Jamal

An impactful experience led by experts, which enhanced my expertise in sustainability practices and supported my professional growth.

Jad Jamal | Grad ‘25

Senior Facilities Manager, Emirates National Schools

Noura Alkarbi

The program was an inspiring and enriching experience that empowered me to grow professionally, connect with like-minded change makers, and turn sustainability ideas into impactful action.

Noura Alkarbi | Grad ‘25

Electrical Engineer, TAQA

Malek Abdelrahman

One of the best educational experiences I have had in terms of modern education, integration, discussion with colleagues, and meeting new friends.

Malek Abdel-Rahman | Grad ‘25

Electrical Inspector, WSA Architects

Instructors

Sarah Jaber

Sarah Jaber

Associate Director of Sustainability at The Bulb, part of Trivandi. Expert in sustainable built environment and circular economy

Rima Manneh

Rima Manneh

B.E., M.A.Sc., Ph.D. Chemical Engineering. Senior Lecturer Baha And Walid Bassatne Department of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Energy, AUB

Walid Saad

Walid Saad

Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Energy, AUB. Sustainability champion leveraging diverse industrial, startup, and consulting experience to drive innovative solutions for a greener future

Alissar Yehya

Alissar Yehya

Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, AUB. Research Associate in Materials at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Expert in energy consumption, circular supply chains and waste management

Aram Yeretzian<

Aram Yeretzian

Associate Professor, School of Architecture, College of Architecture and Design, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Rami Zurayk

Rami Zurayk

Professor of Ecosystem Management, Department of Landscape Design, AUB. Expert on Food System Resilience and Sustainability

Hear From Our Graduates!

Contact Us

WhatsApp
+961 70 016 435
contact us email
sustainablecities@aub.edu.lb
contact us consultation
Schedule a consultation

You might also be interested in

Project Management

Graduate Professional Diploma

AI & Data Science

Graduate Professional Diploma

Engineering Management​​

Online Graduate Diploma​

Engineering Management

Master's Degree

Discover where Sustainability can take you!

Book a consultation with our enrollment coach to learn more about your career path in Future Sustainable Cities.

Ari
Speak to our advisor