Holcim launches Sustainable Construction Academy to drive low-carbon, circular + regenerative design

With a curriculum designed by Holcim’s experts and partners from leading research institutions and architecture and engineering firms such as the University of Cambridge and Zaha Hadid Architects, the Holcim Sustainable Construction Academy is a free online training program aimed at upskilling built environment professionals who want to drive low-carbon, circular and regenerative design in the buildings sector.

The Holcim Sustainable Construction Academy equips built environment professionals with all the tools they need to measure the impact of their building project, from early on in the design process, to more in-depth understanding of construction materials, knowledge of the latest design and material innovations in the industry, and systems that support circularity in the construction industry.

Experts from Holcim Group and Holcim Innovation Center collaborated with professors from the University of Cambridge, MIT, ETH Zurich, and architects and engineers from ARUP, Ramboll, Zaha Hadid Architects, Henning Larsen and others to design the curriculum.

We can only achieve a net-zero built environment if the entire construction value chain integrates the principles of sustainability throughout the whole life cycle of buildings. The Holcim Sustainable Construction Academy is a call for design professionals to lead this transition by exercising their influence in the industry and making informed decisions from very early on in the design process.

Nollaig Forrest, Chief Sustainability Officer, Holcim: “As a leader in sustainable construction, we are launching the Academy to empower built environment professionals. Taught by Holcim specialists and experts from across the building value chain, it provides resources to accelerate the shift to low-carbon, energy-efficient and regenerative buildings and cities.” 

Kritika Kharbanda, Head of Sustainability, Henning Larsen Architects: “To decarbonize the built environment, we need all stakeholders to embrace and commit to sustainable building practices. To reduce a building’s embodied carbon footprint it is imperative to learn about the latest innovations, adaptability and scalability. The Holcim Sustainable Construction Academy is a great place to start.”

Dr. John Orr, Professor of Structural Engineering, University of Cambridge: "This is an exciting new tool to empower professionals in the built environment. I'm proud to have contributed to the program, which has the potential to make a lasting impact on both our industry and planet.”

Access the Holcim Sustainable Construction Academy now at holcimacademy.com. In  the future, the platform will also be available in German, French and Spanish, while Holcim will  hold a series of in-person workshops based on the curriculum.