MIT School of Architecture and Planning
Sustainable Real Estate: Analysis and Investment
Gain an in-depth understanding of green building practices, technology’s role in sustainable real estate, and the growing significance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
Starting soon
08 May 2024
Course duration
6 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
4–6 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The percentage of surveyed real estate professionals who think ESG initiatives are driving new business opportunities.*
*Deloitte (2022).
The built environment’s contribution to total annual global carbon dioxide emissions.*
*Architecture 2030 (nd). Accessed October 30, 2023.
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
Understanding the emerging trends in sustainability and their practical applications is essential for those wanting to excel in sustainable real estate. The MIT School of Architecture and Planning (MIT SA+P) and the MIT Center for Real Estate (MIT CRE) Sustainable Real Estate: Analysis and Investment online short course explores how climate change and real estate intersect. This six-week course, backed by MIT's research in climate and sustainability, introduces a broad spectrum of topics, from green buildings to the nexus of climate change and real estate. Under the guidance of distinguished MIT faculty, you'll debunk common myths about sustainability, uncovering its financial viability and relevance in today's market. By integrating case studies and practical exercises, the course ensures you grasp the theory and gain the necessary skills to apply sustainable strategies in real estate effectively.
Is this course for you?
Designed for those at the forefront of sustainable real estate and urban planning, this program offers critical insights for professionals in real estate development, urban design, and planning. Stay ahead of the curve by diving deep into the latest sustainable trends and practices. For those in the public sector and consulting, deepen your grasp of how sustainability shapes our built environment and keep up with its swift progression.
Investment professionals will benefit from a comprehensive breakdown of the risks and rewards inherent in sustainable real estate, ensuring a competitive advantage. Additionally, finance aficionados and investment enthusiasts will find invaluable market insights tailored for their interest in sustainable real estate.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
Understanding the emerging trends in sustainability and their practical applications is essential for those wanting to excel in sustainable real estate. The MIT School of Architecture and Planning (MIT SA+P) and the MIT Center for Real Estate (MIT CRE) Sustainable Real Estate: Analysis and Investment online short course explores how climate change and real estate intersect. This six-week course, backed by MIT's research in climate and sustainability, introduces a broad spectrum of topics, from green buildings to the nexus of climate change and real estate. Under the guidance of distinguished MIT faculty, you'll debunk common myths about sustainability, uncovering its financial viability and relevance in today's market. By integrating case studies and practical exercises, the course ensures you grasp the theory and gain the necessary skills to apply sustainable strategies in real estate effectively.
Is this course for you?
Designed for those at the forefront of sustainable real estate and urban planning, this program offers critical insights for professionals in real estate development, urban design, and planning. Stay ahead of the curve by diving deep into the latest sustainable trends and practices. For those in the public sector and consulting, deepen your grasp of how sustainability shapes our built environment and keep up with its swift progression.
Investment professionals will benefit from a comprehensive breakdown of the risks and rewards inherent in sustainable real estate, ensuring a competitive advantage. Additionally, finance aficionados and investment enthusiasts will find invaluable market insights tailored for their interest in sustainable real estate.
What will set you apart
A deeper understanding of sustainable real estate practices, covering a wide spectrum of topics — from green buildings to ESG factors. 
A critical thinking mindset that encourages informed, sustainable investment decisions. 
A practical toolkit of diverse strategies to secure capital for sustainable real estate opportunities.
Essential skills and tools to actively contribute to sustainable development and address pressing environmental challenges within the real estate sector. 
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum:
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Green and healthy buildings
Module 2
Climate risks and real estate
Module 3
Design, technology, and policy in sustainable real estate
Module 4
Decarbonizing real estate
Module 5
Sustainable real estate investment and finance
Module 6
ESG in real estate
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Faculty Directors
Siqi Zheng
Chair Professor of Urban and Real Estate Sustainability, MIT Center for Real Estate and Department of Urban Studies and Planning
Juan Palacios
Visiting Assistant Professor, Sustainable Urbanization Lab in the MIT Center for Real Estate
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Zhengzhen Tan
Lecturer, MIT Center for Real Estate
About the certificate
Explore sustainable real estate and earn an official digital MIT SA+P certificate.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Why choose GetSmarter?
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We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please see the list of university partner login pages here.
