University of Cape Town
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Acquire the skills to assess and implement energy-saving strategies within industrial, commercial, and large-scale residential environments.
Start date
18 August 2025
Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
8–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Utilising energy in a buildings sustainably is crucial, not only for mitigating climate change but also for enhancing the performance of facilities and boosting business competitiveness. Thus, individuals involved in the energy, oil, manufacturing, construction, and transportation sectors need in-depth knowledge of energy efficiency.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Energy Efficiency and Sustainability online short course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the energy efficiency landscape and its economic impact. In this eight-week course, you’ll explore the latest industry developments and regulations, analyse energy consumption in industrial and commercial settings, and master industry-recognised techniques for validating energy savings. Additionally, you’ll learn how to evaluate the financial feasibility of energy-efficient initiatives and create a compelling business case for such interventions.
Is this course for you?
This course has been certified by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) for CPD points. It is suitable for many professionals, including practicing and consulting engineers, architects, building designers, facility managers, energy managers, energy auditors, manufacturing experts, and environmental consultants. The course is specifically designed to provide these professionals with the skills to identify opportunities for energy conservation, ultimately improving building and business efficiency. Professionals will also acquire knowledge that will enable them to specialise their business offerings and take advantage of this increasingly significant trend. Basic mathematical skills are required to complete the course, as students will be expected to apply formulas and perform calculations.
This course is approved by the University of Cape Town and is validated by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) for CPD credits. The course has an estimated 80 hours of learning and South African engineering professionals can earn up to eight CPD credits.*
International students need to consult their national professional engineering bodies to check whether this course is recognised for points towards maintaining professional status.
*Should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. The University of Cape Town and GetSmarter accept no responsibility. If you would like to claim validation or points, use the ECSA validation number UCTGSEES25.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Utilising energy in a buildings sustainably is crucial, not only for mitigating climate change but also for enhancing the performance of facilities and boosting business competitiveness. Thus, individuals involved in the energy, oil, manufacturing, construction, and transportation sectors need in-depth knowledge of energy efficiency.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Energy Efficiency and Sustainability online short course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the energy efficiency landscape and its economic impact. In this eight-week course, you’ll explore the latest industry developments and regulations, analyse energy consumption in industrial and commercial settings, and master industry-recognised techniques for validating energy savings. Additionally, you’ll learn how to evaluate the financial feasibility of energy-efficient initiatives and create a compelling business case for such interventions.
Is this course for you?
This course has been certified by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) for CPD points. It is suitable for many professionals, including practicing and consulting engineers, architects, building designers, facility managers, energy managers, energy auditors, manufacturing experts, and environmental consultants. The course is specifically designed to provide these professionals with the skills to identify opportunities for energy conservation, ultimately improving building and business efficiency. Professionals will also acquire knowledge that will enable them to specialise their business offerings and take advantage of this increasingly significant trend. Basic mathematical skills are required to complete the course, as students will be expected to apply formulas and perform calculations.
This course is approved by the University of Cape Town and is validated by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) for CPD credits. The course has an estimated 80 hours of learning and South African engineering professionals can earn up to eight CPD credits.*
International students need to consult their national professional engineering bodies to check whether this course is recognised for points towards maintaining professional status.
*Should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. The University of Cape Town and GetSmarter accept no responsibility. If you would like to claim validation or points, use the ECSA validation number UCTGSEES25.
Get this course for your team
Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
What will set you apart
A grasp of energy-efficiency concepts, and the skills to evaluate, recommend, and implement energy-saving strategies in new and existing buildings.
Insight into sustainable building design principles, considerations, and best practices.
The ability to analyse energy flows, participate in energy audits, and compile and present findings to the relevant stakeholders.
The skills to apply the Measurement and Verification (M&V) methodology to collect data, quantify energy savings, and inform decision-making.
An understanding of how to develop an energy management system that aligns with global standards.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Introduction to energy efficiency: Importance, strategies, and challenges
Module 2
Energy metrics, economics, and the business case for energy efficiency
Module 3
Energy-efficient and sustainable buildings: General considerations and regulations
Module 4
Energy-efficiency management and technologies in buildings
Module 5
Energy-efficiency management and technologies in the industrial sector
Module 6
Energy auditing
Module 7
Measurement and verification
Module 8
Energy management systems
What past students
think
Stephen Adamu
Architect, Pine Projects Architects and Design Consultants
As an architect, I honestly did myself a favour by taking this online course. Though a little challenging because of my work schedule and commitments, it opened up my mind to a new dimension and I am grateful for the opportunity. I will definitely pursue advanced study in this area. It’s been an interesting journey. I know I am a better architect today than I was eight weeks ago when I started this course.
Course Convenors
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Richard Larmour
Research Officer in the Advanced Machines & Energy Systems group (AMES) at UCT
Mascha Moorlach
Senior Research Officer in the Advanced Machines & Energy Systems group (AMES) at UCT
About the certificate
Deepen your understanding of energy efficiency and sustainability by exploring best practices and industry standards and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
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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Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
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 visit your Account page here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
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