To assist the real estate sector on the journey to net zero, the European Commission has created Level(s), a framework that provides a common language for assessing and reporting the sustainability of buildings, from design to end life. Arup was appointed to design the framework’s e-learning programme, while our sustainability and learning experts created a redesign strategy for the Level(s) learning tools.

To design the course, Arup brought our in-house Arup University learning specialists and sustainability professionals together with e-learning subconsultant Leo Learning. The e-learning programme offers a series of modules which include 16 sustainability indicators that explain how different EU policies can interact with performance in buildings.

Our specialists designed practical case studies for each module which provide ‘real life’ context for stakeholders and always take into account the whole life carbon output of a building. As the construction industry accounts for 50% of Europe’s raw material extraction, looking at a building’s entire lifecycle – rather than just operations emissions – is vital to reaching climate targets.

Understanding sustainable performance in buildings 

The Level(s) e-learning programme is designed for all the stakeholders working across a building’s lifecycle in Europe. 

For building specialists and sustainability professionals, the e-learning programme provides simple sustainability criteria adaptable to all project stages, to help teams carry out accurate performance assessments in line with key EU policies. 

For policymakers and procurers, Level(s) is a useful tool to help develop and implement viable sustainable policies as well as action frameworks for tackling climate change effects. The e-learning programme also offers a clear definition of sustainable building investment to help investors, property owners, and landlords, ensuring transparency in disclosure requirements reporting.

Buildings play a vital role in our transition towards sustainable future. Designing, operating and maintaining buildings with a sustainability mindset is key to improving the carbon footprint of the real estate sector in Europe. 

 

Leo Learning