Digitalisation and Sustainable Development: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Tools for Sustainability

EQF level: 7
Developed by: Athens University of Economy and Business
Course Duration: 78–91 hours/13 weeks
Format: Online (Synchronous)
Language: English

This advanced course explores how digital transformation – particularly through artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) – can accelerate sustainability goals in the built environment. By analyzing real-world cases, focusing on practical AI/ML techniques (supervised vs. unsupervised learning), and introducing basic NLP (Transformers, vector databases), participants will gain the multidisciplinary skill set required to excel in sustainability-focused digital projects.

SKILLS:

• Data wrangling & exploratory analysis (Python/R) 
• Supervised & unsupervised model design
• Introductory NLP prompt engineering & vector DB querying  
• Sustainability impact appraisal & stakeholder communication 
• Team-based agile project management 

 SYLLABUS:

Annex-12.2.-Digitalization_Syllabus

CERTIFICATE:

Annex-12.1.-Digitalization_Certificate

CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR INDIVIDUALS:

Ind.cert_.Digitalization-expert-in-Sustainability

Circular Economy and Waste Management

EQF level: 6
Developed by: Athens University of Economy and Business
Course Duration: 30 hours
Format: Online (Synchronous)
Language: English

The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the transition from linear economic models to sustainable, circular systems. It explores sustainable development principles, climate change effects, and policy frameworks for a circular economy. Students learn to analyze waste fluxes and develop sustainability strategies using tools like Circularity Compass, Circular Strategy Scanner, and Life Cycle Assessment. The course also covers waste management challenges like urban planning and stakeholder engagement. It also emphasizes corporate sustainability and circularity, focusing on ESG reporting, SDG integration, and circular business models. A final project presentation equips students with analytical, strategic, and communication skills for careers in corporate environmental responsibility and waste management.

SKILLS:

• Analytical Skills – Assessing circular economy principles, waste management strategies, and sustainability policies. 
• Systems Thinking – Understanding the interconnection of waste flows, business models, and sustainability strategies. 
• Stakeholder Engagement – Developing collaboration strategies to involve key actors in circular initiatives. 
• Sustainability Reporting – Understanding ESG frameworks, SDG integration, and corporate sustainability reporting. 
• Impact Assessment & Data Analysis – Applying KPIs and LCA tools to measure circular economy success. 
• Business Model Development – Designing circular business strategies to drive sustainability transitions. 

SYLLABUS:

Annex-14.2.Circular-Econ.-Waste-Manag._Syllabus

CERTIFICATE:

Annex-14.1.Circular-Econ.-Waste-Manag._Certificate

CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR INDIVIDUALS:

Ind.cert_.Circular-Economy-and-Waste-Management

Bio-inspired innovation and design for sustainable engineering solutions

EQF level: 6
Developed by: Cyprus University of Technology
Course Duration: 20 hours/4 days
Format: Physical in Limassol/Nicosia Cyprus
Language: English

This course aims to provide knowledge of the principles of bio-inspired innovation and design and support learners in developing skills to design resilient and adaptive living spaces, with a focus on cooling strategies among other sustainable solutions, inspired by nature. During this course, learners will develop skills to understand and analyse grand challenges, identify problems and design biologically inspired sustainable solutions. Emphasis will be placed on practical applications in challenges pertinent to the built environment, relevant to the participants’ interest to support their self-development. During the meeting sessions, the learners will be introduced to particular challenges and tools and work individually or collaboratively on related challenges. The sessions will conclude with reflection and debriefing.

SKILLS:

• Use and Analyze Copernicus Climate Atlas to understand the demand for sustainable design solutions
• Challenge-based learning to provide an efficient and effective framework
• Problem-solving using a pentagonal system
• Creative design and critical thinking of sustainable engineering practices
• The ability to use natural solutions to generate designs for sustainable design solutions
• Assess the environmental impact using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)
• The ability to perform system mapping and expert use of design techniques to identify and produce sustainable bio-inspired solutions

SYLLABUS:

Annex-10.2.-Bio-inspired-innovation_Syllabus

CERTIFICATE:

Annex-10.1.-Bio-inspired-innovation_Certificate

CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR INDIVIDUALS:

Ind.cert_.Bio-inspired-Design-Specialist

Risk and Reliability in Health and Safety

EQF level: 6
Developed by: Cyprus University of Technology
Course Duration: 16 hours/4 days
Format: Online (Synchronous)
Language: English

This course aims to provide knowledge in the principles of risk and reliability engineering applied in Health and Safety. Emphasis will be placed on practical applications across industries. The learners will be introduced to the topics and work individually on related challenges. The sessions will conclude with reflection and debriefing.

SKILLS:

• Ability to conduct risk assessments using risk and reliability methods   
• Ability to develop strategies for mitigating human error and enhance human reliability in Health and Safety 

SYLLABUS:

Annex-09.2.-Risk-Reliability_Syllabus

CERTIFICATE:

Annex-09.1.-Risk-Reliability_Certificate

CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR INDIVIDUALS:

Ind.cert_.Health-Safety-Risk-and-Reliability-Practitioner

Resilient Buildings and Cities. Build Liveable Urban Environment (BLUE).

EQF level: 5
Developed by: Sistemi Formativi Confindustria, Italy
Course Duration: 40 hours
Format: Physical in Ferrara (Italy)
Language: Italian

The course is designed to train highly qualified Senior Technicians in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability within the Built Environment. These professionals are prepared to operate across the analysis, design, and implementation phases of decarbonized building projects and sustainable urban development, applying advanced BIM methodologies and innovative technologies. With a strong focus on climate adaptation and urban resilience, their role involves enhancing the energy performance of buildings and neighborhoods to withstand environmental, social, and technological challenges. Core competencies include the design and management of energy-efficient systems, high-performance building envelopes, renewable energy solutions, and nature-based strategies. Additionally, the program addresses the integration of smart technologies and the coordination of multiple systems to support sustainable, adaptive, and safe urban environments. Special attention is given to minimizing environmental impacts and promoting circular economy practices in the construction sector. Throughout all activities, technicians ensure full compliance with European, national, and regional standards and regulations.

SKILLS:

• Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Building Design   
• Advanced BIM Application 
• Urban Resilience Analysis 
• Circular Economy Implementation 
• Smart Building Technologies

 SYLLABUS:

Annex-03.2.-Build-Liveable_Syllabus

CERTIFICATE:

Annex-03.1.-Build-Liveable_Certificate

CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR INDIVIDUALS:

Ind.cert_.Sustainable-Urban-Environment-Designer

Smart, Resilient & Circular Cities

EQF level: 5
Developed by: Sistemi Formativi Confindustria, Italy
Course Duration: 40 hours
Format: Physical in Bologna (Italy)
Language: Italian

The course is designed to equip trainees with the knowledge and technical expertise required to design, manage, and optimize urban environments and buildings that are adaptable, sustainable, and technologically advanced. This course explores smart city infrastructures, circular economy principles, digital twin technologies, and resilient urban planning strategies to enhance sustainability, climate adaptation, and energy efficiency. The course integrates BIM, IoT-based Smart Building Systems, and data-driven decision-making to optimize urban resilience against environmental and socio-economic challenges. Participants will develop technical skills in urban and building resilience, circular economy models and high-performance buildings, ensuring compliance with international sustainability and energy efficiency regulations.

SKILLS:

• Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Building Design   
• Advanced BIM Application 
• Urban Resilience Analysis 
• Circular Economy Implementation 
• Smart Building Technologies

 SYLLABUS:

Annex-13.1.-Smart-Cities_Syllabus

CERTIFICATE:

Annex-13.1.-Smart-Cities_Certificate

CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR INDIVIDUALS:

Ind.cert_.Sustainable-urban-designer

Energy Management for Buildings

EQF level: 4
Developed by: Center for Economic, Technological and Environmental Development Sarajevo (CETEOR)
Course Duration: 16 hours/2 days
Format: Physical in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Language: Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian

This course is designed to provide municipal, cantonal, and building energy managers with the knowledge and skills needed to implement and manage energy efficiency projects in public buildings. By the end of this course, participants will have the ability to assess and improve energy performance in buildings, understand and apply relevant energy efficiency regulations, and design actionable plans to reduce energy consumption. The training will include both theoretical knowledge and hands-on, practical experience, preparing participants to actively contribute to energy-saving initiatives in the public sector. These essential skills will not only enhance energy management practices but will also help participants become leaders in promoting sustainable energy solutions in their communities.

SKILLS:

• Understand the methodology for conducting energy audits and analyze results   
• Implement energy-saving technologies in building systems
• Develop energy efficiency action plans
• Evaluate and optimize energy performance in buildings
• Communicate energy management strategies to stakeholders
• Apply relevant energy efficiency regulations and standards

 SYLLABUS:

Annex-06.2.-Energy-management_Syllabus

CERTIFICATE:

Annex-06.1.-Energy-management_Certificate

CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR INDIVIDUALS:

Ind.cert_.Energy-Mng_CET

Circular Waste Management

EQF level: 4
Developed by: Center for Economic, Technological and Environmental Development Sarajevo (CETEOR)
Course Duration: 10 hours/3 days
Format: Physical in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Language: Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian

Тhe course for waste management specialists provides a comprehensive insight into the key aspects of waste management on construction sites. Participants will gain practical knowledge about waste sorting, disposal, and the application of Best Available Techniques (BAT) to reduce the environmental impact. The training includes case studies, regulatory and standards analyses, and examples of best practices, ensuring a high level of expertise for efficient waste management in the construction industry, with the integration of green and digital skills. After the training, participants will be equipped with the necessary knowledge to optimize processes and comply with legislation. These powerful skills will serve in almost all future courses in waste management and environmental protection.

SKILLS:

• Waste Classification and Identification   
• Waste Prevention and Recycling Techniques  
• Waste Treatment Methods
• Environmental and Economic Assessment 
• Report Writing and Documentation
• Plan Development and Implementation 

 SYLLABUS:

Annex-05.2.-Circular-Waste-Management_Syllabus

CERTIFICATE:

Annex-05.1.-Circular-Waste-Management_Certificate

CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR INDIVIDUALS:

Ind.cert_.Waste-Mng-Technician

Work Safety in Construction

EQF level: 3
Developed by: Alytus Vocational Education Centre (APRC), Lithuania
Course Duration: 16 hours
Format: Physical in Alytus, Lithuaniа
Language: Lithuanian

This course is designed for individuals currently working or aiming to work in the construction sector, where occupational risks and hazards are inherent to the nature of the job. It aims to provide a clear and structured understanding of both construction site safety (including physical site conditions, equipment, and environmental hazards) and worker safety which focuses on individual protection, behavior, and health practices on-site. Participants will gain theoretical knowledge and practical competencies in risk assessment, safe work procedures, the correct use of personal and collective protective equipment, legal responsibilities, and response protocols to incidents and emergencies. Special attention is given to health and safety within the context of sustainable construction, green building practices, and digital tools used to improve safety standards. By the end of the course, participants will be able to apply effective safety practices, comply with national and European regulations, and proactively contribute to a safe and healthy working environment in the construction industry.

SKILLS:

• Application of health and safety regulations specific to green construction practices  
• Performing the functions of the job efficiently, safely and in a manner that is not hazardous to health 
• Ensuring worker safety during sustainable construction project 

SYLLABUS:

Annex-08.2.-Work-Safety_Syllabus

CERTIFICATE:

Annex-08.1.-Work-Safety_Certificate

CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR INDIVIDUALS:

Ind.cert_.Construction-Safety-Technician

Energy Efficient Installation in Buildings

EQF level: 4
Developed by: Alytus Vocational Education Centre (APRC), Lithuania
Course Duration: 20 hours
Format: Physical in Alytus, Lithuaniа
Language: Lithuanian

Тhis course introduces the principles and practices of operating and maintaining modern Building Management Systems (BMS) with a focus on energy efficiency. Throughout the course, trainees learn how to check, adjust, and maintain BMS for optimal energy performance, as well as explore the latest in energy-efficient lighting technologies. By the end of the course, trainees will be able to apply practical and theoretical knowledge to improve building energy efficiency – skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s sustainable construction and facility management industries.

SKILLS:

• Energy Efficiency Optimization 
• BMS Operation and Troubleshooting 
• Technical Maintenance Skills 
• Knowledge of Smart Lighting Systems 

SYLLABUS:

Annex-07.2.EE-Installation_Syllabus

CERTIFICATE:

Annex-07.1.EE-Installation_Certificate

CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR INDIVIDUALS:

Ind.cert_.Construction-technician-1