PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN

Sustainability

Transform industries through sustainable strategies on clean energy and circular economy

Learning outcomes

This solution-driven program is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and insights needed to advance sustainability within their sphere of influence. Participants will explore the data and science behind climate change mitigation targets, analyzing solutions across engineering, policy, and business domains.
This Professional Certificate Program combines live online sessions, hands-on activities, interactive residential weeks, and practical assignments to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Led by MIT experts and faculty, it equips future leaders to stay ahead of the technological curve and build resilient, adaptable organizations.

Analyze the root causes of environmental decline and its economic and social repercussions, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices.
Synthesize information from diverse sustainability disciplines to drive informed decision-making.
Explore advanced metrics and evaluation methods for assessing the sustainability of various system components.
Identify key technologies that enable the circular economy, including innovations in materials recycling, water purification, and gas treatment.
Critically analyze and evaluate the outputs of circular economy models and simulations to build confidence in their findings.

Calculate key sustainability metrics to measure progress and inform strategic decisions.
Map the interactions between system components, identifying feedback loops, unintended consequences, and potential system lock-in.
Estimate the necessary rates of change in factors driving greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to achieve sustainability targets.
Develop and advocate for policies that promote the implementation of effective, real-world sustainable practices.

Learning journey

This program seeks to equip professionals from various industries with the critical skills and expertise they need to improve sustainability in their given spheres of influence. You will discover the relevant data-driven tools necessary to convert the knowledge acquired into real-world, actionable strategies to employ in your own organizations.

Sustainability: Strategies and Opportunities for Industry

Sustainable Infrastructure Systems: Planning and Operations

Life Cycle Assessment: Quantifying Environmental Impacts

Circular Economy: Transition for Future Sustainability

Clean Energy Solutions: Technological Change to Meet Emissions Reduction Targets

Why enroll in this course?

Become part of the MIT community and increase your networking opportunities with other Alumni.

Develop your Impact Project by collaboratively designing a business solution that addresses a real-world challenge, applying the tools and strategies gained throughout the program.

Live online immersive sessions with MIT Faculty and subject matter expert speakers.

Certificate Award Ceremony at MIT's campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Learning experience

Premium Access / MIT Professional Education Ecosystem

Exclusive access to networkings events, live - online sessions with expert speakers, and international MIT Alumni network.

Leadership Development

Workshop sessions based on a leadership skills. You will take hands-on workshops on managing personal communication, and negotiation.

Professional Development

Webinars with subject matter specialists. You will be able to participate in webinars of personal branding and networking management.

Who is it for?

This Professional Certificate Program in Sustainability is designed for:

Engineers and technical professionals aiming to develop data-informed, energy technology-based solutions for climate change.
C-suite and senior managers looking to understand systems theory in the context of infrastructure and engineering.
Policymakers and development agencies interested in sustainable infrastructure for economic growth.
R&D, finance, and investment managers wanting to optimize energy portfolios by anticipating technological breakthroughs.
Climate Consortium members focused on rapidly scaling solutions for climate challenges globally.
Consultants seeking to offer sustainable infrastructure solutions with industry-recognized expertise.
Material-intensive industries looking to reduce environmental impact with sustainable construction practices.
Professionals in marketing, sales, business development, consulting, and policy interested in sustainable solutions for their fields.

Instructors

Prof. John E. Fernández

Professor of Building Technology Program in the Department of Architecture and Director of MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative

Dr. Jeremy Gregory

Director, MIT System Architecture Lab

Prof. Elsa Olivetti

Associate Dean of Engineering, Associate Professor of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT, and Co-Director of MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium

Dr. Afreen Siddiqi

Research scientist, MIT and Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School

Prof. Jessika Trancik

Professor, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, MIT

Prof. Olivier De Weck

Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Engineering Systems, MIT

Key takeaways

Root causes of environmental decline
Technologies that enable circular economy
Metrics and evaluation methods
Outputs of circular economy models

The program helped me capitalize on opportunities in the sector where my work involves sustainable infrastructure development. I learned new concepts and discovered unfamiliar metrics that compelled m...

Ileana Rojas Gonzalez

Sustainability Manager,

Gerdau Metaldom

This certificate program is an incredible learning experience. The program is comprehensive, rigorous, challenging, and rewarding. The top-notch instructors were passionate about sustainability and p...

Kirsten Asher

Keynote Speaker,

Beast Philanthropy

This is a unique learning experience that I wish were accessible to everyone. Sustainability transcends being a matter of survival to become part of humanity’s DNA. I enjoyed the program and the teach...

Rocio Sanchez

Marketing Manager,

Agora Mall

Past Participant Profile

Past participants of the Professional Certificate Program in Sustainability come from diverse backgrounds, industries, and experiences. The cohort’s diversity ensures that you interact with like-minded peers and gain new perspectives for your organization’s unique challenges.

Average years of work experience

Less than 10 years: 18%
10-15 years: 15%
16-20 years: 27%
More than 20 years: 40%

Top industries

Energy / Utilities
Manufacturing
Engineering
Consulting
Environment
Construction

Top functions

CEO
Sustainability Manager
Director
Architect
Business Development Manager
ESG Advisor
President

Top countries

United States
Singapore
Canada
India
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia

*Note: Data from previous cohorts

Application process

Application

Complete the application form and pay the non-refundable fee.

Review

Our program advisors will evaluate your application.

Results

Await the decision from our program advisors. If accepted, you'll be able to complete your enrollment.

Confirmation

If you receive an offer of admission, you’ll have 72 hours to pay the enrollment fee and reserve your place.

Frequently asked questions

What’s included in the Certificate Award Ceremony on the MIT campus?

What is the methology in Professional Certificate Programs?

What does the impact project entail?

What’s the difference between Faculty-led webinars and Learning Facilitator’s office hours?

What is MIT Professional Education and its relationship with Global Alumni?

Register now and boost your professional trajectory.

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