This course examines clean energy policies that are driving decarbonization in the commercial real estate sector. In the U.S. fossil-fuel combustion is attributed to residential and commercial buildings which accounts for roughly 29% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Learn how to evaluate and compare policy options to accelerate building decarbonization pathways. The pathway to decarbonization depends on various economic and business levers available to electrify the built environment. The course draws from real-world U.S. case studies and examines the design of decarbonization pathways from strategy, business, information, and technology options.

At the end of this course students will be able to integrate and manage decarbonization approaches from a strategic and business-driven viewpoint. This course provides exposure to the foundational concepts and practices of effective sustainability management. It explores the general and specific uses to enable, support, influence organizational planning and decision-making. There are applied knowledge exercises, projects and case studies used to illustrate the role and effect of decarbonization approaches. Open to all MIIS students, the course is required for students in the Sustainability Management specialization in the IEP Program.

The course explores decarbonization in four parts:
1. Understand and communicate main concepts of building decarbonization and beneficial electrification
2. Understand the impact of policy in achieving electrification goals
3. Learn about leaders in the U.S. that are moving toward electrification
4. Gain the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of various electrification policies