The University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction, and Planning (DCP) offers an exceptional academic program in Sustainability and the Built Environment (SBE) that empowers students to address the complex challenges facing our world. As an interdisciplinary STEM-based major, SBE equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to create sustainable solutions for the planning, design, construction, and operations of human structures and settlements.
Exploring Global Learning Opportunities
One of the hallmarks of the SBE program is its emphasis on international and field-based learning experiences. The University of Florida International Center (UFIC) hosts the UF Abroad program, providing in-depth information about the unique global educational opportunities available to students. Within this, the DCP offers several professionally tailored study abroad programs for SBE majors and minors.
These immersive, international experiences allow students to explore sustainability initiatives across diverse cultural contexts. For example, the UF study abroad program in Greece focuses on local best practices in various aspects of sustainability, including the built environment and infrastructure. By integrating Greek culture, language, and historical context, the program fosters a deep understanding of sustainability practices and their cultural significance.
Another unique opportunity is the Preservation Institute Nantucket (PIN) program, which has been preparing the next generation of heritage specialists since 1972. Participants from institutions across the country and abroad come to explore the island’s historical, architectural, and cultural resources through applied research and hands-on learning.
Students can also study the history of sustainable construction in Italy, where they learn how sustainability has been addressed through the ages and how building preservation impacts the building life cycle. The lessons learned from Roman engineering and technology can be applied to design and construction trades worldwide, enhancing productivity and building resilience.
Beyond these specialized programs, the University of Florida offers an array of other study abroad options through the DCP Global and UF Abroad initiatives. SBE students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and work closely with their academic advisors to ensure the international coursework aligns with their degree requirements.
Developing Essential Skills for the Future Workforce
As the global workforce continues to evolve, the skills cultivated within the SBE program are increasingly valuable. Analyses by leading organizations, such as the McKinsey Global Institute and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), highlight the growing demand for higher cognitive skills, social and emotional skills, and technological skills.
Specifically, the SBE program equips students with in-demand competencies, including advanced IT skills and programming, creativity, entrepreneurship, leadership, technology design and engineering, and interpersonal skills. These align closely with the eight “Career Readiness Competencies” framed by NACE as critical for career success.
Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) defines “green jobs” as those that produce goods, provide services, or involve duties that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources. According to industry data, approximately three-quarters of these green jobs are found in the construction and professional/business services sectors – areas closely connected to the SBE program’s focus.
The SBE program’s emphasis on sustainability, the built environment, and interdisciplinary problem-solving prepares graduates for a wide range of career paths. Whether in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors, SBE alumni are poised to contribute to the growing green economy and address the pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Harnessing Campus Resources and Partnerships
To support the academic and professional development of SBE students, the program has forged valuable partnerships and leverages campus-wide resources. One key collaboration is with the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries, which provides SBE students with free “premium” access to BuildingGreen, Inc. – a leading, trusted source for sustainability and built environment professionals.
Within the core SBE curriculum, students have opportunities to earn the same continuing education unit (CEU) certificates pursued by credentialed professionals through organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), and International Living Future Institute (ILFI). This hands-on experience and exposure to industry-recognized credentials enhance the SBE students’ preparedness for their future careers.
The University of Florida also offers the International Scholars Program (ISP), which allows students to structure their global learning experience through international coursework, international experiences, language learning, and co-curricular activities. SBE students can further enhance their global competencies by participating in the Peace Corps Prep program, which prepares them for international development fieldwork and potential Peace Corps service.
These campus resources, partnerships, and specialized programs demonstrate the University of Florida’s commitment to providing SBE students with a well-rounded, globally-focused education that equips them to tackle the complex challenges of sustainability and the built environment.
Embracing an Interdisciplinary Approach
The Sustainability and the Built Environment program at the University of Florida is designed to be inherently interdisciplinary, reflecting the multifaceted nature of sustainability and the built environment. The curriculum integrates knowledge and perspectives from various disciplines, including environmental policies, ethics, ecology, landscape architecture, economics, natural resources, sociology, and anthropology.
This interdisciplinary approach enables SBE students to explore creative solutions for the planning, design, construction, and operations of human structures and settlements. Whether it’s the rehabilitation of existing structures or the development of innovative new designs, SBE students gain a theoretical foundation for seeking sustainable solutions that address the complex interplay between the built environment and the natural world.
The program’s flexibility also allows students to tailor their educational path through specialized tracks, such as geodesign or a more generalist interdisciplinary approach. Regardless of their chosen focus, all SBE students are required to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the goals of sustainability and the activities of the built environment disciplines, including architecture, building construction, historic preservation, interior design, landscape architecture, and urban and regional planning.
By fostering this interdisciplinary mindset, the SBE program cultivates a diverse pool of graduates who are well-equipped to navigate the evolving workforce and contribute to the pressing sustainability challenges of our time. The program’s emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills prepares students for a wide range of career paths, from public and private sector roles to entrepreneurial ventures and graduate studies.
Conclusion
The Sustainability and the Built Environment program at the University of Florida offers an exceptional educational experience that empowers students to become agents of positive change. Through its interdisciplinary curriculum, global learning opportunities, and strategic partnerships, the SBE program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to address the complex sustainability challenges facing our world.
Whether students aspire to careers in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors, or wish to pursue advanced studies in fields like architecture, historic preservation, or urban planning, the SBE program provides a strong foundation for their future success. By embracing an interdisciplinary approach and fostering a global perspective, the program prepares students to thrive in the evolving workforce and make meaningful contributions to the built environment and the communities they serve.
As the world continues to grapple with the pressing issues of climate change, resource depletion, and social inequity, the University of Florida’s SBE program stands as a shining example of how higher education can rise to the challenge. By nurturing the next generation of sustainability leaders, the program is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
