SPECIALIZED MASTER'S DEGREE IN ECHD - EXPERT IN SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION AND HOUSING

Please note! Due to the time required by Campus France to process visa applications, it is no longer reasonable to apply for this MS program after June 30 if you are a non-French citizen and are not currently in France. These deadlines are incompatible with a start date in early October.

You will be able to understand the regulatory context of the field; apply your knowledge of energy, materials, architecture, home automation, risk and cost analysis; participate in the design of new energy-efficient buildings; and take into account human and organizational factors in the design and operation of these buildings in line with the new uses imposed by new lifestyles.

The training program is listed in the RNCP (National Directory of Professional Certifications) (file 39744; https://www.francecompetences.fr/recherche/rncp/39744/).

The program

Led mainly by professionals and academics, the academic program is structured around thematic blocks, plus a common project or corporate assignment for work-study students.

• Block 1. Overseeing the drafting of specifications for a sustainable building construction or renovation project

• Block 2. Overseeing the financial arrangements and legal compliance of a sustainable building construction or renovation project

• Block 3. Designing an eco-friendly building using a comprehensive life cycle approach

• Block 4. Overseeing eco-construction, operation, and sustainable renovation of buildings until their deconstruction

Main activities of the ECHD expert

• Monitoring regulatory, legal, and environmental developments
• Identification of opportunities for access to specific financing,
• Conducting energy and regulatory assessments,
• Conducting technical feasibility studies and drafting technical specifications,
• Development of financial and legal structures incorporating environmentally resilient economic models (circular economy and functionality)
• Integration of the building into its ecosystem through analysis of development policies,
• Implementation of the eco-construction approach by determining the appropriate construction techniques and methods.
• Performing dynamic thermal simulations,
• Studies of the building's high-performance envelope,
• Carbon footprint assessments,
• Selection of resilient materials based on an analysis of their reuse, repurposing, and recycling properties.
• Conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the building,
• Management of building operations through analysis of user behavior,
• Integration and use of digital tools and digitization in the interconnection of buildings and regional infrastructure.
• Management of eco-friendly rehabilitation and renovation projects,
• Management of the demolition and end-of-life treatment of the building. 

Calendar

• Duration: 471 hours of training
• Teaching period: October/March
• Professional period: April/September

ASSESSMENT METHODS

• Summary report and questions on samples of existing documentation
• Case studies covered in a report and oral presentation
• Collaborative mini-project with individual oral assessment
• Industrial assignment (in a company or organization): 6 months. This work is the subject of a professional thesis that must be written and defended.
• Graduation rate: 97%

KEY FEATURES 

• A program accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles and listed in the RNCP (French National Register of Professional Certifications)
• Various partnerships (architects, builders, engineering firms)
• 60% of professional speakers
• Strong involvement of the National Institute for Solar Energy
• A training program jointly accredited with ESTP
• Ranked #1 in the Eduniversal 2025 and 2026 rankings of the best Master’s, MS, and MBA programs Urban Planning Management category

7.01/10 - Reviews of the Specialized Master's® in Sustainable Construction and Housing

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Professions

The job of a sustainable construction and housing expert involves designing and managing building construction and renovation projects, taking into account environmental issues and current regulatory standards. Sustainable construction and housing experts are trained in the concepts, tools, and methods of sustainable construction, energy efficiency, eco-friendly materials, architecture, home automation, risk and cost analysis, as well as project management and building operations. Experts are able to understand the regulatory context of the field and participate in the design of new energy-efficient buildings. They also take human and organizational factors into account in the design and operation of these buildings, in line with the new uses imposed by new lifestyles.

• Project engineer / project management manager / project manager / consulting, expertise, and preliminary studies - sustainable construction
• Head of Built, Urban, and Environmental Heritage and Project Management
• Expert in managing the built environment
• Building Management Manager / Construction Environmental Quality Manager

Companies that have recruited or hosted interns and/or work-study students

Bouygues Immobilier, Bouygues Énergie, Vinci, Lafarge, Artelia, CRC BTP, SEPA, CAP TERRE, EDIFIX, Bio-Concept, Le Sommer Environnement, Sintéo, Parella Immobilier, INES, Sud Architectes, Chabanne et Associés, Socotec, Ingerop, Trivalo92, Kipseli, Bet Gecimed, IELO, Eiffage, AB Sud, Sika, Viséa, Arcade, La Fabe – UBY – VALLEE SAS – CSTB – SAMSE – ADVENIO

Employment rate: 95%

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS

PUBLIC

• Employees
• Students
• Job seekers

PREREQUISITES

• Engineering or university degree (5 years of higher education)
• Bachelor's degree with at least 3 years of professional experience
• Equivalent foreign degree
• Possible exemption

ADMISSION PROCESS

• Online application:Admissions | Arts et métiers artsetmetiers.fr)
• Selections and interviews starting in January (two sessions per month)
• Final registration from June to September

Teaching methods

Since the start of the 2024 academic year, the program has been offered on a work-study basis (apprenticeship contract or professional training contract). Two courses are available
• Full-time course: one semester of academic training (classes + central project) and one semester in a company, culminating in a professional thesis (report and defense).
•    Part-time program: one semester of work-study training (two weeks in a company/two weeks of classes) and one semester spent entirely in a company, culminating in a professional thesis
The classes are the same for both programs. During the first semester, time is set aside for conferences, visits, and guest speakers.

Accessibility

This training course may be accessible to people with disabilities. If you are affected, please contact us to see if specific support can be provided.

Bridge program and/or equivalency

Graduates can continue their studies at the doctoral level.

TRAINING COSTS

€14,000 not subject to VAT
These fees include classes, written materials, and educational support.
Application fee: €75

Program language: French

ECTS credits: 75

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Location: Le-Bourget-du-Lac (73)
Located between the lake and the mountains, the Arts et Métiers institute is based at the Savoie Technolac site, which is a start-up incubator, a scientific hub for the University of Savoie Mont Blanc, and home to major research centers such as the National Solar Energy Institute (CEA).
Student life:
• Accommodation available on CROUS university campuses (Chambéry and Le-Bourget-du-Lac)
•    A network of rooms and studios available with local residents in Chambéry and Aix-les-Bains
• Bus network serving Chambéry and Aix-les-Bains
• Access to the facilities of the University of Savoie Mont Blanc (library, gymnasium, sports field, etc.)

Eco-mobility and housing information
 

Contacts