The Graduate Diploma in Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building is a postgraduate qualification designed to provide an intensive, multidisciplinary environment for the advanced study of the science, design technologies, and management of sustainable buildings. The program sits at the intersection of several disciplines — including building engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, and design — and advances the role of design research and innovative design practice in addressing critical issues associated with the sustainability of the built environment. Students gain expertise across building physics, thermodynamics, energy and water systems, and sustainable building technologies, developing both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to design, assess, and manage high-performance buildings for new construction and retrofit projects.

The course is especially designed for working professionals seeking advanced specialisation or professional development in the built environment sector. It suits architects, engineers, project managers, construction managers, facilities managers, and other design professionals looking to deepen their knowledge of energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings. The curriculum covers environmental, social, and economic aspects of building design and practice, equipping graduates to work across private practice, state and local government, engineering consultancies, architectural firms, property development companies, and sustainability advisory firms.

Employers of graduates include engineering consultancies such as AECOM, Arup, WSP, and GHD; property developers; local, state, and federal government agencies; building management companies; the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA); infrastructure developers; and environmental and sustainability advisory firms. Graduates are positioned to work on landmark projects across commercial, residential, and government sectors, where demand for professionals with specialist sustainable building credentials continues to grow.

Most providers require applicants to hold a completed Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant discipline — typically demonstrating knowledge and skills in construction, technology, engineering, management, architecture, or design. Some institutions accept a bachelor's degree from any discipline, provided the applicant can demonstrate a relevant professional background. Applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree may alternatively be considered based on a minimum of three years of significant work experience or professional practice in a field related to energy efficiency, sustainability, or building and construction — with experience in middle to upper management roles being the standard benchmark for this pathway.

Applicants seeking entry via the work experience pathway are typically required to submit a current CV and a personal statement that outlines their professional background, demonstrates critical thinking in practice, and articulates how their experience is relevant to the program. The personal statement should also highlight communication and problem-solving capabilities that indicate readiness for postgraduate study. No prerequisite subjects or selection tasks are generally required for entry into this qualification.

For international applicants, English language proficiency requirements must be met, with a minimum IELTS (Academic) overall score of 6.5, with no individual band below 6.0, or an equivalent score in an approved English proficiency test such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English Advanced. Credit transfer or advanced standing may be available to students who have completed prior postgraduate qualifications, including a Graduate Certificate in the same field, allowing them to reduce their study duration accordingly.