Last updated on 17 March, 2025
English
Online training, complete and accessible
Certified by 3 international accreditation bodies
Unlimited and lifetime access
You work at your own pace, from your computer, tablet or mobile
Access to a private forum
Interactives quizzes
30-day money-back guarantee
Natural Building Course
Overview
Course description
The Global Housing Crisis and Its Environmental Impact
We live in a world of stark contrasts—sprawling mansions in some regions and makeshift shelters in others. In the northern hemisphere, families often occupy vast homes spanning 10,000 square feet, complete with heated pools and private tennis courts, while billions elsewhere reside in overcrowded, unstable settlements. The built environment is responsible for approximately 42% of global CO2 emissions, and according to the UN, 1.6 billion people lack adequate housing. With an estimated need for 2 billion new homes over the next 80 years, the construction industry’s growing demand for raw materials continues to deplete natural resources and drive up energy consumption, accelerating the planet’s ecological decline.
Indigenous Wisdom and Sustainable Alternatives to Modern Construction
What if we could build dignified, eco-friendly homes using locally sourced materials in a way that respects both people and the planet? For thousands of years, Indigenous cultures have relied on natural and earthen construction methods to create homes that blend seamlessly with their environments. While many modern "green building" initiatives focus on cutting-edge renewable technologies, addressing the global housing crisis requires us to embrace the time-tested techniques still practiced by land-based communities worldwide.
What You'll Learn
This course begins with a comprehensive overview of the challenges within the modern construction industry. We will examine the environmental and energy impact of the built environment and explore how the construction sector contributes to the larger global crisis. Additionally, we will critically assess why many current and emerging "green" building technologies often fail to address the root causes of these issues.
Next, we will introduce a range of natural building methods, techniques, and strategies, empowering you not only to construct your own sustainable home but also to guide others in doing the same. The most suitable natural building approach depends on the unique conditions and characteristics of each location, and this course will provide insights into how different methodologies can be effectively applied. We will also explore case studies highlighting how Indigenous communities around the world have successfully implemented these techniques in their ancestral lands.
The course concludes with a deeper exploration of the values and ethics that underpin Indigenous and vernacular building traditions, offering a holistic understanding of sustainable construction rooted in cultural wisdom and environmental stewardship.
Who Is This Training For?
This course is designed for individuals, families, and communities seeking to create sustainable, eco-friendly homes that align with the natural world. Whether you’re new to natural building or have prior experience in construction or permaculture, this training will equip you with the knowledge and skills to build responsibly and effectively.
Homesteaders and Off-Grid Enthusiasts – Learn to construct resilient, self-sufficient homes using locally sourced materials in rural or off-grid environments.
Urban Dwellers and Tiny Home Builders – Explore ways to integrate natural building techniques into compact living spaces and urban settings.
Eco-Conscious Builders and Architects – Gain hands-on knowledge of low-impact, traditional building methods that prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Permaculture Practitioners – Incorporate natural construction principles into permaculture design to create regenerative and ecologically sound living spaces.
Community Organizers and Educators – Learn how to preserve and share vernacular building traditions, empowering communities to construct sustainable homes.
Anyone Interested in Sustainable Living – Whether you're looking to downsize, reduce your environmental footprint, or build a healthier home, this course provides essential tools for living in harmony with nature.
This training is ideal for anyone ready to move beyond conventional, resource-intensive construction methods and embrace a more regenerative, community-driven approach to building.
Course benefits
This course includes
Certified & Accredited Course
Study group access
12 videos
10 modules
Interactives quizzes
9 PDFs
Modules
Course syllabus
Certification
Our certifications are internationally recognized
Our certificates are accredited by IPHM (International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine), CMA (The Complementary Medical Association), and the CPD (Centre of Excellence), which means that they have been assessed and recognized internationally.
Institution Information
Meet your course creator
Almaoasis
Specialization
Courses
Self-Sufficiency Certification
Urban Agriculture Certification
Permaculture Design Course
Wilderness Survival Instructor
Sylvotherapy Practitioner Certification
Alma Oasis was created in 2023, brought to life from the shared vision of two individuals captivated by the beauty and mystery of daily life but also by the climate problems and unmet solutions in our society. Our vision is to inspire the environmentally curious and encourage change in individual behaviors to have a positive impact on the earth, however large or small. ‘Alma’ means the soul, reflecting the essence of our being and ‘Oasis’ signifies a flourishing ecosystem in an otherwise arid world. Together, Alma Oasis represents the harmonious coexistence of the human spirit and nature, a place where individuals learn to thrive on a constantly evolving planet.
Reviews
Reviews
Love it.
Very informative and I really enjoy learning so much about this topic and the amazing benefits!
17 April, 2025
Amy M.
Student
Interesting
It has kept me intrigued.
17 April, 2025
Terri B.
Student
slow to much info to retain in this written format
The start of the course was interesting and now the last few modules are just listing just to many plants and properties that its impossible to retain info - good as a reference guide to look plants up but not fun or interesting when learning
17 April, 2025
Kerry H.
Student
issues with system
very difficult to navigate...vannot get to the end of the page on each module. have to use my phone to complete
16 April, 2025
Melinda M.
Student
Very informative & interesting
Love the class. Lots of great information that already aligns with many of my habits and personal beliefs. Excited to learn more.
15 April, 2025
Jasmine G.
Student
Sylvotherapy Practitioner
I learned so much! I can not wait to practice and teach!
15 April, 2025
Carroll W.
Student
Sylvotherapy Course
Great information to help me on my path.
15 April, 2025
Jesse D.
Student
Excellent
I am loving this course and learning so much
15 April, 2025
Georgina H.
Student
Enjoying the course
I am learning a lot and finding content that will help me populate the course syllabus for my nature therapy retreats.
14 April, 2025
Francie M.
Student
More scientific than I expected
There is a great deal of information about the history and science behind Sylvotherapy, which is interesting but not essential for me but I am only half way through and I have learned a lot about Sylvotherapy sessions and so looking forward to learning more.
12 April, 2025
Jacquie S.
Student
Bonuses
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Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Just pick the course you’re interested in and click “Add to cart.” When you’re ready, head to the checkout and complete your payment. You’ll get a confirmation email right away. If you want a printed certificate, you can choose that during checkout too!
That really depends on how many pages you go through per day or week, and of course, on your previous experience. The course is completely online and self-paced, so there are no deadlines. Once you’ve purchased the course, you’ll have lifetime access to all the material. It’s made up of several modules, some are lighter, while others a bit heavier. For most students, completing the entire course takes around 40 hours.
Yes, absolutely. The student forum is available for this purpose, you can post your questions and either a mentor or another student will get back to you, usually within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). And feel free to share your wins too!
Start by checking your inbox and spam folder for your login email, especially if it’s your first time logging in. Make sure you're using the same email address you used when signing up and that you're on the correct website. If needed, click “Forgot Password?” on the login page and follow the steps to reset it. If the email doesn't arrive, double-check your spam folder and try again. Still having trouble? Just reach out to our support team at [email protected], we're happy to help and usually respond within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). We recommend saving your login details when you receive your registration email to avoid any issues later on.
The entire course takes place online and is fully self-paced, so you can study whenever it suits you best. There are no trips, workshops, or live classes required. You’ll get access to course modules as downloadable PDFs, audio files, and in some cases, videos. You study independently in your own time, and if you have any questions, you’re always welcome to ask them in the forum.
You’ll find short quizzes at the end of each module to help you reflect on what you’ve learned, they’re NOT graded and are just for your own understanding. At the end of the course, there’s a final multiple-choice exam that is graded. You’ll need to score at least 80% to pass. Don’t worry, if you do not achieve 80% your first time, you can retake the exam at any time.
There are no prerequisites or minimum educational requirements. All our courses are carefully designed to be accessible to as many people as possible. You can study from a computer, tablet, or smartphone. If your internet connection is unstable, we recommend downloading the PDF modules and audio files so you can access them offline whenever it suits you. Just keep in mind that you’ll need an internet connection to complete the quizzes and take the final exam.
You will receive a printed certificate if you selected that option during registration. Otherwise, you can order it later at any time from your student portal under the "Certificates" section – OR download it for free as a PDF.
The professions for which our courses prepare you are part of the unregulated occupations in most countries. This means there is no official recognition. However, local regulations may vary. We recommend that you inquire with the relevant authorities. Our courses are designed to provide essential foundational knowledge, making them an excellent starting point for anyone looking to enter a new field or expand their expertise. They equip you with practical skills and a deep understanding of the subject matter, enabling you to either begin your career or enhance your existing expertise in a cost-effective way. Our courses are accredited by respected international organisations. That said, the fields we train for aren’t regulated in most countries, so recognition can vary depending on where you live. It’s always a good idea to double-check with local authorities if you're unsure.
We believe that quality education should be accessible to everyone, not just a privilege for a few. From time to time, we offer significant discounts to open the door for more people to learn, grow, and discover new opportunities. It’s part of our mission to make personal and professional development more inclusive, regardless of budget.
Natural Building Course