Program Content​

Module 1: Introduction to Design

• Group introductions

• Course orientation & requirements

• Group goals and guidelines

• Communication (NVC and conflict resolution)

• Indigenous learning principles, learning styles & multiple intelligences

Learning Goals:

• Set a course culture of safety, respect and organization

• Create a positive & effective learning environment

• Encourage active listening in groups

• Value different ways of communicating and have confidence in utilizing tools of conflict resolution

• Orient participants to course content

Module 2:  Foundations of Permaculture

• Definitions

• History of Permaculture

• Ethics

• Principles

Learning Goals:

• Know the Permaculture ethics and the Transition ethic and how to apply them to conscious decision making

• Gain a strong understanding of nature’s principles and how they are at the foundation of design decisions and application

• Provide awareness of the world’s problems and the current situation

• Shift from a place of problems to positive solution based thinking

• Feel confident in defining Permaculture clearly to others

Module 3:  Design Methods

• Needs, Functions and Outputs

• Zones

• Sectors

• Mapping

Learning Goals:

• Understand how to do a needs & yields analysis

• Gain a base understanding of closed loop systems

• Observe a site, document and recognize available resources and design constraints based on analysis.

• Identify energies or influences that effect a design site

• Be able to create a base map including zones & sector analysis for a site

• Know the basic elements included in mapping a site

Module 4: Pattern Literacy

• Physical patterns, emergent patterns, fractal patterns

• Functions of patterns

• Patterns in time

• Behavioural patterns

• Application of patterns in design

• Guilds

Learning Goals:

• Pattern recognition in nature and technology

• Understand the functions of patterns in nature and how to apply that knowledge to effective design

• Gain Pattern literacy and understand how to replace dysfunctional patterns with functional ones.

• Know the functions of and feel confident designing guilds

• Recognize that pattern literacy is fundamental in becoming good designers

Module 5: Design for Soil

• Soil biology

• Soil classification and testing

• Biodynamics

• Soil remediation

• Composting

• Soil indicators

Learning Goals :

• Have a base understanding of the components of healthy soil and know the value of building soil.

• Know different ways to test soil

• Recognize different plant indicators and what they tell about soil health.

• Understand a multitude of different ways to remediate and build soil.

• Apply different composting techniques in appropriate situations.

• Identify key plants that bring nutrient to the soil.

Module 6: Design for Trees

• Ecological function of trees in relation to earth, water, air and energy

• Succession

• Polycultures

• Forest gardens and food forests

• Plants as soil indicators

• Design for trees

Learning Goals :

• Understand the ecological functions of trees and recognize them as a keystone species in the ecosystem.

• Learn the stages of succession and how to intervene at appropriate times.

• Know the layers in a forest garden and different plants for each layer that grow locally

• Be able to integrate trees adequately and appropriately in design.

Module 7: Design for Animals

• Design for wild and domestic animals

• Animal care

• Integrated pest management

Learning Goals :

• Recognize the intrinsic characteristics, functions and outputs of animals

• How to meet the needs of animals on site

• Learn techniques for integrating animal systems

• Understand effective and healthy ways to handle pests

• Know how to safely and ethically live with wildlife

Module 8: Design for Water, Aquaculture & Earthworks

• Water facts

• Water conservation

• Water strategies & techniques

• Waste water treatment

• Water harvesting & storage

• Earthworks

• Aquaculture

Learning Goals :

• Understand how global water issues can affect us on a local level.

• Be able to do a water audit.

• Recognize multiple ways in which to conserve water.

• Feel confident in applying strategies and techniques to capture, store, treat and release water safely and appropriately.

• Know how to calculate roof water catchment amounts.

Module 9:  Climate

• Climatic factors

• Microclimate

• Climate design strategies

• World climate

Learning Goals :

• Understand climate on a global scale 

• Learn how to design in order to moderate and utilize climatic factors

• Be able to identify, create and design microclimates

Module 10:  Cool Climate Design

• Cool climate characteristics

• Cool climate design challenges and strategies

• Cool climate design elements, techniques and technologies

Learning Goals :

• Learn how to effectively design homes, gardens, farms and communities in the Cool Climate.

Module 11: Tropical Design

• Tropical climate characteristics

• Tropical climate design challenges and strategies

• Tropical climate design elements, techniques and technologies

Learning Goals :

• Learn how to effectively design homes, gardens, farms and communities in the wet, wet dry and monsoon tropics

Module 12: Dryland Design

• Dryland climate characteristics

• Dryland climate design challenges and strategies

• Dryland climate design elements, techniques and technologies

Learning Goals :

• Learn how to effectively design homes, gardens, farms and communities in the drylands 

Module 13:  Social Permaculture

• Client interview & designer checklist

• Community building including group processes

• Governance 

• Land access

• Right livelihood

• Legal structures

• Bioregionalism 

Learning Goals :   

• Gain confidence in the consultation and design process for clients.

• Be able to map assets and resources and identify community needs.

• Understand different models of decision making and how to apply them.

• Learn tools to provide for healthy group dynamics and efficient process.

• Recognize opportunities for land access locally.

• Become aware of ethical and effective business models and legal structures that support the local economy

• Know ways to relocalize and create resilient communities.

Module 14: OS Permaculture

• Resiliency

• Permaculture economics 

• Urban renewal strategies and design 

Learning Goals :

• Be able to identify risks and mitigate disaster using Permaculture design tools and techniques

• Know the steps in building an emergency preparedness plan and engaging local community in the process

• Learn a variety of different economic strategies and the value of utilizing multiple currencies and tools

• Feel confident in utilizing place-making tools, techniques and Permaculture strategies in urban environments

Module 15:  Graduation

• Next steps (setting up a permaculture practice, further education, community involvement, goal sharing)

• Education (accessibility, open source, alternative education)

• Mapping and design presentations

• Talent show

• Certificates

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Demonstrations and optional activities throughout the course:

• Design Charrettes

• Earthworks demonstration

• Integrative games

• Compost building

• Soil analysis

• Medicine Making

• Homesteading

Additional Topics:

• Medicinal plants & preparations

• Plant Identification

• Fermentation

• Non-violent communication

• Placemaking

Completion Requirements 

We don’t require those taking the course to participate in the certification requirements. 

Many people take the program and do not do the questions and project. 

No one knows who is doing or not doing this work. 

Those wanting the certification will complete:

• Map and design project

• 100% attendance (no more than 4 missed live classes (as long as recordings are watched)

• Watching all pre recorded media

• Completion of short quizzes on each topic 

• Contribution to the online forums 

Graduating and Jobs

Having a Permaculture Design Certificate from a recognized training institute will empower participants as permaculture designers, consultants and beginner teachers able to use the word permaculture legally in their practice, business or project. This sustainability education eco-training certificate is a practical path for greening your life, resume and portfolio. You will have a green edge when applying for jobs, grants or school programs