CERTU contributes to developing knowledge and professional expertise in the area of the urban environment, a field in which energy issues play a key role. Certu disseminates technical information to the various professions involved and conducts or directs in-depth studies of different techniques that can be applied to the urban context through a pluridisciplinary approach.

In addition, it carries out statistical analyses, surveys, studies, experiments and leads efforts in the fields of technological innovation and network-building. Its other responsibilities include the production of technical and methodological reports, as well as some specialized software packages. The CERTU's breadth of activities spans training and public awareness programs; it also participates in promoting the exchange of experiences, and in so doing helps spur the use of French technology abroad. Lastly, it contributes to devising technical standards and regulations.