Sustainable Design Courses

Click here for information on the AEC Daily Sustainability Rating System.

Displaying 51 - 75 of 451 results.

FIRST PREV [1-25] [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] NEXT LAST

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Building a stronger connection with nature is critical for humans to maintain health and well-being. Composite wood decking is a durable, environmentally sustainable product that can help build links with nature through applications including home outdoor rooms, roof gardens, healing spaces, and public boardwalks in green spaces.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Stone has long been valued for its durability, reliability, and beauty. Today, natural thin stone veneer offers these benefits with reduced weight, cost, and environmental impact. This course explores its applications in commercial and residential settings, covering aesthetics, performance, and key specification standards. It also examines the sustainability profile of thin stone veneer compared to full natural and manufactured stone, highlighting an industry-wide LCA, responsible quarrying and processing, and how collaboration with fabricators can reduce environmental impact while preserving quality and design integrity.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The construction industry is changing quickly; performance expectations are rising, and energy costs are unpredictable. This course examines graphite polystyrene (GPS) rigid foam insulation and its increasing role in high-performing building envelope designs. The course explores its material properties, manufacturing process, and characteristics that distinguish it from traditional EPS and XPS insulation. The course also examines common GPS insulation applications and product selection considerations, equipping designers with the knowledge needed to develop specifications that support energy efficiency, moisture management, long-term durability, and sustainability goals that align with LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and WELL Building Standard™ v2 objectives.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Exterior walls are exposed to solar radiation throughout the day, yet their contribution to heat gain is often overlooked, even though it affects energy use, occupant comfort, and facade durability. This course explores the science of infrared reflectance, key performance metrics, and coating technologies that reduce wall heat gain in new and existing buildings. Participants will learn how reflective wall strategies support building performance goals, energy code compliance, and LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction sustainability objectives.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Incorporating sustainable building materials into design practices is essential for creating environmentally responsible, healthy, and resilient built environments. Thermal modification is a tested and proven chemical-free process for increasing the dimensional stability and long-term performance of wood while preserving its natural beauty. Presented are the thermal modification process, the attributes, applications, and favorable environmental impacts of thermally modified wood, and how thermally modified wood can contribute to achieving certification in LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction, Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2, the WELL Building Standard™ version 2, and the Living Building Challenge (LBC).

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Redwood offers warmth, character, durability, and strength in products from sustainably managed and harvested forests. This course provides insights into forestry practices and the environmental benefits of redwood lumber, and compares redwood with other common decking materials. Details are presented on how to differentiate and specify grades of redwood; finishing options and methods are also discussed. The course concludes with examples of applications that showcase the unique beauty and attributes of redwood.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course introduces acetylated wood as a sustainable building material, exploring its origin, modification process, and environmental benefits. Participants will learn how acetylation enhances wood durability, stability, and resistance to decay—extending its service life and reducing maintenance. The course highlights how acetylated wood supports green building goals through renewable sourcing and nontoxic treatment and may help meet credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, the WELL Building Standard™ version 2, and the Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2. Real-world case studies demonstrate its use in architectural and preservation projects, offering practical insights into sustainable design applications.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Light-manipulating glass products transport, redirect, refract, and reflect light to create architectural spaces that engage occupants with the unexpected interplay of light and shadow. This course explores these durable, functional products and their many options for customization. Also reviewed is how glass panels may apply to several credits and features in the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Engineered shower bases are premanufactured shower floors designed to provide a stable foundation for modern bathing spaces. They offer a reliable, easily installed alternative to traditional and tiled shower floors. This course explores the evolution of shower floors, engineered shower base types, and their material options. The course also examines shower styles and dimensions, code requirements, and space-planning best practices to support safe and inclusive bathing-space design. Key market influences and sustainable material choices are also discussed.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Many communities face challenges related to the presence of harmful pollutants in their drinking water supply. This course examines the issues associated with these contaminants, focusing on lead, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and microplastics. It also discusses the government’s response to providing clean, safe water and innovations in point-of-use filtration systems designed to reduce toxic substances in drinking water and minimize the environmental impact of disposable plastic water bottles.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Rolling doors are used in heavy-duty, medium-duty, and light-duty applications for a wide range of commercial, industrial, and construction environments. This course provides a review of the features, components, options, and applications of various types of commercial rolling door products.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Bamboo is a versatile building material that brings warmth and character to indoor applications such as flooring, furniture, and wall and ceiling panels; an innovative process also allows bamboo to be used outdoors in decks, soffits, and siding. This course reviews the material technologies that make bamboo products with reduced environmental impacts and better performance than traditional materials and discusses their potential to meet requirements of the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Today’s building professionals seeking better moisture management and energy efficiency from the exteriors of their projects are turning to rainscreens as a solution to both. Wood-plastic composite (WPC) provides a durable and long-lasting material suitable for use in rainscreen systems, decks, railings, and more. Reviewed in this course are the manufacturing process, performance and green benefits, and installation of WPC cladding that is fully capped with a polymeric plastic “shield,” providing long-term resistance to moisture, staining, and fading.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    A rooftop solar photovoltaic system offers myriad benefits to both building owners and the environment; to maximize the benefits, however, it is important to be aware of the potential causes and effects of problems with rooftop installations. This course presents the issues to consider to prevent damaging the roof, voiding the roofing warranty, and incurring additional costs. Solar system mounting options are explored in terms of how they can help eliminate concerns around rooftop installations.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Air barriers improve the health and comfort of building occupants, improve energy efficiency, and prevent premature degradation of materials, increasing the structure’s life cycle. A successful air and moisture barrier system means under-slab, below-grade, and above-grade systems must work together to provide a continuous barrier. This course looks at above-grade air barrier systems and their types and components. Continuity and compatibility, specification, and installation challenges are also considered.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines the material composition, reinforcement types, and testing standards associated with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified bitumen membranes. It explains how fiberglass, polyester, and combination reinforcements affect membrane strength, flexibility, and dimensional stability. The standards that establish testing methods for tensile strength, elongation, and long-term performance are covered in detail. The course also outlines how material selection and installation practices influence roof durability, moisture resistance, and occupant safety.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else and are afforded equal access to the built environment. This course discusses the need for compliance with accessibility regulations and how businesses can benefit from it. It explores the ADA, criteria for perimeter and interior access, accessible design requirements for door and doorway components, and relevant codes, standards, and design guidelines.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Typically referred to as an air curtain and known as an air door, an air curtain unit employs a controlled stream of air aimed across an opening to create an air seal. This seal separates different environments while allowing a smooth, unhindered flow of traffic and unobstructed vision through the opening. This course discusses how air curtains work and why they can contribute to occupant comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality when the door is open. It also reviews how air curtains improve whole-building energy efficiency versus conventional methods.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    As urban development encroaches upon natural habitats, human—wildlife conflicts, particularly those involving bears, have become more frequent and dangerous. This course will equip architects and designers with the knowledge and tools to mitigate bear—human conflicts through wildlife-resistant waste management and food storage systems. The course examines how bears become conditioned to human food and how this impacts humans, bears, and the environment. Learners will gain insights into how community strategies and innovative product designs can foster safer, more sustainable human—wildlife coexistence.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Thermal modification is a tried and tested process for increasing the durability of wood while maintaining a warm aesthetic in building design. This course examines all aspects of this sustainable wood product and how it can be incorporated into a variety of projects.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Architects and designers have many options for specifying site furniture products for their projects. Selecting materials and finishes is an integral part of this process, yet making material selections has become more and more complex. The course examines conditions and constraints of outdoor environments; evaluates materials commonly used in outdoor applications; discusses using green building standards and rating systems, and the role of suppliers as resources for material selection; and provides examples of products that adhere to a higher environmental standard.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    With the increasing prominence of glass in new buildings and retrofits, the use of window film can raise the style, performance, and safety of today’s building projects. This course examines the use of various types of window film (decorative, solar control, and safety/security) and their role in improving occupant comfort and safety, lowering energy costs, and enhancing privacy.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    As we become more aware of the levels of toxins in our environment, we are realizing that the quality of air inside our homes is just as important as the quality of air outside our homes. This course outlines why indoor air quality is so important to our health and describes how to improve indoor air quality by using a balanced ventilation system.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Fundamentally, a building envelope functions as an environmental separator, and has specific hygrothermal control requirements. This course examines how insulated metal panels (IMPs) create the perfect envelope solution, incorporating the same control layers as site built wall systems. Discussions include: building envelope design; perfect/universal walls; and the use of IMPs to provide the building envelope’s exterior finish, and the air, vapor, water, and thermal barriers.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Energy creation, distribution, and consumption are all in a period of transition. Understanding this transition and its various aspects is critical to sustainable transitional energy planning (STEP). This course delves into the reasoning behind the STEP approach and its contributions to creating resilient communities and explores available exhaustible and renewable energy resources and innovations in the energy sector that can be leveraged by STEP.

    ASK A QUESTION
    SAVE FOR LATER

Displaying 51 - 75 of 451 results.

FIRST PREV [1-25] [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] NEXT LAST