Sustainable Design Courses

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 464 results.

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

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Universal hot water availability is generally taken for granted. At a time when energy prices and sources, environmental concerns, and water shortages are increasing in significance, it is important to produce hot water in a manner that addresses all these issues. This course explains how electric tankless water heaters (ETWHs) do this while also improving health and safety conditions and reducing costs. The examination includes detailed descriptions of many types of ETWHs and the basic calculations and selection criteria for the most suitable system.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines the evolving expectations for hygiene, sustainability, and cost efficiency in commercial restroom design. Drawing on insights from a global postpandemic survey, it explores how shifting perceptions are influencing design priorities and industry standards. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of strategies and products that promote safety, occupant health, and wellness while achieving measurable environmental, cost, and time savings, and how integrating innovative solutions may help meet credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. Lastly, real-world project examples illustrate how these considerations can be effectively integrated to enhance performance, sustainability achievements, and user experience in modern commercial restrooms.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Foam plastic insulation materials, such as spray foam and rigid foam board, gained popularity after the 1970s oil crisis as energy‑efficiency solutions. While energy efficiency remains central to building codes, expectations now also include reducing carbon emissions to support building decarbonization. This course examines the embodied carbon of insulation materials and their role in reducing operational energy use, enhancing building resilience, improving community well-being, and supporting sustainable, resource‑efficient design.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The construction industry has experienced a significant increase in moisture-related problems in exterior walls. This presentation explains how a rainscreen wall system prevents moisture accumulation within walls by providing a means for drainage and ventilation, thereby prolonging the life of buildings. Discussion topics include air and moisture movement in the building envelope, building code and water-resistive barriers, and stucco and thin veneers in rainscreen systems.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Communities need accessible, versatile surfaces for play and relaxation for people of all ages and abilities. Modern landscape synthetic turf options are specifically formulated for public recreation spaces frequented by adults, children, and pets. This course reviews the health benefits of being outdoors, the history and fabrication of synthetic turf, the design considerations for various recreation applications, and synthetic turf’s performance and sustainability characteristics.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Sustainable building envelopes demand high performance from and proper installation of continuous insulation and air, water, and vapor control layers. What happens when thousands of holes are made in these materials as they are installed with blind fasteners, one layer on top of another by different subcontractors? Sequencing issues can generally not be avoided; instead, this course focuses on self-sealing fasteners as a solution to avoid damage and thermal bridging in insulation and control layers. Various fasteners and anchors are described, and recommendations are presented for how to specify and what testing data to look for.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Cooktops are manufactured and classified by construction type and method of heat energy transfer. This course reviews the operation, control, performance, and efficiency of induction cooktops in comparison to their gas and electric counterparts, and shows how induction cooktops can be incorporated into any kitchen design in residential and specialty-commercial applications such as marine, mobile, military, academic, institutional, and hospitality.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Undesirable acoustics in educational spaces adversely affect the learning and teaching processes. The impact on students’ academic achievement, social adaptation, and mental health can be profound and long lasting. This course examines the impact of different sound problems and presents solutions that create synergy between the architecture and the classroom environment to optimize student learning and engagement and teacher retention.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Designers, building users, and managers are increasingly focused on building and occupant health as well as energy conservation. This course explores how mixed-mode (hybrid) ventilation systems address all these issues by improving the ratio of fresh air introduced into buildings while reducing energy needs and costs. It describes the benefits, elements, and workings of these systems and provides design guidance and illustrative case studies.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Metal is a versatile building material, boasting both historical credentials and modern aesthetics. To earn the right to rise to the top as the material of choice, however, metal must also demonstrate cost efficiency, durability, and minimal environmental impact. In this course, we will examine the value of metal roofs and walls during initial construction and through a building’s life cycle and illustrate metal’s benefits with a number of case studies.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Due to advancements in architectural decorative glass technology, the number of design options available to help designers and architects achieve the specific aesthetics and performance requirements they desire has dramatically increased. This course provides a review of architectural decorative glass including product options, applications, features, and specification considerations. Also discussed is how decorative glass can contribute to sustainable design and LEED® initiatives.

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  • ( ~ 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.

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  • ( ~ 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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Interest in metal cladding is continually growing because of its sustainable features: durability, long life span, recyclability, and contribution to cool roofs. Manufacturers provide a wide range of panel profiles, materials, and colors to meet the increased demand. This course examines the performance characteristics and attributes of metal roofing and cladding, different aesthetic options, and best installation practices, as well as how they contribute to more energy-efficient buildings.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    This course examines LED fixture anatomy, key performance parameters, and how fixtures degrade and fail over time, affecting occupant safety, visual comfort, and long-term lighting quality. We will review performance parameters such as driver reliability, optical performance, material selection, and environmental conditions. Finally, we will see how these concepts translate into practical specification strategies to achieve more reliable, long-term outcomes.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Selecting flooring is an important decision, but equal emphasis should be placed on proper surface preparation to avoid costly flooring failures. This course reviews best practices for a typical hardwood flooring installation and discusses the innovative options that consolidate products and steps, saving time and money while enhancing certain performance characteristics.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course explores what issues a luxury kitchen designer must address to create a sustainable kitchen. We’ll discuss how manufacturers design and fabricate sustainable, high-end kitchen appliances and how designers can make choices that improve energy efficiency, decarbonize their designs, and support the circular economy while creating a high-end aesthetic.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Resilient design integrates strategies that reduce vulnerability and improve long-term building performance in the face of hazards. This course examines the threat of wildfires in the wildland—urban interface (WUI) and the role that resilient design plays in protecting homes and communities, as required by the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction rating system. Presented are the manufacturing and engineered performance of polyurethane roofing and the testing standards that govern fire-resistance classification ratings for roof coverings and assemblies. The course addresses the benefits of Class A fire-rated roofing as well as home-hardening techniques and defensible-space planning to support safer, more wildfire-resilient buildings and communities.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Explore how environmental noise impacts public health and community well-being, and review effective noise-mitigation strategies using recycled-material barrier systems. This course discusses how sound behaves in the built environment and how recycled-plastic noise walls reduce carbon emissions, divert waste from landfills, and contribute to sustainability outcomes recognized by LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C), SITES® v2, and broader infrastructure sustainability frameworks such as Envision®.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In the fight against climate change, efforts intensify against the planet’s number one enemy—carbon dioxide. The building industry will play a significant role in these efforts. Embodied carbon—the global greenhouse gas emissions generated from sourcing raw material and processing, manufacturing, transporting, and installing building materials—will be the target over the next decade. This course will define embodied carbon, its impact on greenhouse gas emissions, the construction industry's impact, and the methods and tools that building designers can employ to limit embodied carbon.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the use of entrance floor systems in commercial buildings in order to promote a safe and clean environment. The course explains the codes, regulations, and guidelines specifically related to entrance flooring systems for high-traffic entrances in healthcare, education, transportation, corporate, and other commercial settings.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    As technology advances, lighting and power are becoming increasingly vital in enhancing user experience and building performance in healthcare environments. In this course, you’ll discover how flexible lighting solutions and their control features can transform both indoor and outdoor spaces, boosting health and productivity. You will also explore best practices for power and energy management, along with strategies for achieving safety compliance. Elevate your skills and learn how to create safe, tech-integrated spaces that support health and functionality.

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  • ( ~ 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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Louvers are functional elements that permit airflow and protect against water intrusion. Selecting the right louver for a project requires balancing multiple factors. This course provides an overview of the various types of louvers and their performance characteristics, the AMCA’s role in ensuring reliable, high-performing products, and relevant standards and testing protocols. Finish options, as well as installation, design, and structural considerations, are addressed. Guidance is provided on selecting and specifying appropriate louvers to meet project needs.

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  • ( ~ 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.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 464 results.

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