Sustainable Design Courses

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 401 results.

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

  • ( ~ 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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Building owners have come to rely on weatherable coatings to provide long-term protection to their buildings. With an increased focus on sustainability, performance, and durability, PVDF resin-based coatings can help architects and painting contractors exceed their clients’ design goals. This course covers the key components and functions of high-performance weatherable coatings and looks at how these coatings contribute to sustainable design.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Saunas that exude authentic Nordic minimalism and elegance promote wellness, relaxation, meditation, and socialization. There are many different types of saunas for private or public purposes, but a few unique features and finishing options set some sauna designs apart. This course explains why the sauna has a much deeper tradition than wellness and discusses the considerations for selecting a ready-made or tailor-made sauna solution.

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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 ) 

    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 ) 

    A metal roof combines performance and aesthetics to give commercial and residential buildings strength, longevity, and character. This course examines the features and benefits of standing seam metal roofing and explains the factors to consider when selecting a project-specific metal roofing system.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Adequate water consumption is essential to human health, and many turn to bottled water for convenience or out of concerns about the public drinking water supply. But bottled water presents its own water quality issues along with environmental impacts of disposable plastic bottles. This course explores bottle-filling stations that offer safer, convenient, sustainable hydration in a wide range of applications. Also reviewed are the features, benefits, and installation options of bottle-filling stations and how they contribute to drinking water requirements in the WELL Building Standard™ (WELL™) version 2.

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  • ( ~ 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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Vinyl membrane decking can prolong the life cycle of various building components; however, performance and durability depend on vinyl membrane selection, specification, and installation. Fortunately, vinyl membrane manufacturers can support architects, contractors, and specifiers through all phases of the project to ensure a successful outcome. This course examines walkable, waterproof roof deck membranes and roofing systems and includes discussions on system characteristics, design considerations, and how to properly specify roof deck membrane systems. 

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Vertical-lift doors and windows enhance the functionality and convenience of many types of spaces, and when offered with an array of innovative customization options, the result is a unique, aesthetically pleasing opening that can transform any residential or commercial design. This course reviews the types of openings and lifting systems, safety features, and design options. Also addressed are the sustainability benefits that can contribute toward credit fulfillment in the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, as well as in the WELL Building Standard™ v2.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Residential solar power generates clean energy, reduces carbon footprint, protects against rising electricity rates, and protects property from outages, but it is only effective during daylight hours. Adding battery storage to a solar system—called solar plus storage—removes this limitation and moves a home closer to energy independence. In this course, we will review the components of a solar-plus-storage system, including selection considerations for residential rooftop solar and DC-coupled solar batteries. The course also reviews the extended system of monitoring and DC charging.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course reviews the evolution of accessible restrooms and the recent, sudden prominence of universal (or adult) changing tables. We’ll examine how new changes to both the International Building Code® and statewide legislation affect public restroom design, and the profound impact universal changing tables can have on the lives of people with disabilities and their caregivers.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA®) is the only organization accredited by the American National ‎Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain builders hardware ‎standards with cycling, operational, strength, security, and finish test requirements. This course explores the performance standards and the certification program related to commercial architectural hardware.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Multiwall polycarbonate is an extremely versatile glazing material with high impact strength, excellent thermal insulation, and long-term light transmission. Compared to glass, it is much lighter and easier to handle, offering considerable savings in transportation, labor, and building costs. This course examines how multiwall polycarbonate systems can improve thermal energy efficiency and increase daylighting within a space, enhancing occupant productivity, health, and well-being.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Noise pollution is excessive environmental noise that disrupts the activity or balance of human life. As urban environments have become increasingly dense, the noise problem has magnified, negatively impacting mental and physical health. Sound is everywhere, but it can be controlled with architectural solutions. This course provides a refresher on the basic science of acoustics and how sound interacts with our surroundings. From there, the course explores various architectural solutions, the technology behind them, and how they are successfully integrated into buildings to reduce noise. Discussion of installation applications addresses sound control options for retrofits and new construction.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Today, architects and designers need to give special consideration to building acoustics when developing plans for new and newly renovated construction projects. Excessive noise in any environment is considered a serious problem that can negatively impact occupant comfort, leading to learning difficulties, sleep deprivation, delayed recovery from illness, and lack of privacy. Sound basics are discussed in this course, and STC, IIC, and sound attenuation (reduction) techniques are explained. Various case studies are examined to develop further understanding of the performance of common sound abatement assemblies that are essential for occupant well-being and comfort.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Deck railing systems provide the finishing touch to an outdoor area, as well as safety and improved accessibility. Choosing a system that suits a deck project’s needs depends on a variety of factors, including cost, durability, style, customization, maintenance, and eco-friendliness. This course explores the many railing materials that are available, with a focus on aluminum, composite, and aluminum and composite railing systems, whose characteristics are ideal for most projects. 

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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, 15 minutes ) 

    Metal roof and wall systems have long been specified for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings because they have a lengthy history of durability, reliability, and resilience. This course examines the attributes of metal panel systems and the design options that make metal-clad buildings sustainable, attractive, and suitable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Well-designed and detailed skylight systems can significantly improve both building and occupant performance. This course explores the benefits, techniques, and importance of daylighting systems that utilize high-performance skylights to optimize daylighting benefits, avoid negative impacts, and contribute positively to building, occupant, and envelope performance. It examines how daylighting with skylights can help meet the requirements of the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL v2 Building Standard™.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The availability of parking and the time it takes to park a vehicle are major challenges when designing a new development. Parking garages typically require big volumes and are not efficient with land use. Automated parking can practically reduce parking space, while providing the same (sometimes more) number of parking stalls as a conventional garage. It also improves the user experience, providing a valet parking experience, just without the valet.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    The diffuse light-transmitting and composite technology of translucent structural sandwich panels has increasingly caught the imagination of architects and designers because it is possible to maximize wall or roof daylighting while minimizing energy loss, with consequent savings in the running costs of heating, air conditioning, and artificial lighting. This course explores the fundamental connection between light and health by examining how translucent structural sandwich panels deliver glare-free, diffuse daylight deeper and more evenly into spaces with maximum thermal efficiency.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Biophilic design is a methodology for designing buildings and landscapes that improve human health and well-being while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. This course provides an overview of biophilic design and its frameworks and how it can help projects earn certification through LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction (BD+C): New Construction, WELL Building Standard™ version 2, Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2, and the Living Building Challenge (LBC).

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Adding small pockets of luxury to a home has become commonplace in spaces like the kitchen and bathroom. Personal saunas are a natural extension to this way of thinking, supporting an owner’s health and relaxation. This course looks at the wide variety of heat bathing options: sauna, infrared, and steam, with a focus on how to both select a product and implement heat bathing in residential and commercial projects.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Today’s louvers not only are functional but also offer enhanced architectural design to the façade of many buildings. More than just a hole in a wall, louvers are responsible for reducing or eliminating water infiltration and offer protection from heavy storms and hurricanes. Different types of louvers and their applications are discussed in this course as well as specific terminology, AMCA/BSRIA testing procedures, and the Certified Ratings Program.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 401 results.

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