Sustainable Design Courses

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 460 results.

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

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In this course, we will explore the features and outdoor applications of elevated deck systems that enable architects to optimize outdoor spaces with functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, creating attractive and safe spaces for occupants. This course covers the system components for practical applications in various settings, offering insights into proprietary pedestal systems.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    This course explores how airborne and structureborne noise affects building acoustics and impacts occupant focus, learning, healing, and overall well-being across offices, educational facilities, healthcare environments, and fitness spaces. Participants gain a foundational understanding of sound behavior, testing methods, and common misconceptions and learn how mass, resiliency, and decoupling are integrated into construction assemblies to achieve effective noise control and acoustic performance, in alignment with the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ v2.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This introductory course on spray polyurethane foam (SPF) covers component chemistry, different types of SPF, and the proper use of SPF in construction applications. In addition, the course addresses code compliance related to SPF for residential and commercial construction, as well as safe SPF installation practices. Participants will come away with a strong knowledge of how the proper use and application of spray foam can improve the indoor environment and the durability of the built environment.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Lack of secure bicycle parking and storage is one of the top barriers to increased bicycle ridership. However, there is much more to selecting functional and appropriate bike storage than installing a few racks at the building sidewalk. This course examines best practices for bicycle racks and shelters for indoor and outdoor bicycle parking and storage, including typical municipal guidelines and regulations, incentives, guidance on shelters, and rack planning and design.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The growing global population is creating an increased demand for resources. As a result, there is a need to replace fossil-based, nonrenewable building materials with more bio-based materials, such as bamboo. This course describes the properties of bamboo that make it a more sustainable choice, including its fast growth and CO2 saving and storing potential. It also discusses how active bamboo reforestation and the use of durable bamboo products can lead to CO2 reduction across many industries.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The increase in building energy efficiency requirements has led to the use of exterior continuous insulation (CI) to improve the performance of the building envelope. This presentation reviews the benefits of polyiso continuous insulation and then examines in detail the NFPA 285 test standard and fire safety requirements of the 2021 International Building Code for the use of polyisocyanurate insulation in exterior walls of commercial buildings (Construction Types I—IV).

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Architectural finishes mimic the aesthetics and textures of natural materials without the cost, labor, weight, and maintenance challenges of finishes such as wood, stone, leather, and metals. This course discusses their performance characteristics, selection considerations, and proper installation techniques for interior and exterior commercial applications, including fire-rated assemblies and LEED®-certified projects.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Vinyl is strong and resistant to moisture and abrasion, and therefore is the most widely used plastic for building and construction. This course presents vinyl flooring and its manufacturing process, testing standards, and performance characteristics. The course discusses the environmental impacts of vinyl flooring throughout its life span and its contributions to meeting green building codes and standards.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    A sound building envelope should be sustainable and provide fire resistance, good thermal performance, and protection from the elements. Mineral wool, fire rated insulated metal panels (IMPs) can improve building performance and contribute to a sustainable design strategy. Included in this course are discussions on mineral wool IMP characteristics and design options, performance advantages, and installation considerations. The course details how fire resistance is specified in the International Building Code and provides examples of fire wall and fire partition construction assemblies.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Amenity decks, podiums, and other on-structure spaces have become essential components of urban developments, providing green spaces for recreation and socializing as well as satisfying sustainable building requirements. Explore how to design elevated green spaces that attract visitors, retain tenants, and create meaningful places to connect with nature.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Energy creation, distribution, and consumption are all in a period of transition. Understanding this transition and its benefits is critical to sustainable transitional energy planning (STEP). This course reviews the nature of the transition, the forces driving it, emerging energy systems and sources, and international and national examples. It details the process required for STEP and provides a comprehensive overview of the many renewable energy options now viable for community energy systems. It concludes with a series of illustrated sample plans and projects.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    For over 50 years, insulated metal panels (IMPs) have supported high-performance building enclosures by integrating thermal, air, vapor, and water control within a single system. This course reviews the building science and fire-safety principles that guide proper IMP use in the building envelope, ensuring occupant comfort and safety. Also examined are standardized test methods for evaluating enclosure performance and comparisons of IMPs with alternative wall and roof assemblies.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Doors installed in high-traffic conditions require special considerations and construction. This course explores the key concepts, best practices, and industry standards for selecting, specifying, installing, and maintaining durable and reliable heavy-usage doors. It details their material and hardware options, construction techniques, maintenance strategies, safety considerations, and required testing protocols. The course concludes with a sample installation.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The strength, versatility, local availability, and ease of use of concrete help make it the most consumed manufactured substance in the world. Concrete also offers sustainability and resilience benefits: a long lifespan, low maintenance needs, durability against natural disasters, high-albedo surfaces, smoother and stiffer pavement, carbon sequestration capabilities, and increased building energy efficiency. This course describes some of the new technologies that continue to evolve to produce concrete with the same performance and benefits as traditional concrete but with a lower carbon footprint. Also discussed is how to specify low-carbon concrete using EPDs, a carbon budget, and performance-based specifications and how it can contribute to the Building Design and Construction rating systems of LEED® v4.1 and the upcoming LEED v5.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

    Within building spaces, noise can be reduced by using materials or assemblies that isolate sound or mitigate its transmission. To do this, it is important to understand how sound moves through building materials and partitions and the impact of sound mitigation products. In this course, we look at the basics of sound as well as techniques and products to prevent sound transmission.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Architectural metal panels (AMPs) provide exceptional design versatility, enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of a building. This course explores different types of panels, their applications, finishes, key design and specification considerations, and best practices to ensure the durability and performance of the panel system. Additionally, several project examples are presented to showcase the creative applications of AMP systems.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The green building movement has been fueled by a variety of factors, including effects on the environment and human health. This course looks closely at high-pressure laminate (HPL), which covers horizontal and vertical surfaces in many different types of commercial, institutional, and residential buildings. As part of a variety of other products, such as cabinetry, countertops, wall coverings, and furnishings, it can contribute directly to sustainable building design solutions. HPL products can be specified that meet accepted standards for minimizing or reducing environmental and health impacts. All these can be documented to assist in green building certification programs such as LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, the WELL Building Standard™ version 2 (WELL v2™), and others.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Our built environment must be optimized to create comfortable and healthier spaces. Shading systems can be used to enhance our spaces by providing optimal daylight and comfort to create an ideal indoor environment. This course reviews the performance, aesthetics, and material health of various shadecloth compositions and how each factor contributes to the shadecloth selection process.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Synthetic (artificial) grass or turf has improved steadily since its first installation half a century ago, and it is now a sophisticated surfacing system that can be customized to suit specific purposes. This course reviews that development and then focuses on the specifics of synthetic grass suitable for use on playgrounds. This focus includes a detailed examination of its construction, installation, and maintenance, and a number of sample installations.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    As the market continues to transform the way sustainable buildings are designed, single-skin metal roof and siding products are at the forefront of contributing to healthier built environments. This course breaks down the material inputs and sustainable attributes of single-skin metal roof and siding panels and includes an overview of how the panels can contribute toward earning several LEED ® for Building Design and Construction credits in v4.1.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing is one of the best and easiest ways to prevent the spread of germs. However, drying hands is just as important as washing them. This course introduces the reader to the main features of air knife hand dryers and discusses how their technical components, such as high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filtration, touch-free operation, and fast dry times, contribute to their hygienic performance.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The United Nations has set 2030 as the deadline for member nations to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The construction industry has set complementary goals, including the AIA 2030 Commitment to reach net zero emissions in the built environment by 2030. This course discusses how circular economy building products are necessary to achieve sustainable design goals and presents the case study of Kohler WasteLAB, a small manufacturing business within Kohler Company that creates beautiful products for the home from waste.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The popularity of thin gauged porcelain tile has soared because of its large slab size, beauty, durability, sustainability, and versatility. These tiles are suitable for many environments, especially hospitality, institutional, and office applications. This course explores their many uses, their economic and environmental benefits, and proper installation techniques.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Bamboo is a versatile, strong material with a warm aesthetic that suits an array of interior design styles. This course looks at how bamboo is sustainably sourced to produce low-VOC products such as flooring, cladding, and three-ply architectural wall and ceiling panels. Project examples highlight a CNC routing method that produces panels with eye-catching patterns of varying depths and levels of intricacy. The course also examines how bamboo products 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 ) 

    This course explores some of the tools at the core of sustainable facility management and how they can enhance indoor environmental quality, reduce environmental impact, and improve occupant well-being. It reviews how operational strategies can support organizational performance and talent attraction and retention in a changing workplace landscape. The course examines emerging trends, new tools and practices, and shifts in certification frameworks such as the LEED® v5 Operations and Maintenance and Building Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2 that reflect the growing demand for measurable performance and decarbonization efforts.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 460 results.

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