Building Knowledge and Connections
Building Knowledge and Connections
The materials we use have a big impact on the environment, our communities and our health. To select materials wisely, we have to know what's in them and what effects they have before, during and after their use. This course will focus on the key drivers in the market on material health and disclosure, types or reporting tools and what the differen...
As part of a well-designed rainscreen system, single-skin metal panels offer unique aesthetic options combined with the assurance that the building envelope will withstand the effects of long-term exposure to the elements. This course compares common cladding types; presents single-skin metal panel materials, coatings, finishes, and design options;...
Undesirable acoustics in educational spaces have long been considered averse to our goals to effectively teach, create, collaborate, listen, and learn. Now, in the wake of implementing pandemic protocols, our acoustic comfort in these spaces is greatly challenged. This course examines the impacts of poor soundscapes in educational facilities and in...
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
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With growing concerns about blast threats—whether from human actions or nearby industrial facilities—buildings are increasingly incorporating blast protection into their design. This course offers guidance on evaluating appropriate blast load protection levels, understanding industry standards, and assessing key factors such as standoff distanc...
View the USBP - United States Bullet Proofing, Inc. Course Library
Based on published studies, a vented rainscreen assembly provides the following for a wall assembly: • Effectively drain water that has entered behind the cladding • Reduces the wet time of absorptive claddings • Increased drying of the interstitial wall assembly • Mitigate reverse vapor drive...
This presentation focuses on wind design requirements for commercial low-slope roofing. The presentation covers building code history, ASCE 7, future tornado wind design requirements and agency approvals for wind uplift resistance for low-slope roofing....
From pitched to low slope roofing a myriad of designs are possible. Conventional roofing with the waterproofing membrane located weather-side and Protected Membrane roofing with the waterproofing membrane located at the deck can be used on buildings of various end-use, be low or high albedo surfaced (solar gain). Add to this vegetative roof assembl...
View the DuPont Performance Building Solutions Course Library
Although known for being a strong and versatile building material, there are a number of factors that affect the sustainability of concrete, and a variety of measures that can be taken to increase its durability and extend its service life, thus protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the users. This course discusses the environmental impact ...
Protected roof membrane assemblies (PRMAs), and vegetative roof assemblies (VRAs) in particular, place extreme requirements on the components below the surface, from waterproofing to insulation and everything in between. Each element must meet specific standards for energy efficiency and durability. This course reviews the benefits and design consi...
The impacts of noise on occupancy health and wellness must be taken seriously. By understanding the importance of good noise control, learners will be able to understand the link between acoustic control and health, well-being, learning and productivity. This course will describe different scenarios like healthcare facilities, schools and offices. ...
We will discuss how Polyiso Continuous Insulation will improve the thermal performance of walls of Steel Stud Construction. In addressing the advantages of continuous insulation – we will also address the disadvantages of using steel studs without continuous insulation. We will discuss what Sustainability d how it is measured, including – facto...
View the Rmax - A Division of the Sika Corporation Course Library
What roof type is ideal for photovoltaic (PV) system mounting? What about “solar zone,” roof orientation, environmental and collateral loads, system sizing, the building enclosure, and life-cycle cost analyses? All these factors affect the sustainability and financial pro forma of the roof and PV system. New technologies can be daunting. When i...
Concrete is a very versatile and fundamental building material; however, because it is porous and wicks water through its matrix, concrete has water-related design challenges. This program examines the sustainable benefits of integral concrete waterproofing and analyzes traditional waterproofing methods as compared to integral methods in terms of p...
This course reviews the definition of sustainability, and how Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) are being used to address product transparency needs. We will review how IMPs provide all environmental control layers and how their use contributes to sustainable design. LCAs form the backbone of EPDs, and...
Unwanted sound can become more than a mere annoyance. Excess noise has been found to increase stress and distraction, reduce learning and productivity, and even lead to hypertension and permanent hearing loss. This course presents an overview of how sound is described and measured and discusses the many industrial and architectural products availab...
Locating mechanical and electrical equipment on a roof is often necessary for space and efficiency in a building design. However, it can be challenging to provide a means for safe maintenance access while preserving the roof membrane and structural integrity and not interfering with other rooftop equipment. This course presents the components that ...
No discussion about a material’s sustainability is complete unless it addresses embodied carbon, the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions associated with the material over its cradle-to-grave life cycle. Changes made to spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation formulations address the impacts of embodied carbon. This course explores the evolution and...
Provides an overview of the performance characteristics and benefits of using multi-layer, cellular PVC decking—a durable decking material that replicates the unique beauty of exotic hardwood....
Continuous insulation is part of building standards and state and energy codes due to its ability to reduce thermal bridging and the associated heat loss and energy consumption. This course looks at the use of polyisocyanurate as a continuous insulation in Type V and residential construction and its use as a multifunctional envelope component—air...
View the PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association Course Library
PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association
At their root, metal roofs and walls made from steel, copper, zinc, or aluminum have a lower environmental impact because of their ability to be recycled and reused. This course focuses on the green aspects of standing seam metal roofs, and in particular, their cool roof characteristics. Also addressed are the implications of heat islands, what con...
Roof top paver systems have become an integral part of commercial roofing that not only increases usable square footage of the structure but also improves the energy efficiency and increases the life expectancy of the overall roof system. Additionally, roof top paver systems allow great access to the outdoors helping improve occupant comfort levels...
At their root, metal roofs and walls made from steel, copper, zinc, or aluminum have a lower environmental impact because of their ability to be recycled and reused. This course focuses on the green aspects of standing seam metal roofs, and in particular, their cool roof characteristics. Also addressed are the implications of heat islands, what con...
There are many kinds of resin-based coatings for metal. The type of resin used plays an important role in determining a coating's durability and physical properties. This course discusses these coatings and their application techniques. It also discusses why the coatings may deteriorate and how to measure the performance of the coatings. The role t...
Commercial roofing systems are quite varied. As such, their performance expectations are varied, and their suitability for different applications vary. Certain types of high performance roofing systems require specific components, and performance standards to achieve energy efficient and durable life cycle performance. This course describes the hig...
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas, a Class A carcinogen, the leading cause of cancer after smoking, and the leading cause of death for nonsmokers. It is found in soil, rock, and groundwater. If radon enters a home through slabs, basements, and crawl spaces, breathing it can lead to illness or even death. This course examines how the gas travels th...