Sustainable Design Courses

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Displaying 151 - 175 of 406 results.

FIRST PREV [101-125] [126-150] [151-175] [176-200] [201-225] NEXT LAST

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Building systems can be enhanced by incorporating reflective insulation or radiant barriers into the building envelope. With effective insulation, heat transfer is reduced, resulting in less summer heat gain, and less winter heat loss. This course explains common and effective uses for reflective insulation and radiant barriers in a wide range of construction and building applications and demonstrates how these systems reduce energy usage, increase the lifespan of the mechanical equipment for heating and cooling, and reduce maintenance requirements and frequency of replacement.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Paint in its various forms is an older material whose composition has constantly evolved, even in modern times. This evolution has included the identification and removal of certain hazardous ingredients. Similarly, paint removers have also evolved and improved their ability to deal with a wide range of old and new paint formulas while remaining safe for the occupant, the worker, and the environment at large. This course examines state-of-the-art nontoxic paint removers that are effective in removing as many as thirty coats of paint in one safe and efficient operation.

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  • ( ~ 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).

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  • ( ~ 15 minutes ) 

    The first course of this series from the Carbon Leadership Forum provides a high-level overview of embodied carbon: how it is defined, its significance in the global climate crisis, and how it is impacted by the construction industry. In addition, the course examines procurement policies as an embodied carbon reduction strategy—in particular, the Buy Clean policies, their uptake in the US, and their key elements.

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  • ( ~ 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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    FRP products are not only an ideal alternative to traditional building materials, but in certain applications, they should be the only choice. This course demonstrates the value of FRP‘s core features of corrosion resistance, nonconductivity, and overall lighter weight than steel by up to 70%. The additional primary properties and benefits of FRP are also discussed, showing how FRP can enhance project design, speed up installation, and solve challenges in numerous industries.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Thermally controlled environments such as cold storage freezers and coolers, and food processing and packaging facilities take many different forms. Their performance and functionality depend on their project-specific requirements and can be affected by the conditions the materials and systems are subjected to. This course discusses how insulated metal panels (IMPs) perform the necessary functions to provide an effective energy-efficient building envelope and why they are suitable for use within temperature-controlled hygienic environments—where performance is critical.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Quartz surfacing is a man-made material consisting of up to 93% natural quartz crystal. In this course, you will discover the other components behind the beauty, durability, and flexibility of this surfacing material. You will see the composition, production, and quality assurance processes that go into making the material and the resultant attributes and capabilities, as well as the installation basics of quartz surfacing materials.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    As urban areas become denser, land values increase, and the demand for space becomes more challenging, developers are seeking alternative, innovative approaches to parking cars that allow a project to proceed while meeting all parking and sustainability requirements. Automated parking systems, parking lifts, and multilevel car stackers provide multiple benefits for developments, car parking operations, and vehicle storage facilities. High-density parking systems can help to maximize ROI with a reduced parking footprint and better building flow; reduce construction costs and operational overheads; and improve safety, security, and sustainability. This course explains the types of high-density parking systems, their sustainable advantages, and design considerations.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Architects and other design professionals have a critical role to play in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions through building design and product selection. The urgent need to reduce both operational and embodied carbon means that building designers must be familiar with transparency documents that facilitate low-carbon product selection. In this course, we review the types of carbon of concern, transparency documents that provide critical information, and tools for sourcing embodied carbon information. We also look at the contribution of insulated metal panels to both low embodied and low operational carbon buildings.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In today’s digitally interconnected world, data centers play an essential role in society and the global economy. Data centers have unique design needs to ensure security, reliability, efficiency, scalability, and sustainability. This course focuses on the exterior data center design requirements and examines how fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) products contribute to more efficient facility construction, seamless maintenance, and long-term operational savings.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The construction of residential and commercial buildings that use less energy to operate and are long lived is a key part of sustainable design. Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) provide the necessary U-factor, airtightness, resiliency, and durability for all building types. Insulated concrete forms in residential and commercial construction projects offer excellent thermal performance and reduced energy consumption and operating costs, while maintaining a very comfortable and healthy interior environment. This course examines the ICF wall, including materials and components, and discusses design considerations and construction.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    As natural gas lines are being phased out for new development and for those who want to move away from burning fossil fuels, it’s becoming critical for homeowners, builders, specifiers, and architects to understand the flexible application of electric heating solutions. Electric heat is a convenient way to reduce energy costs and provide reliable heating options for commercial and residential heating systems that increase occupant safety, comfort, and well-being. This course examines multiple electric heating options to meet consumer needs and provides solutions to common heating concerns.

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  • ( ~ 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.

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  • ( ~ 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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This program introduces building retrofits as a method to achieve green building standards by adapting existing structures. While a building retrofit may have several types of interventions, effective air sealing improves the durability of the structure and occupant comfort, health, and safety. This course includes a detailed look at sources of air leakage and the various methods available to address this infiltration. Several real-world examples demonstrate the importance of identifying the source of air leakage, investigating existing conditions, and proper detailing.

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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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  • ( ~ 15 minutes ) 

    Policies targeting the reduction of carbon emissions associated with building products require the disclosure of embodied carbon data to inform those policies and verify whether reduction targets or incentive requirements have been met. This course aims to provide a guide to collecting high-quality embodied carbon data.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Meeting the ventilation requirements of ASHRAE 62.2 and maintaining an energy efficient home means balancing the need for fresh outdoor air and the energy needed to condition it. In this course we will examine the ventilation requirements in ASHRAE 62.2, discuss how they can be met, and look at some solutions for energy efficient ventilating.

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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 ) 

    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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Vinyl has long been a material of choice for construction products for interiors and exteriors because of its durability, cleanability, affordability, and suitability for a vast range of applications. This course furthers the conversation by discussing vinyl’s recyclability and sustainability and the attributes of laminated rigid PVC exterior and interior wall panels and siding and soffit products.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    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 considerations of VRAs. It also describes the high-performance attributes of VRA components and defines the building code/performance standards and best specification practices for optimal fire, wind, thermal, and moisture performance.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    A large portion of new commercial and residential buildings built today are equipped with clear, floor-to-ceiling glass. Does this new expansive area of glass lead to daylight optimization? This course explains the impacts of daylighting on human health and building occupant comfort. Proactive and reactive automated shading systems are discussed, and the course explains how a properly designed shading system can reduce whole-building energy consumption. Automated shading systems in projects of various scopes and scales are also discussed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Retrofitting and replacing roof systems are essential aspects of the construction industry and offer opportunities to reduce a building’s energy consumption. Sustainable retrofitting of roofs with durable, energy-efficient materials helps reduce waste and conserve resources while promoting ecofriendly building practices. This course gives an overview of expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation and innovative roof systems that are designed to enhance building efficiency.

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Displaying 151 - 175 of 406 results.

FIRST PREV [101-125] [126-150] [151-175] [176-200] [201-225] NEXT LAST