Sustainable Design Courses

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Displaying 151 - 175 of 399 results.

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

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Polished concrete combines style, eco-friendliness, durability, and cost effectiveness, making it a standout choice in flooring for architects and building owners. This course explores polished concrete, its benefits, and its role in sustainability efforts. It covers various job types, their specific requirements, the process of using polished concrete, and the importance of mock-ups, protective treatments, and maintenance for long-lasting results.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Rubber has been recycled for more than a century and used in recycled rubber flooring for over 65 years. Over this time, it has been proven to be a durable and flexible product that improves numerous aspects of the built environment while benefiting the natural environment. This course examines the sustainability attributes of recycled rubber flooring, how rubber is recycled, how it is used to make flooring, its health and safety benefits, and where to use and not use the product. The course also includes an overview of how recycled rubber flooring can be used to meet a number of USGBC’s LEED® v4 BD+C and WELL Building Standard® v2 credit requirements.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Architectural precast concrete products are versatile, sustainable, affordable, and resilient. This course examines the advantages of building with them and discusses the production process, unique characteristics, and installation of architectural precast concrete’s three main product groups.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Structural HDPE plastic lumber offers strength, durability, and design versatility and is a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. This course examines the types of structural HDPE plastic lumber and their manufacturing processes and provides technical information on performance attributes, suitable applications, installation considerations, and design guidelines. Comparisons are made to wood and wood-plastic composite lumber. Also presented is how recycled HDPE plastic lumber may help meet credit requirements in the Sustainable SITES Initiative® (SITES® v2) and LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction (BD+C) and Residential BD+C rating systems. Case studies demonstrate the exemplary performance of structural HDPE plastic lumber in aggressive environmental conditions.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly becoming ubiquitous. To serve them sufficiently, there must be a massive expansion of car charging options, and that infers that planners and designers must create those options and opportunities now. This course examines the current trends in, and predictions for, EV chargers, the various types and their attributes, where and how they might be installed for maximum effectiveness, and the programs and incentives that apply to both EVs and their charger requirements.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Specialty door and frame assemblies have been developed that are designed specifically for the built healthcare environment where performance criteria are critical. Reviewed in this course are specialty door and frame assemblies that meet the challenges of infection prevention, building cleanliness, patient privacy, and increased security, as well as containment of radio wave and radiation interference in hospitals and clinics.

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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 ) 

    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 ) 

    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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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Learners will receive information about cast stone and how it is made, testing requirements, applications, design recommendations, and how it differs from related materials. Learners will describe appropriate specification, design details of cast stone for architectural applications, and how to determine quality cast stone production.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    This course provides an in-depth overview of recycling and waste diversion programs, focusing on effective planning, stakeholder engagement, and strategic bin placement. It offers practical guidance on selecting bins, designing consistent signage, and using communication strategies to improve user compliance. The course also explores additional methods to reduce waste at the source and covers techniques for continuous monitoring and adaptation to achieve long-term sustainability goals.

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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 ) 

    Concrete products such as precast pieces, pavers, and terrazzo have long provided builders with a flexible range of options for their projects. Beyond their versatility, these concrete products are highly sustainable, thanks to their ability to be recycled, low carbon footprint, and long life span.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Cleanliness and sanitation are important aspects of buildings and businesses, especially in restrooms. Users want environments where they don’t have to worry about picking up germs while owners desire solutions that are safe, attractive, and cost effective. Smart, connected fixtures can leverage sensor technology to optimize user experiences while also streamlining the management of building facilities, conserving water, and providing a hygienic, touchless experience for users. 

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Acrylic solid surface and quartz materials provide versatile solutions for designs that balance aesthetics, durability, and health. This course examines their performance benefits, emerging design trends, and real-world applications, highlighting key specification considerations. Also reviewed are how acrylic solid surface and quartz materials 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™ v2.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    The growth of EV (electric vehicle) adoption is accelerating and the behavior of EV drivers is increasing the demand for electric vehicle charging stations. This education course explains the different types of charging available and their suitable applications, and discusses the planning and installation considerations for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

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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 ) 

    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 ) 

    Wood-plastic composite cladding offers a pleasing aesthetic and exceptional durability as part of a rainscreen assembly, enhancing the performance and longevity of the building envelope. Presented here are the functions and components of Lstiburek’s “perfect (universal) wall” design and a drained and ventilated rainscreen assembly. The course explores the composition, manufacture, benefits, design possibilities, and installation of wood-plastic composite cladding, as well as compliance with building codes and standards.

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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 ) 

    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 ) 

    This course focuses on the rapidly growing data center industry and how critical it is to control noise for facility employees and residents living in neighboring areas and to follow city ordinances. The noise issues data centers pose for their workers and their external surroundings are examined, and practical solutions are reviewed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    One of the most important concepts behind biophilia is the “urge to affiliate with other forms of life” (E.O. Wilson). Humans are connected to nature, inspired by nature, and desire to be harmonized with nature. This course discusses the main principles of biophilic design and explains how a connection with nature benefits human well-being, increases classroom performance, and reduces stress. Multiple case studies demonstrating the positive benefits of daylight and views on building occupants are discussed, and applications of biophilic design are examined.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Material transparency is a growing initiative in the green and healthy building arena. This course reviews legislation that provides the baseline for healthy and sustainable materials and discusses the limitations of those regulations. It also explores the predominant green building programs and how material transparency can help achieve certification. Learners will leave this course with an understanding of how to access, analyze, and apply material transparency to their projects and leverage initiatives to support a healthier, more sustainable building industry.

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Displaying 151 - 175 of 399 results.

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