Sustainable Design Courses

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Displaying 151 - 175 of 407 results.

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

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Research indicates that the quality of light directly affects the quality of life in a space; access to daylight and outdoor views promotes happiness and productivity. Reviewed in this course are the features of polycarbonate sheeting systems and how they contribute to energy-efficient daylighting design, as well as the overall health and well-being of the building occupants.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Designing to accommodate thermal movement is just one of the many critical details for the long-term success of a metal roof installation. This course covers the design and specification considerations and architectural details that impact project requirements, as well as the components and the energy-efficient features of metal roofing assemblies.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Wood is not only visually appealing; it plays a vital role in shaping acoustics. This course examines the acoustic properties of wood and its applications in wood-based architectural solutions, focusing on how acoustic wood products can help control noise in commercial and residential environments. Also reviewed is how these products support sustainable design objectives, including their role in meeting the criteria of the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, as well as the WELL Building Standard™ v2. The presentation features design strategies and case studies that illustrate the effectiveness of acoustic wood products in achieving superior performance.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Today’s sectional overhead doors are more sophisticated than ever. Options include high-strength glazing for security and insulated steel sections for increased energy efficiency and durability. Code requirements for safety in high wind-load areas, impact resistance to hurricanes, and reductions in air transmission have led to improvements in door technology and hardware. This course examines a range of safety and security options for architects to consider when designing and specifying sectional overhead doors.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    This recorded webinar is the third of five sessions presented during the Building Science Master Summit held by DuPont Performance Building Solutions. This course dives into the topic of below-grade thermal performance and how to appropriately design for the long term. It explores heat loss patterns; energy code requirements and how they differ by region and building type; insulating best practices and benefits; and considerations for material selection.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Drying hands thoroughly is crucial for maintaining hygiene levels, and when a hand dryer is too slow, the result is many people give up trying to dry their hands and leave the bathroom with wet or damp hands. Research has shown that damp hands can transmit up to 1,000x more bacteria than dry hands. This course discusses hand-drying concepts and the advantages of hand dryers with air knife technology. It also reviews the impact the choice of hand-drying equipment has on public health, occupant comfort, facility operations, and our environment.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Waterproof, fireproof, nonporous, and eco-friendly natural slate has great value as a building material, particularly given its ability to protect structures for generations. This course reviews the characteristics and properties of slate, presents some of the many design options, and provides guidance on sourcing and specification. The sustainability benefits of roofing slate are also discussed, from its extraction and low-impact processing to its strength and enduring properties in all weather conditions.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Soft flooring has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years due to its aesthetics, lower costs, durability, and ease of care. This course discusses how to create the optimal soft flooring system through proper substrate and surface preparation.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Building a stronger connection with nature is critical for humans to maintain health and well-being. Composite wood decking is a durable, environmentally sustainable product that can help build links with nature through applications including home outdoor rooms, roof gardens, healing spaces, and public boardwalks in green spaces.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Green facades can contribute to building energy efficiency, durability, aesthetic value, sustainability, and cost effectiveness in the performance of ecological system services. This course examines the considerations required for successful green facade installations and includes discussions on system selection, design, plant selection, maintenance, and client/owner education.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Concrete masonry units (CMUs) are made from dry-cast concrete, which uses less cement and sequesters carbon at a faster and greater rate than wet-cast concrete. This course begins with an overview of concrete products and the differences between dry- and wet-cast concrete, then explores the relationship between concrete and the carbon cycle, recent research into CMU sequestration rates, and the results of mini life-cycle assessments comparing different wall systems. Finally, some practical strategies for further reducing embodied carbon are reviewed.

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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 ) 

    This course aims to educate learners about the chemistry of spray-applied polyurethane foam (SPF), its various applications in the construction industry, safe handling and installation, and its contribution to sustainable design. The advantages of using SPF are highlighted in terms of its benefits to energy conservation and fire safety. Its role as a high-performance air barrier that satisfies code and LEED® criteria and complies with various standards is also discussed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Advancements in composite decking technology are transforming the way outdoor spaces are designed and built, particularly in multifamily settings where effective water management is critical. This course introduces mineral-based composite decking systems and their role in eliminating the need for secondary membranes. Learners will explore how these all-in-one solutions streamline installation, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and help prevent common issues such as mold, decay, and water intrusion. The course also highlights how well-designed outdoor amenities can foster social connection, support resident well-being, and enhance the value of shared spaces.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Now more than ever, the environmental impacts of products used in construction are a worldwide concern and one that the architecture and design (A&D) community is being asked to address in their work. Environmental product declarations (EPDs) are powerful tools when choosing materials for commercial projects. This course discusses how, where, and why to use EPDs to inform sustainable product selection and specification decisions and how EPDs are incorporated into key green building rating systems and codes, including LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction (BD+C) and Interior Design and Construction (ID+C), Green Globes® for New Construction (NC), and the International Green Construction Code® (IgCC®).

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Buildings, roads, and man-made landscapes can harm the natural environment with their effect on the natural water cycle. Architects and designers need to be aware of the best practices and experts’ recommendations to specify the correct type of drainage system that serves users and protects the environment. This course discusses the positive contributions of modern drainage systems to the built environment and their role in improving sustainability. The technical and aesthetic aspects of trench drain design are also covered.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Rooftop deck systems offer the design flexibility to create adaptable, sustainable outdoor spaces that provide myriad environmental, social, economic, and aesthetic benefits. This course presents the three pillars of sustainability and how building products, materials, and systems can contribute to sustainable design. It outlines forest management objectives and practices and the responsible sourcing of wood for rooftop deck tiles. Case studies exemplify how rooftop deck systems can contribute to sustainable design objectives.

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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 ) 

    An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) system provides occupants with filtered, balanced, and tempered air within their living space. Airborne contaminants can be greatly reduced with ERV systems. This course provides knowledge about the need, use, design, and installation of ERVs in the modern dwelling unit and when retrofitting existing structures. The course also addresses the environmental advantages of sustainable and healthy solutions for indoor air quality.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In response to a stronger emphasis on natural resources, building efficiencies, and occupant welfare, manufacturers continue to improve design service offerings, product performance, and installation solutions. Fiberglass fenestration meets these demands for residential and commercial design in the built environment. This course explores the performance attributes of fiberglass fenestration, energy efficiency and structural benefits, testing and verification processes, and contributions to healthy building occupancy.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course explores insulating concrete forms (ICFs) as part of a sustainable construction system by covering their benefits, applications, and design considerations. The course delves into the structural properties, energy efficiency, and environmental impact of ICFs. Also presented are best practices for integrating ICFs into various architectural projects and a concise overview of installation steps.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Building a stronger connection with nature is critical to maintaining human health and well-being. Composite wood decking is a durable, environmentally sustainable product that can help build links with nature through outdoor living spaces. This course examines the different decking options and explains the sustainability benefits of using composite decking and how it can help meet green building requirements. Various design innovations that enhance occupant well-being are also discussed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    The tools, techniques, and approaches to sustainable community planning (SCP) have evolved substantially in the last few decades, turning it from an abstract notion into a most comprehensive and beneficial planning approach. Part 1 of this two-part course examines the basic principles that these tools and approaches are based on, the local and global issues that they must address to be effective, and the nature and structure of the tools themselves. The review includes numerous links to the sources of these tools.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The enhanced need for water conservation and a decrease of harmful runoff resulting from lawn maintenance has pushed the demand for environmentally-friendly alternatives for landscaping and recreational areas. Explored in this course are the uses, benefits, and specification and installation considerations of artificial turf products that replicate a natural grass look and feel in any environment

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The planet is currently in a water scarcity crisis, which is significantly affected by toilet water usage. This course examines the current plumbing codes, standards, and regulations that address toilet water usage, the need for and benefits of going beyond current standards, and the goals of a variety of beyond-the-code voluntary standards and rating systems, such as LEED v4 BD+C and ICC 700 National Green Building Standard®. It explains the various types of low-flow and ultra-low-flow toilets, their pros and cons, and their selection criteria. It concludes with a sampling of successful cost- and water-saving installations.

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Displaying 151 - 175 of 407 results.

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