Sustainable Design Courses

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Displaying 226 - 250 of 399 results.

FIRST PREV [176-200] [201-225] [226-250] [251-275] [276-300] NEXT LAST

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Today, architects and designers need to give special consideration to building acoustics when developing plans for new and newly renovated construction projects. Excessive noise in any environment is considered a serious problem that can negatively impact occupant comfort, leading to learning difficulties, sleep deprivation, delayed recovery from illness, and lack of privacy. Sound basics are discussed in this course, and STC, IIC, and sound attenuation (reduction) techniques are explained. Various case studies are examined to develop further understanding of the performance of common sound abatement assemblies that are essential for occupant well-being and comfort.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

    Healthcare environments require high-performance, durable, and sustainable materials to meet the ever-increasing demands for the health and safety of patients and staff. Vinyl provides a reliable and proven solution that supports infection control measures, the need for long-lasting products, and the replacement of infrastructure that supports health and wellness, clean water, reduced carbon footprint, and long product service life. Vinyl is a material of choice for interiors as well as the core and shell of healthcare buildings. Chemistry and formulations are part of successful product performance; utilizing life cycle approaches to product selection, meeting owner project requirements, and supporting criteria within green building certifications are all part of the vinyl story.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The facade is one of the most significant contributors to the energy consumption and comfort parameters of any building. This course explores high-performance building envelopes and the use of advanced insulated metal panel systems featuring integrated daylighting and ventilation components that combine to provide weathertightness and maximum thermal performance.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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 uses. Roofs can be low or high albedo to impact solar gain; add to this vegetative roof assemblies (green roofs), roofs with solar arrays, and blue roofs (stormwater management), and no two roofs are alike. Join us to review the modern roof taxonomies and associated benefits and drawbacks, learn about the latest options in roof construction, and reflect on performance differences.

  • ( ~ 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.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Natural fibers have been used for over 2,000 years as a method to strengthen building materials. Cellulose fiber provides an excellent alternative to traditional secondary reinforcement, reducing plastic shrinkage cracks and improving durability, impact resistance, shatter resistance, and freeze/thaw resistance without compromising the appearance or finishability of a concrete surface. This course covers the evolution of fiber, its benefits, and why it is a sustainable material.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    From home offices to gyms to entertaining, homes have become multifunctional spaces. The use of smart technology provides innovative options for people to control and manage their homes for comfort and well-being on a daily basis. Smart home technology allows people to customize their homes. This course discusses how smart technology can interconnect household spaces to increase comfort, cleanliness, and well-being.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

    Light-manipulating materials use internal channels to capture, bend, scatter, and redirect light and create visually stunning spaces. Panels and slabs in resin, glass, and terrazzo make an experiential surface for privacy screens or signage, primary or accent lighting, and countertops or flooring—anywhere the interplay of light and shadow is desired for beauty and inspiration. This course describes the different types of light-manipulating materials and substrates, design and installation options, and the contributions of these products to sustainability goals as well as occupant health, well-being, and engagement in a wide range of dynamic, unique applications.

  • ( ~ 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).

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    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 introduces innovative solutions for improving acoustics in these areas while keeping us comfortable and safe from exposure to emerging viruses.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    As the architectural industry shifts toward more sustainable, low-maintenance materials, aluminum has emerged as a preferred choice for its eco-friendly properties, design versatility, and long-lasting performance. This course explores its manufacturing and installation processes, durable finishes, and wide-ranging applications, including cladding, soffits, battens, fencing, gates, screens, and pergolas. Discover how aluminum helps architects elevate design while meeting sustainability goals, particularly those of the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction green building rating system.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Modern hydronic radiator systems are an energy-efficient, healthy, and hygienic solution for residential and commercial applications. This course discusses the principles of radiant heating and panel radiators, and how to size panel radiators for residential applications.

  • ( ~ 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.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Selecting flooring is an important decision, but equal emphasis should be placed on proper surface preparation to avoid costly flooring failures. This course reviews best practices for a typical hardwood flooring installation and discusses the innovative options that consolidate products and steps, saving time and money while enhancing certain performance characteristics.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    While the bathroom was once a strictly utilitarian space, a growing trend among luxury consumers is to create a custom, spa-like wellness retreat right in the home. Surveys find that luxury consumers value functional and design excellence, uniqueness that reflects a creative side, and exceptional quality and value. This course examines the shower products available that help to create a personalized, multisensory wellness experience with beautifully designed pieces that meet water efficiency standards.

  • ( ~ 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.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Modern interior spaces often feature open areas and hard surfaces. What should be comfortable rooms in these spaces can become unpleasant from noise and echo or sound reverberation. This course discusses how melamine foam can be used to improve the sound quality in a space. The different options for melamine foam products are discussed along with their installation methods. This course also provides an overview of the sustainability features of sound-absorbing melamine foam.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    As technology advances, lighting and power are becoming increasingly vital in enhancing user experience and building performance in healthcare environments. In this course, you’ll discover how flexible lighting solutions and their control features can transform both indoor and outdoor spaces, boosting health and productivity. You will also explore best practices for power and energy management, along with strategies for achieving safety compliance. Elevate your skills and learn how to create safe, tech-integrated spaces that support health and functionality.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Often the largest access point in a building, sectional door systems play a significant role in controlling energy costs and supporting sustainable design in residential and commercial buildings. This course explores the specification considerations and the different types of sectional garage doors, as well as their role in enhancing the thermal performance of homes and commercial buildings.

  • ( ~ 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.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Industrial-strength ladders must provide functional safety for users in varied and demanding building environments. Aluminum ladders are up to the challenge of virtually any application thanks to aluminum’s high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and corrosion resistance. This course reviews ladder types and safety considerations and discusses how the sustainability benefits of aluminum along with its other attributes make it an ideal material for heavy-duty ladders.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course introduces the learner to the benefits and design advantages of porcelain surface material for both indoor and outdoor use in residential and commercial projects. Since it is a relatively new material in the US, we will review its components and manufacture and how they result in a product with exceptional characteristics for human health and durability. We'll also show and discuss indoor and outdoor applications, the variations available for vertical and horizontal applications, and the many design options. Finally, we’ll help the learner understand what is needed to design with this material and how to work with a fabricator.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Homeowners are increasingly interested in creating outdoor living spaces that enhance their enjoyment and increase their homes’ energy efficiency. This course outlines how retractable screens offer sustainable design solutions for homeowners, architects, and builders. Topics discussed include screen components and how retractable screens offer protection from insects and UV rays and contribute to enhancing a home’s energy efficiency. Various case studies focusing on sustainability are examined.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Architectural insulated metal panels (IMPs) are an increasingly popular choice for building developers and architects, presenting a compelling solution that combines functionality, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. This course reviews the architectural IMP, its applications and benefits, and comparisons to other materials. It explores current trends and developments that are paving the way for increased aesthetic possibilities and building envelope performance.

  • ( ~ 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.

Displaying 226 - 250 of 399 results.

FIRST PREV [176-200] [201-225] [226-250] [251-275] [276-300] NEXT LAST