Sustainable Design Courses

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Displaying 226 - 250 of 413 results.

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


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Protected membrane roof (PMR) systems offer many benefits to building owners and provide architects with design options that can maximize the energy efficiency, durability, and performance of a building envelope. This course compares the functional and physical features of PMR systems to conventional low-slope roofing applications and discusses the standard ASCE 7 and its impact on wind uplift design.


  • ( ~ 2 hours, 30 minutes ) 

    The magnitude and negative impacts of solid waste have become increasingly apparent, especially in regard to plastics and their presence in the oceans. As a result, there have been many approaches to rethinking what constitutes waste and how it can be avoided or used/managed in a more sustainable manner. This course explores these emerging approaches to waste management planning and illustrates them with current examples of solid waste management plans and initiatives from various countries around the globe. In the first part of this course, we’ll dig into the impact of our growing waste problem and some methods for rethinking this waste. In the second, we’ll provide guidance for the design of a sustainable community waste management plan.


  • ( ~ 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, 15 minutes ) 

    Our built environment must be optimized to create comfortable and healthier spaces. Shading systems can be used to enhance our spaces by providing optimal daylight and comfort to create an ideal indoor environment. This course reviews the performance, aesthetics, and material health of various shadecloth compositions and how each factor contributes to the shadecloth selection process.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The availability of parking and the time it takes to park a vehicle are major challenges when designing a new development. Parking garages typically require big volumes and are not efficient with land use. Automated parking can practically reduce parking space, while providing the same (sometimes more) number of parking stalls as a conventional garage. It also improves the user experience, providing a valet parking experience, just without the valet.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Single-skin metal siding can be used for a wide range of projects, from commercial buildings to educational, healthcare, residential, agricultural, and even high-end architectural designs. These siding panels can also contribute to green designs and certification programs. This course explores the different types of single-skin metal siding, specification details, and performance and design considerations.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Heated towel racks not only warm and dry damp towels, but also add a sense of comfort and luxury. This course explores heated towel racks and includes discussions on: the functions, benefits, and applications of heated towel racks; centrally heated, electric, and hydronic heating systems; materials and finishes; installation and care; and design and accessory options.


  • ( ~ 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.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Today's gas fireplaces make a stylish, modern design statement while providing a safe and efficient option for supplemental heat. This course explores the benefits of direct vent, electronic ignition gas fireplaces over other fuel and venting options, with a focus on the innovative features and design possibilities offered by frameless fireplaces suitable for any residential or commercial space. The benefits of a frameless fireplace design, cool wall technology, a heat control system, and integration of the modern fireplace into a home automation system are discussed, and occupant safety features such as double glass heat safety barriers are explained.


  • ( ~ 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.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Universal hot water availability is generally taken for granted. At a time when energy prices and sources, environmental concerns, and water shortages are increasing in significance, it is important to produce hot water in a manner that addresses all these issues. This course explains how electric tankless water heaters (ETWHs) do this while also improving health and safety conditions and reducing costs. The examination includes detailed descriptions of many types of ETWHs and the basic calculations and selection criteria for the most suitable system.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Rolling doors are used in heavy-duty, medium-duty, and light-duty applications for a wide range of commercial, industrial, and construction environments. This course provides a review of the features, components, options, and applications of various types of commercial rolling door products.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Adding small pockets of luxury to a home has become commonplace in spaces like the kitchen and bathroom. Personal saunas are a natural extension to this way of thinking, supporting an owner’s health and relaxation. This course looks at the wide variety of heat bathing options: sauna, infrared, and steam, with a focus on how to both select a product and implement heat bathing in residential and commercial projects.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In the last couple of decades, houses have become progressively more airtight due to energy efficiency and cost concerns. While air infiltration and exfiltration rates have been significantly reduced, the need for an efficient ventilation system has become extremely important. This course evaluates different types of mechanical ventilation systems and discusses why heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems are characterized by a high level of energy efficiency and as an effective means for improving indoor air quality.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Building owners value daylighting and views but face security and safety challenges with large amounts of glazing. Thermoplastic sheet products offer a variety of glazing solutions that resist security threats while providing transparency, strength, and durability. This course introduces the grades and characteristics of acrylic and polycarbonate sheet products and discusses how they meet the requirements for protection against forced entry and ballistics.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The growing global population is creating an increased demand for resources. As a result, there is a need to replace fossil-based, nonrenewable building materials with more bio-based materials, such as bamboo. This course describes the properties of bamboo that make it a more sustainable choice, including its fast growth and CO2 saving and storing potential. It also discusses how active bamboo reforestation and the use of durable bamboo products can lead to CO2 reduction across many industries.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Designing with green roofs affords design professionals opportunities to plan projects with exciting new elements, added value, and significant, tangible benefits, thereby enhancing the built environment with newly-created landscapes. This course examines green roof systems, including the types, benefits, components, and related standards. As well, it provides a discussion on how green roofs mitigate urban heat island effect and reduce stormwater runoff.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Vinyl is strong and resistant to moisture and abrasion, and therefore is the most widely used plastic for building and construction. This course presents vinyl flooring and its manufacturing process, testing standards, and performance characteristics. The course discusses the environmental impacts of vinyl flooring throughout its life span and its contributions to meeting green building codes and standards.


  • ( ~ 2 hours ) 

    Window frames offer many important benefits for buildings, especially when it comes to energy and environmental performance, and frame material selection is a critical aspect of the design process. This course discusses pultruded fiberglass window systems and compares them with traditional wood, aluminum, and PVC window systems across a wide variety of performance attributes.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Can commercial overhead doors contribute to the sustainability goals of buildings requiring garage, drive-through, fire, dock, and service products? To meet these goals, commercial sectional and rolling doors should be engineered to provide energy efficiency and personnel protection, and to mitigate fire and wind damage. This course examines the sustainable attributes of commercial overhead doors and explores their design potential in LEED® compliant projects.


  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    An air curtain, also known as an air door, employs a controlled stream of air aimed across an opening to create an air seal. This seal separates different environments while allowing a smooth, unhindered flow of traffic and unobstructed vision through the opening. This course discusses how air curtains work and why they can contribute to occupant comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality when the door is open. It also reviews how air curtains improve whole-building energy efficiency versus conventional methods.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Synthetic roofing materials have been available in the market for more than a decade, providing a cost-effective, viable alternative to traditional slate and shake roofing systems. This course provides an overview of the features and benefits of slate and shake synthetic roofing products, including a discussion on the testing methods used to rate specific performance characteristics.


  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Insulation can help increase overall energy efficiency, minimize the spread of fire, manage risks associated with moisture and mold, and improve occupant comfort. Choosing the right insulation and putting it in the right location is becoming one of the most important decisions in design, construction, and retrofit. Reviewed in this course are the features, benefits, and design and installation considerations related to mineral wool continuous insulation.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Leading aluminum extrusion manufacturers have established a variety of methods pertaining to material grade, surface protection, and component solutions to maximize the benefits of aluminum to suit a wide variety of applications. These advancements in technology have led to the development of sustainable wood-patterned aluminum products designed for exterior and interior applications. This course focuses on how these products can be used as a beautiful, high-performance, durable alternative for real wood in a range of applications, including screens, facades, decking, fencing, gates, cladding, and more.


  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Architects and designers have many options for specifying site furniture products for their projects. Selecting materials and finishes is an integral part of this process, yet making material selections has become more and more complex. The course examines conditions and constraints of outdoor environments; evaluates materials commonly used in outdoor applications; discusses using green building standards and rating systems, and the role of suppliers as resources for material selection; and provides examples of products that adhere to a higher environmental standard.

Displaying 226 - 250 of 413 results.

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