Sustainable Design Courses

Click here for information on the AEC Daily Sustainability Rating System.

Displaying 51 - 75 of 405 results.

FIRST PREV [1-25] [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] NEXT LAST

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    The need to evaluate thermal bridging in a building’s design and performance has become more prevalent because of the increasing requirements for more energy-efficient buildings. This course provides an introduction to thermal bridging, energy code requirements, and the use of thermal break solutions designed to improve energy efficiency in the building envelope.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines bamboo as a sustainable construction material by focusing on its properties, environmental advantages, and innovative applications. Participants will explore responsible sourcing, manufacturing practices, and key certifications. The course also covers advanced products such as thermally modified and high-density bamboo. Professionals will gain the knowledge required to integrate bamboo into projects that align with performance and sustainability standards.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA®) is the only organization accredited by the American National ‎Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain builders hardware ‎standards with cycling, operational, strength, security, and finish test requirements. This course explores the performance standards and the certification program related to commercial architectural hardware.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Ventilation grilles influence HVAC system performance but can pose aesthetic challenges for designers. Custom grilles made with modern fabrication techniques employ a variety of materials and finishes to create solutions that enhance and fully integrate with architectural interiors. This course discusses the basic mechanics of effective air distribution in buildings, performance characteristics of grilles, grille types, and custom design options.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Efficient water use and conservation are key parts of sustainable development. Toilets account for the greatest water usage within a residential home (typically 30 percent). Dual-flush toilets are an option to reduce water usage by up to 20 percent while meeting the LEED® v4 Water Efficiency requirements. This toilet option can also be incorporated into accessible bathrooms and use touchless flush plates. The most attractive feature of the dual-flush toilet is that it does not require significant behavioral changes for benefits to be realized.

  • ( ~ 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.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Although known for being a strong and versatile building material, there are a number of factors that affect the sustainability of concrete, and a variety of measures that can be taken to increase its durability and extend its service life, thus protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the users. This course discusses the environmental impact of concrete and some of the main causes of concrete deterioration, and examines how crystalline waterproofing technology can be employed to increase the durability and sustainability of concrete.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are known for their superior heat loss control, moisture and air resistance, and striking aesthetic capabilities. This course highlights how these attributes can be integrated to create beautiful, healthy, and safe buildings. It explains how IMPs achieve air, water, vapor, and thermal control via an advanced and cost-effective single-component system that accelerates construction time and offers design flexibility. The course includes essential design details and case studies that showcase the functional and aesthetic capabilities of IMPs. 

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Extreme weather events of all sorts are becoming increasingly frequent and ferocious. Wood stick-framed structures struggle to withstand them. As climate behavior shifts and worsens, building damage and destruction increase, building codes evolve, and insurance premiums skyrocket or simply become unavailable for certain building types in some locations. Architects must now utilize stronger, more resilient, noncombustible building approaches to address this situation. In addition, mounting pressures related to labor shortages, rising material costs, stringent building codes, and environmental volatility are pushing architects, developers, and engineers to reimagine their approaches to structural design and material selection. This course explores how an innovative, scalable, and economical cold-formed steel column and composite beam framing system can and does address these issues to create faster and deliver stronger, more cost-effective, and sustainable projects. This well-proven, code compliant system reduces dependencies on multiple trades and minimizes the number of handoffs, positively impacting schedule compression, which then translates directly into earlier openings, faster revenue generation, and reduced labor costs. The system is applicable to a range of housing, hotel, and commercial midrise projects in all climates. The course begins by exploring the limitations of traditional wood and metal framing systems. It then describes this prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) column and beam framing system and its details, erection methodology, advantages, environmental and sustainability benefits, accreditations, and certifications. It concludes with some representative examples of real-life projects.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The green building movement has been fueled by a variety of factors, including effects on the environment and human health. This course looks closely at high-pressure laminate (HPL), which covers horizontal and vertical surfaces in many different types of commercial, institutional, and residential buildings. As part of a variety of other products, such as cabinetry, countertops, wall coverings, and furnishings, it can contribute directly to sustainable building design solutions. HPL products can be specified that meet accepted standards for minimizing or reducing environmental and health impacts. All these can be documented to assist in green building certification programs such as LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, the WELL Building Standard™ version 2 (WELL v2™), and others.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Direct vent fireplaces are safe and efficient supplemental heat sources in today’s homes. This course reviews the innovative design options for gas fireplaces, including media options, cool wall technology, and safety barriers. Direct and power vent heat delivery systems are discussed, and the impact of standing versus electric pilot lights on energy efficiency is examined.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Dive into the intersection of design excellence and environmental responsibility with this comprehensive course on TFL decorative panels. Explore the intrinsic value of sustainability in the design world, unravel the complexities of the carbon cycle, and uncover how forests and wood play pivotal roles in carbon sequestration. Discover the versatile applications and climate-positive attributes of TFL panels, empowering you to make informed, eco-conscious choices in your design projects. Elevate your understanding of exceptional design, durability, and sustainability, and contribute to a greener, more resilient future.

  • ( ~ 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.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course provides a comprehensive overview of quartz surfacing as a sustainable material in contemporary design. It examines the environmental impact, safety standards, and wide-ranging applications of quartz surfacing. The course focuses on manufacturing processes, performance characteristics, and the material’s contribution to sustainability, equipping participants with the knowledge to effectively utilize quartz surfacing in residential and commercial projects.

  • ( ~ 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, 15 minutes ) 

    According to building professionals, the solution to achieving an energy-efficient building envelope is to focus more on the roof. Protected membrane roof (PMR) assemblies deliver thermal efficiency and can play a valuable role in a sustainable design strategy. Presented in this course is a review of the components, advantages, ballast options, and design and installation considerations of PMR assemblies.

  • ( ~ 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 ) 

    Cooktops are manufactured and classified by construction type and method of heat energy transfer. This course reviews the operation, control, performance, and efficiency of induction cooktops in comparison to their gas and electric counterparts, and shows how induction cooktops can be incorporated into any kitchen design in residential and specialty-commercial applications such as marine, mobile, military, academic, institutional, and hospitality.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Incorporating nature into the built environment through biophilic design increases occupant well-being, productivity, and health and is an integral component of an ecologically healthy and sustainable community. Presented here is an overview of biophilic design, its relationship to sustainability, and its positive human, environmental, and economic outcomes. Case studies demonstrate how rooftop deck systems can contribute to biophilic and sustainable design objectives.

  • ( ~ 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.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Concrete is a key construction material in modern society. As the foundation for much of what we make, it has a substantial environmental impact, mainly reflected in its carbon footprint. This course introduces best practices to make concrete more sustainable and lower the embodied carbon in concrete with its use and application.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Architectural finishes mimic the aesthetics and textures of natural materials without the cost, labor, weight, and maintenance challenges of finishes such as wood, stone, leather, and metals. This course discusses their performance characteristics, selection considerations, and proper installation techniques for interior and exterior commercial applications, including fire-rated assemblies and LEED®-certified projects.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Increased energy efficiency in both new and existing construction continues to be a large factor behind the design decisions we make and the materials we choose to integrate into our buildings. Concrete masonry construction can provide a wide range of benefits. This course illustrates how building envelopes constructed with concrete masonry create high-performance buildings that can exceed energy code requirements.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Le besoin d’évaluer les ponts thermiques dans la conception et le rendement d’un bâtiment a gagné en importance en raison des exigences grandissantes en matière d’efficience énergétique des bâtiments. Ce cours sert d’introduction aux ponts thermiques, aux exigences du code de l’énergie et à l’usage de barrières thermiques conçues pour améliorer l’efficience énergétique de l’enveloppe du bâtiment.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Outdoor shelters not only provide protection from the elements but also add visual interest to outdoor public spaces, and advances in shelter design are changing the way the recreational landscape is defined. This course looks at current capabilities in shelter design, compares pre-engineered to site-built shelters, and focuses on the advantages of using a manufacturer who offers design and engineering services. Sustainable aspects of shelter design are also discussed.

Displaying 51 - 75 of 405 results.

FIRST PREV [1-25] [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] NEXT LAST