Sustainable Design Courses

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Displaying 51 - 75 of 399 results.

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

  • ( ~ 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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    A number of third-party entities have certified the sustainable attributes of solid surfaces. This course explores those green product certifications in relation to the characteristics of 100% acrylic solid surfaces. It includes an overview of current manufacturing, fabrication, and thermoforming processes, the aesthetics, and the many possible applications and design opportunities for solid surfaces.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Dual-flush wall-mounted toilets help create modern, stylish bathrooms that strike a balance between sustainable water efficiency, flexible design, and space savings. This course compares this style with other traditional types of toilets, discusses how wall-mounted toilets benefit commercial and residential users, and explains how they satisfy the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other accessibility and building code requirements.

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  • ( ~ 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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Solid surface is a popular material choice due to its beauty, durability, and ease of cleaning. Selecting a solid surface depends on the manufacturing process, the raw materials involved, and the material’s sustainability. This course examines solid surface as a decorative material, discusses its characteristics and attributes, and compares it with other hard surface materials

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Natural stone pathways offer functional, sustainable solutions that maximize user enjoyment of outdoor spaces without compromising aesthetics. This course reviews pathway material options in terms of durability, appearance, and financial and environmental costs and benefits. The focus is on three natural stone pathway mixes, designed to meet the permeability, erosion resistance, accessibility, traffic level, and installation and maintenance requirements of any project. Also reviewed are how these materials may contribute toward credits in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Sustainable SITES Initiative® (SITES®) v2 rating systems.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Many communities face challenges related to the presence of harmful pollutants in their drinking water supply. This course examines the issues associated with these contaminants, focusing on lead, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and microplastics. It also discusses the government’s response to providing clean, safe water and innovations in point-of-use filtration systems designed to reduce toxic substances in drinking water and minimize the environmental impact of disposable plastic water bottles.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Net zero energy ready buildings are a popular topic in today's world of climate change. This course explores how energy efficiency has expanded toward exterior wall assemblies, where thermal bridging and thermally broken subframing systems are becoming the new norm.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Today's complex steel structures present numerous design challenges, including the challenge of fireproofing appropriately in order to ensure the safety and well-being of building occupants as well as protection of the structure itself. This course outlines the code and testing standards that inform fireproofing choices and the various passive fire protection products and methodologies that can address a comprehensive range of design challenges; insight into the proper specification of fire protection products as well as their ability to improve LEED® certification levels is also provided.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Adequate water consumption is essential to human health, and many turn to bottled water for convenience or out of concerns about the public drinking water supply. But bottled water presents its own water quality issues along with environmental impacts of disposable plastic bottles. This course explores bottle-filling stations that offer safer, convenient, sustainable hydration in a wide range of applications. Also reviewed are the features, benefits, and installation options of bottle-filling stations and how they contribute to drinking water requirements in the WELL Building Standard™ (WELL™) version 2.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In light of the recent pandemic and the increasing frequency of wildfires, there is growing awareness around the impact of air quality, particularly in indoor environments. Building systems that manage air circulation and ventilation play a crucial role in supporting occupant health and well-being and can help meet indoor air quality credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction, Interior Design and Construction, and Operations and Maintenance rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. This course provides an overview of indoor air quality (IAQ) and offers strategies for improving it through responsive design and technology.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Operable wall systems integrate the indoors and outdoors and define interior spaces, providing flexibility and additional usable area without increasing a building’s footprint. Occupants benefit from expansive daylighting and views as well as quick access to fresh air. This course describes the types of operable wall systems, how they contribute to sustainable design, and the various options and considerations for selecting the correct system.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems have over a half century of proven performance. This course outlines their history and the various types of membranes that have been developed and identifies the individual attributes and benefits of each type. This highly illustrated course also discusses the cooling benefits of white and green roofs, the numerous single-ply attachment and warranty options, and descriptions of sample installations.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Building owners have come to rely on weatherable coatings to provide long-term protection to their buildings. With an increased focus on sustainability, performance, and durability, PVDF resin-based coatings can help architects and painting contractors exceed their clients’ design goals. This course covers the key components and functions of high-performance weatherable coatings and looks at how these coatings contribute to sustainable design.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Standing seam metal roofing has been used successfully in the United States for centuries, and proper specification is key to realizing its intended performance. Examined here are: the factors driving the demand for standing seam metal roof and wall systems; standing seam panel basics; gauge and grade; oil canning; specification considerations; testing standards; and forming, delivery, storage, handling and warranty.

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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 ) 

    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 ) 

    The building envelope is the physical separator between the conditioned and unconditioned environment of a building and provides resistance to air, water, heat, light, and noise transfer. As a thermal barrier, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) offers numerous opportunities to contribute to building envelope performance and indoor air quality in several project types. This course presents the sustainable aspects of SPF, SPF fire and strength testing, and the benefits of SPF in below- and above-grade and rooftop applications.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Lighting is one of the most influential elements of the indoor environment, with far-reaching effects on the human body, mind, and spirit. For architects, designing spaces prioritizing natural light is critical to fostering comfort, productivity, and well-being. This course explores the health and wellness benefits of tubular daylighting systems and their role in creating healthier, more sustainable indoor environments. Also noted are applicable credits in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and features in the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. The course concludes with a review of several case studies.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Uncorrected thermal bridging can account for 20—70% of heat flow through a building's envelope. Improving details to mitigate both point and linear thermal bridges will significantly improve energy performance. This course reviews types of thermal bridges, examines how they appear in codes and standards, and explores some mitigation concepts and principles. Calculation methods to account for thermal bridging in your projects are introduced, and a sample design project is used to demonstrate code compliance.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Stone has long been valued for its durability, reliability, and beauty. Today, natural thin stone veneer offers these benefits with reduced weight, cost, and environmental impact. This course explores its applications in commercial and residential settings, covering aesthetics, performance, and key specification standards. It also examines the sustainability profile of thin stone veneer compared to full natural and manufactured stone, highlighting an industry-wide LCA, responsible quarrying and processing, and how collaboration with fabricators can reduce environmental impact while preserving quality and design integrity.

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  • ( ~ 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.

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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 ) 

    This course explores the critical role of shade in urban design, public health, and climate resilience. It examines how natural, built, and combined shading systems reduce heat exposure, support thermal comfort, and enhance the usability of outdoor spaces. Through case studies, technical analysis, and planning frameworks, participants will learn how to evaluate shade needs, select appropriate solutions, and integrate shade into parks, plazas, transit stops, and other public environments.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Solid surface material is a durable and sustainable solution for custom architectural solutions. Explore the extensive design possibilities of this nonporous, thermoformable material and review key performance characteristics and fabrication guidelines.

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Displaying 51 - 75 of 399 results.

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