Building Knowledge and Connections
Health, Safety, and Welfare
All courses identified as HSW, cover Health, Safety, and Welfare topics and have been approved by the AIA (American Institute of Architects) as an HSW Learning Unit (LU/HSW).
Displaying 1 - 25 of 610 results.
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https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.aecdaily.com/course/1037314
Energy creation, distribution, and consumption are all in a period of transition. Understanding this transition and its benefits is critical to sustainable transitional energy planning (STEP). This course reviews the nature of the transition, the forces driving it, emerging energy systems and sources, and international and national examples. It details the process required for STEP and provides a comprehensive overview of the many renewable energy options now viable for community energy systems. It concludes with a series of illustrated sample plans and projects.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s890069/www.aecdaily.com/course/902019
Coatings are about more than a building’s appearance; they play a vital role in preserving the architectural elements of the façade. This course explains coating chemistries and manufacturing, as well as the role they play in sustainability. The course also offers a detailed look at industry standards and tests that result in coating performance metrics. Specifying the correct coating for a given application can dramatically improve a building’s appearance and its cradle-to-cradle environmental footprint.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s904648/www.aecdaily.com/course/1091537
Fire safety is an important building enclosure design factor and needs to be addressed hand-in-hand with energy code requirements. NFPA 285 is a critical consideration with modern building assemblies incorporating combustible materials in noncombustible construction. This presentation reviews the history and scope of the NFPA 285 test standard and its adoption into the International Building Code® (IBC®). The compliance criteria are outlined, and triggers and contributors under the standard are identified. The course also reviews how the selection of building components such as insulation, air-/water-resistive barriers, and claddings affects the fire performance of an assembly, and solutions and common paths for compliance are presented.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1177978/www.aecdaily.com/course/1228773
Commercial roofs now serve as complex platforms that support an ever-growing array of equipment exposed to significant environmental and operational forces. This course examines the modern code framework governing rooftop equipment securement, including requirements for positive attachment and continuous load paths. Learners review common support practices and traditional attachment methods, as well as emerging engineered anchoring solutions that comply with code requirements and ensure proper equipment securement, ultimately enhancing the roof’s long-term reliability.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s9727/www.aecdaily.com/course/1158278
A high-performance building envelope, such as one made with architectural insulated metal panels (IMPs), serves as the building’s primary defense against environmental elements and protects the health and well-being of its occupants. This course reviews the components and benefits of IMPs, which offer all four control layers—air, vapor, thermal, and water—within a single component, delivering superior thermal performance and high-end design.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s381226/www.aecdaily.com/course/1111932
In today’s building designs, considering the environmental impact of construction projects is of utmost importance. As a result, factors such as durability, installation speed, cost reduction, and long-term value have become crucial aspects of building designs. This course addresses these concerns in the context of nonresidential building renovations, focusing specifically on using state-of-the-art acoustical ceiling coatings as an alternative to removal and replacement with new materials. The course also examines how acoustical ceiling coatings may apply to several credits and features in the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction rating system and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s904648/www.aecdaily.com/course/970291
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.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18795/www.aecdaily.com/course/760575
Fundamentally, a building envelope functions as an environmental separator, and has specific hygrothermal control requirements. This course examines how insulated metal panels (IMPs) create the perfect envelope solution, incorporating the same control layers as site built wall systems. Discussions include: building envelope design; perfect/universal walls; and the use of IMPs to provide the building envelope’s exterior finish, and the air, vapor, water, and thermal barriers.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s681831/www.aecdaily.com/course/1201870
Properly designed and installed rainscreen systems help optimize building envelope performance. This course reviews rainscreen system types, testing, and components, with special attention given to attachment plane considerations that ensure durability and thermal efficiency. Also reviewed are the potential contributions of rainscreen systems to the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. The wide array of metal panel design options presented here demonstrates the potential to create unique and striking aesthetics across a range of applications.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s425610/www.aecdaily.com/course/1112782
Water is vital for life. As we move out of the pandemic, consumers are becoming more aware of their health and are taking steps to maintain healthy, active lifestyles, including drinking pure, clean water. This course explores the importance of staying hydrated and explains how dehydration can negatively affect health and wellness. The course also examines some of the most common contaminants in drinking water and the potential health effects of ingesting such water. Gain insight into how consumer lifestyle trends drive the need for healthier and more sustainable water in the kitchen and beyond and discover how consumers can meet these needs. Finally, learn about some of the newest water filtration systems available for cleaner, healthier, sustainable drinking water in the home.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s727499/www.aecdaily.com/course/1116218
Stormwater management is critical in an era when severe storms and sewer overflows are increasing in many areas. In urban contexts where open space is at a premium, using on-structure bioretention planters can be the ideal approach. This course explores the benefits of bioretention and how bioretention planters reduce peak flows and improve water quality. The course also discusses how bioretention planters should be designed, can perform as amenities, and contribute to meeting the requirements of green building certification programs.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s5654/www.aecdaily.com/course/1091501
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.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s9572/www.aecdaily.com/course/1222430
Water infiltration can severely compromise the health and durability of concrete structures. Selecting the right waterproofing strategy is critical for withstanding environmental stressors and increasing the lifespan of the concrete. This course identifies traditional types of waterproofing materials and their applications. Innovative waterproofing solutions, such as crystalline topical coatings and admixtures, are examined in depth, including discussions of water penetration, system selection, and durability.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s632921/www.aecdaily.com/course/836218
Redwood Timbers are a safe, strong, and sustainable option for exterior and interior building projects where natural wood is desired. This course provides an overview of the properties of Redwood Timbers including insulation properties, grades, dimensions, fasteners, finishing options, and strength. It concludes with numerous case studies exploring the use of Redwood Timbers for post and beam construction, decorative elements, deck posts, and outdoor living structures.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s792355/www.aecdaily.com/course/803054
Homeowners are looking for alternatives to traditional cladding materials that are affordable and long lasting and require little or no upkeep. Advances in technology and manufacturing techniques mean cellular PVC cladding products can meet all these requirements without sacrificing aesthetics. This course reviews the benefits of cellular PVC as a cladding material and discusses how cellular PVC rebutted and rejointed (R&R) prefinished shingles can provide the look and feel of wood shingles with an extended level of durability and low maintenance.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s677063/www.aecdaily.com/course/1237068
This course explores the design, construction, and performance of insulated concrete panel (ICP) systems as a high-performance wall assembly. Through an overview of wall details and assemblies, participants examine how ICP systems address structural, thermal, moisture, fire, and acoustic performance while meeting applicable code requirements and improving constructability and energy efficiency. Case studies illustrate how these principles are applied in practice to support durable, sustainable building design.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s6403/www.aecdaily.com/course/481752
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.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s425610/www.aecdaily.com/course/1151146
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.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s796722/www.aecdaily.com/course/961769
Synthetic or artificial grass bears virtually no resemblance to its early version produced over fifty years ago. The current product is much more aesthetically pleasing, safer, softer, and durable, made with environmentally friendly materials, highly customizable to suit many indoor and outdoor uses, and recyclable and nonflammable. This course details the many sustainable attributes of this material; its benefits, construction, and certifications; and numerous sample installations.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s445448/www.aecdaily.com/course/1197900
This course introduces acetylated wood as a sustainable building material, exploring its origin, modification process, and environmental benefits. Participants will learn how acetylation enhances wood durability, stability, and resistance to decay—extending its service life and reducing maintenance. The course highlights how acetylated wood supports green building goals through renewable sourcing and nontoxic treatment and may help meet credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, the WELL Building Standard™ version 2, and the Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2. Real-world case studies demonstrate its use in architectural and preservation projects, offering practical insights into sustainable design applications.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s10100/www.aecdaily.com/course/1159231
This course examines the design and benefits of pre-engineered trench drains in a sustainable wastewater management system. Discover how they effectively manage water runoff, prevent ponding, and enhance safety in transportation, industrial facilities, and public spaces while supporting sustainable practices. Explore system types, maintenance strategies, and performance optimization, along with guidance on funding and compliance. Gain the knowledge to implement smarter, safer, and more efficient water management solutions in your next project.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s525798/www.aecdaily.com/course/1067121
Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly becoming ubiquitous. To serve them sufficiently, there must be a massive expansion of car charging options, and that infers that planners and designers must create those options and opportunities now. This course examines the current trends in, and predictions for, EV chargers, the various types and their attributes, where and how they might be installed for maximum effectiveness, and the programs and incentives that apply to both EVs and their charger requirements.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s4860/www.aecdaily.com/course/1108432
Stucco is a popular and durable finishing material that offers many benefits, combining safety and affordability while satisfying aesthetic needs. It can be applied to various surfaces using a lath system, which provides support for stucco. However, the quality of the stucco lath embedment can greatly affect its performance. This course covers the proper technique for achieving lath embedment, the different types of metal lath and their various applications, and regional material preferences.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s3515/www.aecdaily.com/course/969656
The potential for scalding from point of use hot water affects all of us. While the very young and the very old are more susceptible, no one is immune from scalding danger. An understanding of the potential for scalding, as well as the physiology of burns from hot water, can guide our design choices and significantly reduce the danger to people using facilities that commonly supply hot water, such as lavatories, baths, and showers. This course discusses the potential for scalding, the physiology of burns due to hot water, and who is most susceptible. It also discusses the relevant codes and the fixtures available to designers that can help reduce scalding and burn potential.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s2356/www.aecdaily.com/course/957597
Main entrance air curtains are used by architects and engineers in commercial, institutional, and industrial settings to both improve energy efficiency and protect occupant comfort and well-being. This course reviews the research that led to air curtains being approved as an alternative to vestibules in ASHRAE 90.1-2019 and other building codes, as well as how air curtains on main entries contribute to sustainability goals around energy conservation, public health, and indoor air quality.
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