The triple bottom line approach to sustainability requires thinking of the world as an interconnected system of economic, environmental, and social well-being. Choices can be made to select home furnishings made from durable, recycled, recyclable, rapidly renewable, and/or reclaimed materials from companies who work to improve the lives and livelihoods of others. This course looks at recycled copper, sustainably made concrete, FSC®-certified bamboo, and reclaimed wood used in bath fixtures and furniture handmade by skilled artisans.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

Driven largely by public interest in minimizing the potential environmental impact of building products, architects and builders actively embrace “green” initiatives and are calling for building product transparency. The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) was developed to address this need. This course examines the EPD and includes discussions on who wants EPDs and why, the EPD development process, the contents of an EPD, and the future of EPDs.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

Vinyl plays a major role in the design and construction of modern buildings, and it contributes to sustainability, wellness and resilience of people and their communities. This course demonstrates the importance of achieving client performance goals using thoughtful, multi-attribute material selection criteria.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

Artisanal handcrafted fixtures and furnishings are not only unique, functional, and aesthetically appealing, they can establish a sense of connection with the maker. Many artisanal handcrafted products are made using traditional techniques that have been passed down over time, often from generation to generation. This course illustrates the value of bridging cultures, combing artisan heritage with innovative design, and investing in the craftsmanship of kitchen and bath furniture made by hand with sustainable and reclaimed materials.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

Recently, custom showers have grown in popularity, offering homeowners an escape from the stresses of the outside world with new options providing the same sense of relaxation that was previously reserved for the bathtub. This course covers the trends in shower design, the benefits of hydrotherapy, and the components and technologies that are available to create a spa-like shower experience for today’s homeowners.

The delivery of water can raise a variety of design issues and opportunities. This course discusses how the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design apply to plumbing products, including faucets, flush valves, toilets, and shower enclosures, and addresses key considerations for creating ADA-compliant restrooms, baths, and kitchens. It also illustrates how all structures, including residences, can benefit from elements of universal design and accessibility features that make a space safer and easier for people of all ages and abilities.

In order to address tile installation difficulties effectively and avoid failures, designers and specifiers must maintain full awareness of current knowledge, practices, and products. This course reviews potentially problematic contemporary tile installation issues along with the industry guidance, methodologies, and products available to address them.

A gas fireplace is ranked #1 as a homebuyer’s highly desired decorative and appearance home products. This course provides an overview of the three steps for builders, architects, and designers to facilitate fireplace design and selection that will increase homebuyer satisfaction, as well as a discussion on the current trends of indoor and outdoor fireplaces.

There are some complex issues involved in achieving ADA-compliant designs in all types of building construction. In terms of bathroom design, it is important to comprehend the ADA standards in order to minimize the risk of injury and to ensure end user comfort and ease of use. This course covers ADA-compliant design requirements for shower compartments and lavatory tops using solid surface materials—from planning and design to installation.

Architects and designers now work on more and more projects with a global reach. A better understanding is required not only of how to specify products anywhere in the world, but how to communicate and conduct business with colleagues in many different countries. Focusing on hospitality bathrooms, this course begins with an overview of global hotel design trends and the product options available, and then provides guidance on business practices and bathroom design preferences around the world.

Most of us don’t plan our environments to accommodate unforeseen changes in ability or even age-related limitations. But when change occurs, our environments can hinder our day-to-day living. Universal design adds value regardless of where people are in their lives and allows people with a range of abilities to live in comfort. In this course, we’ll look the guiding principles of Universal Design and some innovative and highly functional kitchen and bath solutions.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

Manufacturing companies are seeing an increased demand for product transparency. This course discusses what sustainability and Design for Environment are, how transparency documents are created, how they contribute to green building certification, and how investing in sustainability can produce process and operational efficiencies that benefit people, planet, and business.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

Bathrooms can be dangerous places for people with and without physical limitations. The prevalence of bathroom falls amongst persons of all age groups and levels of ability has driven the trend of accessible shower design. Presented here is an overview of how curbless shower pans are designed for durability and safety, and meet the needs of accessible design. Included are discussions on traditional and modern shower pan design and installation methods and their associated drawbacks and benefits. Industry resources and standards are outlined.

This course will focus on the benefits of multi-user, in-lab local vacuum networks for supply of laboratory vacuum in science buildings. The course will review common approaches to laboratory vacuum and consider the relative strengths and weaknesses of each approach. Emphasis will be placed on considerations related to the specification, design, and installation of a “local vacuum network.” Case studies will demonstrate the applicability of local vacuum networks for new and renovated lab space in a wide range of facilities and scientific disciplines.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

Most of us don’t plan our environments to accommodate unforeseen changes in ability or even age-related limitations. But when change occurs, our environments can hinder our day-to-day living. Universal design adds value regardless of where people are in their lives and allows people with a range of abilities to live in comfort. In this course, we’ll look the guiding principles of Universal Design and some innovative and highly functional kitchen and bath solutions.

A rooftop solar photovoltaic system offers myriad benefits to both building owners and the environment; to maximize the benefits, however, it is important to be aware of the potential causes and effects of problems with rooftop installations. This course presents the issues to consider to prevent damaging the roof, voiding the roofing warranty, and incurring additional costs. Solar system mounting options are explored in terms of how they can help eliminate concerns around rooftop installations.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

Advances in technology are no longer confined to communications or transportation; they have spilled over into our homes, in appliances, fixtures, and water delivery. Today's water delivery innovations improve functionality, and are changing the way people interact with their faucets. This course addresses the types of water delivery solutions in the kitchen and bathroom, and outlines three design considerations for selecting a water delivery option.

A fireplace can be the center of interest in a space, be a supplemental heat source, and can help meet green design objectives. This program explains how hearth products contribute to home comfort, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and environmental sustainability. Discussions pertain to how to identify different hearth product categories, and how some types qualify for national green building programs, and why others do not.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

The design of behavioral healthcare facilities should address the therapeutic and safety needs of patients and staff while meeting the applicable codes and regulations. Reviewed in this course are ligature-resistant products developed for patient rooms and bathrooms that strike the balance between providing the safest design solutions while creating a noninstitutional environment.

Luxury does not necessarily equal excess and indulgence. In the kitchen and bath, luxury might simply be a fixture offering a higher perceived value and practicality. In this course, we will define luxury further and look at luxury options in kitchen and bath fixtures and technology.

The plumbing system is an integral part of a healthy home and is required by code to keep the occupants safe. Homeowners are making their kitchens and bathrooms even more hardworking by selecting fixtures and faucets that anticipate their needs and help them to use water efficiently. This course discusses how fixture and faucet function, operation, performance, and placement affect water delivery in the kitchen and bathroom.

Provides an overview of antimicrobial additives that help protect products from degradation caused by microbes, with discussions on types of microorganisms and the array of products that can benefit from antimicrobials.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

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

Sustainability in construction and operation is becoming the new normal and the cleaning industry has responded by offering products for restroom facilities that are as energy-conserving and as environmentally-friendly as possible. This course provides an overview of the hand-drying options that are available for commercial restrooms, including the economic and environmental benefits of high-speed, energy-efficient hand dryers.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

Green building helps preserve the environment and natural resources, and there are a variety of water-saving products available for kitchens and baths to help meet green design goals. This course explores the benefits of green building with a focus on the need for water efficiency, and includes discussions on LEED® certification, specifically relating to green products for the kitchen and bath.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.