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.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

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

Green facades can contribute to building energy efficiency, durability, aesthetic value, sustainability, and cost effectiveness in the performance of ecological system services. This course examines the considerations required for successful green facade installations and includes discussions on system selection, design, plant selection, maintenance, and client/owner education.

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

This course is for anyone working on a LEED project that is pursuing the Construction IAQ Management Plan – During Construction point. This course will look at how teams can work together to make sure the correct documentation is collected and that, ultimately, the plan is being implemented effectively by everyone involved. This will result in fewer questions from reviewers, less backtracking by the project team to collect documentation retroactively, and a less contaminated space for future occupants. This course is applicable to LEED 2009 as well as LEED v4, as this credit has not changed.

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

 In order to download this course, a USD $50.00 fee must be paid.

This course is aimed at Contractors and their trades who are working on a LEED project pursuing the Materials and Resources prerequisite and credit for Construction and Demolition Waste Management in LEEDv4. This course will provide you with tools and resources to effectively manage the construction and demolition waste on your project in order to meet LEED requirements.

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

 In order to download this course, a USD $50.00 fee must be paid.

Electric heating systems have been in use for over a century, and in that period, they have significantly advanced in terms of their efficiency, cost effectiveness, safety, versatility, and appearance. Recently, electricity production itself has become more and more environmentally friendly and economically viable. This course explores how the wide range of contemporary electric heating options can efficiently and economically address virtually every heating need in every building type and thus capitalize on the steadily increasing benefits of electricity to create the most environmentally responsible and economically viable heating solutions.

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

This course focuses on the changing energy codes and how they affect commercial wall assemblies. The new concept of continuous insulation (ci)—and how it is used throughout the codes—is discussed. The NFPA 285 fire test and its role in code-compliant wall assemblies is also discussed for commercial building types I–IV. The thermal performance, physical properties, and compliance attributes of polyisocyanurate insulation are explained, as well as how it compares with some of the other insulation options available.

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

Although NFPA 285 has been part of the building code since 2000, there are still misunderstandings as to how materials and assemblies meet its requirements. This course reviews the types of continuous insulation (CI) options and discusses the advantages and challenges of several CI assemblies that pass NFPA 285.

Continuous insulation (ci) was introduced in the IBC (International Building Code) in 2006 as a new topic primarily in the northern tier climate zones. Over the course of the next two code cycles, continuous insulation has become part of the prescriptive path in all climate zones and for virtually all types of wall assemblies. This course examines different types of insulation materials commonly used as continuous insulation. Attributes that affect material use, installation, and performance within exterior wall assemblies are compared and discussed.

Proper building envelope design, component detailing, and wall system performance are critical in a durable, energy efficient building. One of the key aspects of achieving a highly efficient and durable building is the ability to protect the building from unwanted air and water infiltration. This course reviews the necessity and benefits of air, vapor, and moisture barriers, how moisture makes its way into the building envelope, the negative impact it can have on the structure, and different design options to control air leakage and moisture movement to ensure a high performance building.

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

One of the more complicated issues today in building science is addressing moisture movement, since moisture can penetrate a building in several different ways and result in material degradation, mold, and air quality issues. By knowing and understanding the source of the water and its movement, effective solutions can be developed to eliminate or retard moisture movement. This course focuses on moisture movement below grade and the methods used to prevent and control the different types of moisture movement to provide complete below-slab protection. Industry codes and standards that must be met when specifying vapor retarders/barriers are also discussed.

Cove lighting systems deliver a modern detail to ceilings and walls while providing the evenly distributed, visually comforting illumination of indirect lighting. This course explores the many uses for coves, the basics of placement and construction, and the various features and installation methods for different cove framing options.

Curved elements, such as walls, ceilings, columns, soffits, light covers, clouds, and arches have often been used to add interest to architectural designs. This course outlines conventional methods of framing curves in wood and steel, as well as new methods of framing using flexible track systems. Discussions include options for wall coverings and trims for curved surfaces.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

Concrete is a popular, versatile, and durable construction material, and it has the potential to be very beautiful as well. Graphically imaged precast concrete is a creative, inspiring technology that can be used by architects and designers to create visually impactful building façades and other concrete surfaces. Discussed are the fabrication process, design possibilities, and budgeting considerations. Global case studies present a range of applications of both stock and unique designs.

Around the globe, companies and manufacturers are embracing socially responsible design, construction, and the development of sustainable products. This course provides an overview of sustainable design and the creation of healthier environments in reference to architectural paints. Included are discussions regarding the components of paint, independent testing methods and standards, categories of LEED®, and specification of paint systems for today’s designer.

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

(Canadian Version) Around the globe, companies and manufacturers are embracing socially responsible design, construction, and the development of sustainable products. This course provides an overview of sustainable design and the creation of healthier environments in reference to architectural paints. Included are discussions regarding the components of paint, independent testing methods and standards, categories of LEED®, and specification of paint systems for today’s designer.

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

Tension structures offer a variety of aesthetic, free-form canopy designs available in a multitude of membranes. This course covers the fundamentals of tension structures, including their many benefits, shape varieties, and fabric options. It empowers architects to unleash their creativity in new ways that only the free form of architectural membranes can allow. This course also provides the tools and knowledge to see a tension structure project through to successful completion.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Basic

Electrical systems that deliver access to permanent power and enable device connectivity are critical components of the design and operation of high-performance buildings. Today’s mobile technology means people can connect and move freely between the indoors and outdoors, and integrate their social and work lives, anytime, anywhere. This course examines permanent outdoor power delivery offerings, including charging stations and in-ground power boxes, that support the growing demand for connectivity and data and audiovisual communications in outdoor spaces, and help to create an outdoor environment that promotes longer stays, stimulates creativity, and increases productivity.

An efficient recycling program provides a range of benefits including the potential to save on monthly waste disposal fees. However, recycling programs can vary greatly; therefore, it is very important to analyze your clients’ requirements ahead of time to achieve the best results. This program reviews the purpose of recycling, steps on setting priorities and analyzing needs when setting up a recycling program, considerations for servicing workstations and public spaces, guidance on how to select the right containers, and other tips for improving sustainability efforts.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Basic

Provides an overview of the critical properties that require consideration when specifying underslab vapor barriers and moisture/gas barriers, as well as discussions on the basic installation guidelines to help insure a successful installation.

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

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 comprehensive and beneficial planning approach. This course reviews a broad spectrum of the more effective approaches currently being utilized to convert basic SCP principles into practical projects around the world. The review includes numerous links to the sources of these tools and approaches and includes background on a number of international projects.

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

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.

The shower—once the bathroom’s most unassuming area, solely offering functionality—has emerged as one of today’s most sought-after bathroom luxuries. This course reviews the components and design and installation considerations related to custom showers designed to provide a spa-like experience for today’s homeowners.

Automated-shading systems are designed to maximize natural daylight, increase building energy efficiency, and ensure occupants have a comfortable environment with views to the outside. This course will explain how an automated shading system predicts, monitors, and responds to the daily microclimate surrounding a building to effectively manage daylight, solar-heat gain, occupant comfort levels, and energy use demands.

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

Considering that 90–95% of our time is spent indoors and that 28% of the energy demand in commercial buildings comes from lighting, proper daylighting strategies are more essential than ever. This course describes how to best harness the benefits of natural light without causing occupant discomfort, discusses how to calculate daylighting accurately, and presents case studies on the performance of daylight redirecting films.

Prerequisites:No

Course Level:Introductory

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

In addition to being an effective alternative to artificial lighting options, daylighting provides a wide range of other benefits for the building and the health and comfort of its occupants. This course addresses achieving daylighting in building design using skylights and translucent wall systems. This program includes discussions on the basics of daylighting, glazing options, daylighting methods, creative design, and the environmental benefits of daylighting systems.

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