Sustainable Design Courses

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Displaying 376 - 400 of 448 results.

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  • ( ~ 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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The savings that water conservation measures can provide are real and practical and offer enormous untapped potential. One of the best ways to boost conservation really hasn’t been thoroughly utilized, yet it’s right here at our fingertips: faucets. This course provides an overview of commercial faucets, including the evolution of the modern faucet, design and installation considerations, and the faucet’s impact on water conservation and green building programs.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Architects and designers are responsible for planning the provision of drinking water in commercial and residential facilities, yet this essential element is often overlooked in sustainable design. This course covers the main water delivery methods (tap, bottled, and filtration systems) and their impacts on the health of people and the environment. Additionally, the course examines multifunctional taps equipped with three-in-one filtration that promote sustainable water delivery and help meet credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    What is wastewater energy recovery and how does it apply to the future of energy efficiency and decarbonization? In this course, we will explore how this previously overlooked source of energy loss from buildings can be utilized to endlessly recover and recycle energy within projects ranging from individual multifamily residential buildings to commercial and industrial applications and even to district energy networks. Wastewater heat recovery and transfer technologies used in small- and large-scale applications are also discussed, with case studies showcasing the practical applications and garnered benefits.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Buildings need protection from cyber as well as physical threats. Building shielding offers several architectural solutions that contribute to the security of both building occupants and wireless systems. These solutions also help reduce unwanted solar heat and glare while providing protection from the elements and people seeking to cause harm. This course presents the security and performance benefits of shielding technology that can improve wireless performance, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort, satisfaction, and safety

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  • ( ~ 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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The interior design industry will play a critical role in meeting the challenges of our increasingly changing world. However, the current practice of design is flawed and becoming increasingly marginalized by standard operating procedures. Business-as-usual approaches challenge effective responses to the diverse and evolving needs of humanity. Life happens in all the spaces we create. Without design, the way we experience living and each other would be drastically different. Beyond outcomes and aesthetics, what would reframing design to consider the diversity of our modern world look like? Learn how it would impact our creative processes and representation of "good design." Join the conversation to explore and see our industry through a new lens that will change the way you see design forever.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Vinyl membrane decking can prolong the life cycle of various building components; however, performance and durability depend on vinyl membrane selection, specification, and installation. Fortunately, vinyl membrane manufacturers can support architects, contractors, and specifiers through all phases of the project to ensure a successful outcome. This course examines walkable, waterproof roof deck membranes and roofing systems and includes discussions on system characteristics, design considerations, and how to properly specify roof deck membrane systems. 

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Daylight is an essential part of our health and well-being, but it needs management. Shading strives to maximize daylight without compromising building occupant comfort and well-being. This course explores the role daylight has within the built environment and its impact on occupants and energy usage, with a focus on how to better specify shadecloth based on factors such as project type, solar optical properties, shadecloth composition, and environmental factors.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Palm is a plentiful but underused resource with many possibilities to enhance architectural design. This course describes the growth, harvesting, and rendering of palm, how it is manufactured into flooring, plywood, and paneling products, and what to consider when specifying and installing. A detailed look at the products available as well as project examples demonstrates how palm products 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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    With buildings accounting for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, the push for greener construction has never been more critical. Sustainable building initiatives are taking center stage as the world strives to reduce emissions. The industry is moving toward adaptive and net-zero buildings, emphasizing energy efficiency and environmental awareness across sectors. Broaden your expertise in energy-efficient and adaptive building design by exploring the role of high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans in enhancing thermal comfort. This course shows why and how to specify HVLS fans as part of initial airflow designs to support sustainable building goals. Learners will discover how to optimize multiuse spaces for greater comfort through effective air distribution, temperature control strategies, and energy savings. By the end of the course, learners will have a solid understanding of HVAC efficiency challenges and solutions that align with LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C), LEED v5 Interior Design and Construction (ID+C), WELL Building Standard™ version 2, ASHRAE, and OSHA standards. This course equips architects and engineers with practical strategies for integrating sustainable, cost-effective airflow solutions into their designs.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Residential solar power generates clean energy, reduces carbon footprint, protects against rising electricity rates, and protects property from outages, but it is only effective during daylight hours. Adding battery storage to a solar system—called solar plus storage—removes this limitation and moves a home closer to energy independence. In this course, we will review the components of a solar-plus-storage system, including selection considerations for residential rooftop solar and DC-coupled solar batteries. The course also reviews the extended system of monitoring and DC charging.

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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 ) 

    Building science experts acknowledge the need for drainage in both vertical and horizontal applications in order to eliminate moisture issues and extend the life of the building. This course examines foundation wall, green roof, and plaza deck applications and discusses the factors that impact drainage, including soil permeability, saturation, land cover, and loading. Flow rate standards are discussed, and drainage composite mat installation is explained.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course introduces architects to the fundamentals of acoustic design and its impact on occupant comfort, communication, and well-being. Participants will explore acoustic principles, including reverberation time, sound absorption, diffusion, and sound blocking, as well as key performance metrics such as noise reduction coefficient (NRC), sound transmission class (STC), and ceiling attenuation class (CAC). The course demonstrates how acoustic systems can be integrated into wall and ceiling designs to support functional, aesthetic, and sustainability goals, including those aligned with the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ v2.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Concrete masonry units (CMUs) are made from dry-cast concrete, which uses less cement and sequesters carbon at a faster and greater rate than wet-cast concrete. This course begins with an overview of concrete products and the differences between dry- and wet-cast concrete, then explores the relationship between concrete and the carbon cycle, recent research into CMU sequestration rates, and the results of mini life-cycle assessments comparing different wall systems. Finally, some practical strategies for further reducing embodied carbon are reviewed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Terrazzo is versatile and durable, comes in a range of colors, and has multiple applications. It can be used in interiors and exteriors and, depending on the manufacturing process, can be customized to fit complex geometries. In this course, we discuss different applications of precast, cementitious, and epoxy terrazzo and the installation requirements, as well as the ability to customize these products to fit different design requirements.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Protected roof membrane assemblies (PRMAs), and vegetative roof assemblies (VRAs) in particular, place extreme requirements on the components below the surface, from waterproofing to insulation and everything in between. Each element must meet specific standards for energy efficiency and durability. This course reviews the benefits and design considerations of VRAs. It also describes the high-performance attributes of VRA components and defines the building code/performance standards and best specification practices for optimal fire, wind, thermal, and moisture performance.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Composite decking supports healthier, longer‑lasting, and environmentally responsible outdoor environments in residential and commercial applications. Explore the sustainability features, performance metrics, and innovative technologies of modern composite decking. This course reviews applicable structural, durability, and fire testing standards and highlights how composite decking may help meet credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ v2.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Synthetic (artificial) grass or turf has improved steadily since its first installation half a century ago, and it is now a sophisticated surfacing system that can be customized to suit specific purposes. This course reviews that development and then focuses on the specifics of synthetic grass suitable for use on playgrounds. This focus includes a detailed examination of its construction, installation, and maintenance, and a number of sample installations.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    In the wake of the green movement, combined with rising energy costs, building sustainability has become an important topic. This course examines how foil-faced polyisocyanurate (polyiso) continuous insulation can function as a multiple control layer, providing a building with an air and water-resistive barrier and a thermal control layer. Additionally, this course reviews building codes and standards for meeting the continuous insulation requirements in steel stud building envelope designs, the benefits of using polyiso insulation in wall assemblies, and how polyiso insulation meets NFPA 285 requirements.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Architectural metal products play a critical role in both exterior and interior applications by balancing aesthetics, performance, safety, durability, and sustainability. This course examines specialty metal products commonly used in architectural design and how material selection, construction type, and finishes impact long-term performance. The course explores suitable applications and design considerations for wire mesh, perforated and expanded metal, textured metal, and bar and plank grating, empowering designers to make informed material selections.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    While frequently chosen for aesthetics and durability, clay brick is not often considered when energy efficiency is a primary concern, even though it historically played a significant role in occupant comfort before the widespread use of HVAC systems. This course discusses the basics of heat transfer, relevant energy code provisions for walls, and how current research by the National Brick Research Center demonstrates the role that brick veneer can play in meeting or exceeding energy requirements in modern wall assemblies.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Quartz surfacing is a man-made material consisting of up to 93% natural quartz crystal. In this course, you will discover the other components behind the beauty, durability, and flexibility of this surfacing material. You will see the composition, production, and quality assurance processes that go into making the material and the resultant attributes and capabilities, as well as the installation basics of quartz surfacing materials.

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Displaying 376 - 400 of 448 results.

FIRST PREV [326-350] [351-375] [376-400] [401-425] [426-448] NEXT LAST