Sustainable Design Courses

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Displaying 376 - 400 of 455 results.

FIRST PREV [326-350] [351-375] [376-400] [401-425] [426-450] NEXT LAST

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Ventilation grilles influence HVAC system performance but can pose aesthetic challenges for designers. Custom grilles made with modern fabrication techniques employ a variety of materials and finishes to create solutions that enhance and fully integrate with architectural interiors. This course discusses the basic mechanics of effective air distribution in buildings, performance characteristics of grilles, grille types, and custom design options.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Sustainable design has become a key responsibility in building practices. The decisions that architects, designers, and landscape professionals make at the early stages of design extend far beyond aesthetics and structure. They shape environmental performance, material life-cycle costs, and occupant comfort. This course explores sustainable design strategies focusing on specialty metals and gratings, with a strong emphasis on performance, life-cycle benefits, specification insights, applicable codes and standards, and real-world results. Specialty metals and gratings are also examined for their structural integrity and appearance, resource efficiency, longevity, and performance attributes that contribute to sustainable architectural outcomes.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are known for their superior heat loss control, moisture and air resistance, and striking aesthetic capabilities. This course highlights how these attributes can be integrated to create beautiful, healthy, and safe buildings. It explains how IMPs achieve air, water, vapor, and thermal control via an advanced and cost-effective single-component system that accelerates construction time and offers design flexibility. The course includes essential design details and case studies that showcase the functional and aesthetic capabilities of IMPs. 

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The growing global population is creating an increased demand for resources. As a result, there is a need to replace fossil-based, nonrenewable building materials with more bio-based materials, such as bamboo. This course describes the properties of bamboo that make it a more sustainable choice, including its fast growth and CO2 saving and storing potential. It also discusses how active bamboo reforestation and the use of durable bamboo products can lead to CO2 reduction across many industries.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Polished concrete combines style, eco-friendliness, durability, and cost effectiveness, making it a standout choice in flooring for architects and building owners. This course explores polished concrete, its benefits, and its role in sustainability efforts. It covers various job types, their specific requirements, the process of using polished concrete, and the importance of mock-ups, protective treatments, and maintenance for long-lasting results.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Exterior trim plays a crucial role in both the function and appearance of a building, which in turn impacts occupant safety and well-being. This course provides an overview of exterior trim functions and common material options available today. Also discussed are product evaluation reports and their role in code compliance; sustainability considerations and embodied carbon; and key considerations for choosing the right trim. Finally, the course applies these concepts to several design scenarios and identifies the appropriate trim option for each.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Explore how environmental noise impacts public health and community well-being, and review effective noise-mitigation strategies using recycled-material barrier systems. This course discusses how sound behaves in the built environment and how recycled-plastic noise walls reduce carbon emissions, divert waste from landfills, and contribute to sustainability outcomes recognized by LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C), SITES® v2, and broader infrastructure sustainability frameworks such as Envision®.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Designing to accommodate thermal movement is just one of the many critical details for the long-term success of a metal roof installation. This course covers the design and specification considerations and architectural details that impact project requirements, as well as the components and the energy-efficient features of metal roofing assemblies.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    At their root, metal roofs and walls made from steel, copper, zinc, or aluminum have a lower environmental impact because of their ability to be recycled and reused. This course focuses on the green aspects of standing seam metal roofs, and in particular, their cool roof characteristics. Also addressed are the implications of heat islands, what constitutes construction of cool roofs/walls and how they work, some rules of thumb for understanding cool metal roofing, roof slope impacts on performance, and codes, ratings, and standards that apply to designing cool roofs/walls.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Architectural railing systems offer safety, durability, strength, and design flexibility for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications. This course provides an overview of the important factors that need to be considered when selecting and specifying a railing system for a commercial or residential building project. Topics include materials and finishes, fabrication and installation, and relevant building codes and standards.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Vinyl is strong and resistant to moisture and abrasion, and therefore is the most widely used plastic for building and construction. This course presents vinyl flooring and its manufacturing process, testing standards, and performance characteristics. The course discusses the environmental impacts of vinyl flooring throughout its life span and its contributions to meeting green building codes and standards.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Third-party environmental product declarations (EPDs), using a life-cycle analysis (LCA) approach, provide a comprehensive analysis and quantification of a product’s sustainability. This course examines how EPDs can inform sustainable site furniture selection and how the use of sustainable site furniture can contribute to meeting various credit requirements of LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction, Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2, and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Restrooms and other plumbing applications must comply with accessibility regulations, but do you know exactly how to do that? This course is a handy reference that explains what codes and regulations you must satisfy, when those requirements apply to new construction and alterations, and how to select and install fixtures to meet accessibility standards and the requirements of the LEED® v5 for Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ v2.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Concrete is often the substrate for both new and existing floors. Transforming the surface into a finished floor is far more sustainable than consuming additional flooring materials, adhesives, and transportation-related energy to install a floor covering. This course discusses the stages and options of the concrete polishing process, recognizes benefits of recent advances in concrete densification chemistry, and provides an overview of the limitations and possibilities for concrete floor finishes.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Sustainable community development (SCD) has evolved to address the significant environmental and climatic changes over the last four decades. It now prioritizes resiliency and adaptability, balances technological and natural solutions, and integrates building design and performance into planning mandates. This first part of the SCD course series highlights the key changes, the nature of resiliency and adaptive planning, and the ongoing and emerging influences that shape and inform SCD today.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are lightweight composite exterior wall and roof panels with superior insulating properties. Commercial and industrial buildings benefit from their energy efficient insulation, lightweight construction, durability, and cost-effective, timely installation. This course discusses IMPs in terms of their design options, appropriate support structure, installation, function, code compliance, and warranties.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course explores key considerations and best practices for installing maple flooring systems intended for sports applications, emphasizing industry standards and recommendations such as those issued by the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA). Durable and long-lasting, northern hard maple floors can support athlete health, safety, and performance by providing a high-quality playing surface. Participants will learn about important factors in selecting materials for maple sports floors, as well as different subfloor and surface configurations. By the end of this course, participants will know how to select flooring that maximizes athlete safety, well-being, and performance while balancing environmental factors that impact the floor’s longevity.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    This course examines LED fixture anatomy, key performance parameters, and how fixtures degrade and fail over time, affecting occupant safety, visual comfort, and long-term lighting quality. We will review performance parameters such as driver reliability, optical performance, material selection, and environmental conditions. Finally, we will see how these concepts translate into practical specification strategies to achieve more reliable, long-term outcomes.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    In the 1920s, aluminum turned the world of metals upside down with its benefits of light weight, strength, fabrication flexibility, and durability. Since then, finishing technology has provided a steady stream of protection and coloring improvements. This course explores the sustainability of aluminum, the anodizing process, and the performance characteristics of architectural anodized aluminum. It includes information to assist in the selection and specification of architectural anodized finishes for aluminum sheet, extrusions, and panels.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    A sound building envelope should be sustainable and provide fire resistance, good thermal performance, and protection from the elements. Mineral wool, fire rated insulated metal panels (IMPs) can improve building performance and contribute to a sustainable design strategy. Included in this course are discussions on mineral wool IMP characteristics and design options, performance advantages, and installation considerations. The course details how fire resistance is specified in the International Building Code and provides examples of fire wall and fire partition construction assemblies.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Contrast therapy, the controlled use of heat and cold, has supported health, recovery, and wellness practices for centuries. This course examines the science, design, and construction of modern contrast therapy environments, including saunas, steam rooms, and cold rooms. It explains how temperature control, material specification, and system design influence safety, hygiene, and performance. The course also addresses how prefabricated systems improve installation efficiency, durability, and indoor environmental quality.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Kitchens have evolved significantly over time, and so has the role of refrigeration in the home; a variety of factors are contributing to this change. This course explores the social, economic, and demographic trends that are reshaping kitchen spaces. It also discusses the latest kitchen design trends and highlights modular refrigeration as a key design element in creating functional spaces that reflect the changing dynamics of modern households.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Dive into the intersection of design excellence and environmental responsibility with this comprehensive course on TFL decorative panels. Explore the intrinsic value of sustainability in the design world, unravel the complexities of the carbon cycle, and uncover how forests and wood play pivotal roles in carbon sequestration. Discover the versatile applications and climate-positive attributes of TFL panels, empowering you to make informed, eco-conscious choices in your design projects. Elevate your understanding of exceptional design, durability, and sustainability, and contribute to a greener, more resilient future.

Displaying 376 - 400 of 455 results.

FIRST PREV [326-350] [351-375] [376-400] [401-425] [426-450] NEXT LAST