Sustainable Design Courses

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 452 results.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Fireplaces remain one of the most desirable household features for homeowners, complementing a range of different lifestyles and appealing to a range of demographics. This course provides an overview of electric fireplaces, focusing on their design possibilities, flame technologies, ease of installation, environmental efficiency, cost-saving benefits, and their advantages over gas and wood-burning fireplaces.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Light is fundamental to life, and Earth’s 24-hour light—dark cycle directly impacts our physiology and behavior. Indoors, reduced exposure to daylight and increased exposure to electric light after dark interfere with circadian rhythms. This course examines how circadian rhythms affect human performance, health, and well-being, the receptors in the eye that send visual and nonvisual responses to the brain, the action spectrum for circadian stimulus, and the metrics used to quantify circadian-stimulus light. Also presented are methods for applying circadian-effective lighting systems to satisfy the requirements of WELL Building Standard™ v2, Light, Feature L03, Circadian Lighting Design.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Wood is a sustainable building material that must be properly detailed to reach its full performance and durability potential. This course explores the intricate relationship between wood and water, providing insights into moisture management strategies crucial for achieving durability in exterior wood installations. Discussions include the natural properties of wood, dynamics of wood movement, wood drying processes, rainscreen principles, and designing for wood movement in cladding and decking applications.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Insulation can help increase overall energy efficiency, minimize the spread of fire, manage risks associated with moisture and mold, and improve occupant comfort. Choosing the right insulation and putting it in the right location is becoming one of the most important decisions in design, construction, and retrofit. Reviewed in this course are the features, benefits, and design and installation considerations related to mineral wool continuous insulation.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

    It’s easy to be overwhelmed by outdoor solar lighting specs and components, especially when every manufacturer presents its products differently. Lighting professionals can help clients put these manufacturers on an equal playing field. Providing an in-depth introduction to the technology and benefits of off-grid solar lighting, this course explores why clients choose commercial solar lighting, what components make up a solar lighting system, and the three steps lighting professionals can take to ensure their clients choose a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solution that meets their unique expectations.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    High-performance, fully composite insulated wall panels deliver all the benefits of factory precasting with load-bearing and energy efficiency performance from the lightest, thinnest panels possible. This course describes the makeup and cost efficiencies of composite precast panels, their benefits when made with carbon fiber grid shear trusses, and considerations for selecting among the insulation options. The majority of the course focuses on case studies of successful precast enclosure projects in a wide variety of building types across a range of markets.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course explores the critical role of shade in urban design, public health, and climate resilience. It examines how natural, built, and combined shading systems reduce heat exposure, support thermal comfort, and enhance the usability of outdoor spaces. Through case studies, technical analysis, and planning frameworks, participants will learn how to evaluate shade needs, select appropriate solutions, and integrate shade into parks, plazas, transit stops, and other public environments.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Terracotta rainscreen cladding systems enhance building envelope performance through improved moisture management, reflected in the WELL Building Standard™ version 2, as well as through energy efficiency, structural integrity, and durability. The course examines the manufacturing of terracotta cladding, highlighting responsible clay sourcing and postextraction site reclamation, and discusses performance, aesthetics, and sustainability benefits, including how terracotta cladding can contribute to meeting the requirements of LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C): New Construction. Additional topics include system color, layout, and wall assembly options, best installation practices, and industry standards and tests.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Due to advancements in architectural decorative glass technology, the number of design options available to help designers and architects achieve the specific aesthetics and performance requirements they desire has dramatically increased. This course provides a review of architectural decorative glass including product options, applications, features, and specification considerations. Also discussed is how decorative glass can contribute to sustainable design and LEED® initiatives.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    As impervious land cover increases, so does the need for stormwater management. Concrete grid pavements provide increased infiltration rates, positively affecting runoff flow while decreasing erosion. This course introduces the range of grid pavement and erosion control applications and provides design and construction guidelines. Environmental performance is defined via conclusions from several research projects. Concrete grid pavements require minimal maintenance when properly designed and installed in appropriate applications. This course also includes an overview of how concrete grid paving units can be used to meet a number of LEED® v4.1 BD+C credit requirements.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Exterior shading devices offer a number of advantages that contribute to a more sustainable building, including minimizing cooling costs, reducing peak electricity demand, and controlling glare. These benefits result in greater occupant comfort and improved productivity. This course provides a review of exterior aluminum shading device systems, including the components, finishes, and design and engineering considerations, as well as a discussion of how shading strategies contribute to LEED® certification.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Interior design and fashion design have a natural connection and similarities in process and production. Both have faced new challenges in achieving sustainable results in their projects. This course explores the contrasting philosophies of fast and slow production and shows how to evaluate the true environmental cost of a product. A case study is presented, demonstrating how an artist/designer can collaborate with a product manufacturer to address sustainability through the creation of innovative bamboo-based designs that 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™ version 2.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course provides an overview of types of hybrid vinyl flooring and how they contribute to long-term value through reduced maintenance needs, verified indoor air quality performance, and responsible material sourcing. It examines manufacturing processes, product content, and material transparency that influence consistency, durability, and environmental impact. These attributes can support credit achievement in green building programs such as the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2 by addressing low-emitting materials, responsible manufacturing, and product transparency.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Concrete structures often face some of the most challenging environments, where chemical reactions can rapidly cause erosion and reduced service life. This course explores how acid attack, microbially induced corrosion (MIC), and carbonation compromise the structural integrity of concrete. It covers the origins and damaging effects of these processes, such as cracking, spalling, and corrosion. Learners will discover waterproofing strategies that prevent deterioration through performance-based admixtures that combine antimicrobial and crystalline technologies, along with a visual detection system for on-site verification. Designers will be better equipped to specify protective measures that extend the service life of concrete structures, reduce long-term maintenance, and lower the project’s carbon footprint.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course addresses critical aspects of designing safe and functional rooftop environments. Rooftop deck installation techniques are reviewed, with a focus on adjustable pedestal systems that create a stable platform for a variety of surface materials. Additionally, the course examines how these systems effectively address wind uplift, enhance occupant health and comfort, benefit building owners and businesses, and minimize environmental impacts.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    With office vacancies rising amid changes in technology and the growth of working from home during the COVID pandemic, the practice of converting office buildings into residential spaces such as apartments, condominiums, and hotels has been embraced by communities and all levels of government as a solution to the housing crisis. This course examines the factors behind these conversions, with emphasis on the use of in-wall toilet systems as a solution to design, economic, and sustainability concerns.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course explores insulating concrete forms (ICFs) as part of a sustainable construction system by covering their benefits, applications, and design considerations. The course delves into the structural properties, energy efficiency, and environmental impact of ICFs. Also presented are best practices for integrating ICFs into various architectural projects and a concise overview of installation steps.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    The trend toward more sustainable, healthy, and energy-conserving enclosures has brought building science and moisture management to the forefront of daily conversation for professionals in the construction industry. In this course, we delve into the science behind current practices and explore the role of building envelopes, optimal wall assemblies, and enclosures in vapor, water, air, and thermal control.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    The growth of EV (electric vehicle) adoption is accelerating and the behavior of EV drivers is increasing the demand for electric vehicle charging stations. This education course explains the different types of charging available and their suitable applications, and discusses the planning and installation considerations for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    This course is designed to educate and raise awareness among landscapers and architects to assist them in making correct turfgrass selections for their projects. The focus is on warm-season sod turfgrasses suited for the southern and midsection tiers of the United States. The selection criteria and best practices for sodding and maintaining turfgrass are reviewed, along with an introduction to proprietary cultivars designed to offer improved aesthetics, greater tolerances, and fewer inputs.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course introduces the learner to the benefits and design advantages of porcelain surface material for both indoor and outdoor use in residential and commercial projects. Since it is a relatively new material in the US, we will review its components and manufacture and how they result in a product with exceptional characteristics for human health and durability. We'll also show and discuss indoor and outdoor applications, the variations available for vertical and horizontal applications, and the many design options. Finally, we’ll help the learner understand what is needed to design with this material and how to work with a fabricator.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Noise pollution is excessive environmental noise that disrupts the activity or balance of human life. As urban environments have become increasingly dense, the noise problem has magnified, negatively impacting mental and physical health. Sound is everywhere, but it can be controlled with architectural solutions. This course provides a refresher on the basic science of acoustics and how sound interacts with our surroundings. From there, the course explores various architectural solutions, the technology behind them, and how they are successfully integrated into buildings to reduce noise. Discussion of installation applications addresses sound control options for retrofits and new construction.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    A properly designed roof is a building’s primary shield, safeguarding everything beneath it. Presented are metal roofing substrates, their advantages and drawbacks, and material compatibility. Also discussed are metal roofing configurations, finishes and coatings, and roofing system components. Design considerations, including expansion and contraction, fasteners, climate/regional weather, fire resistance, cool roof designs, and structural weight, are reviewed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course aims to educate learners about the chemistry of spray-applied polyurethane foam (SPF), its various applications in the construction industry, safe handling and installation, and its contribution to sustainable design. The advantages of using SPF are highlighted in terms of its benefits to energy conservation and fire safety. Its role as a high-performance air barrier that satisfies code and LEED® criteria and complies with various standards is also discussed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In light of the recent pandemic and the increasing frequency of wildfires, there is growing awareness around the impact of air quality, particularly in indoor environments. Building systems that manage air circulation and ventilation play a crucial role in supporting occupant health and well-being and can help meet indoor air quality credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction, Interior Design and Construction, and Operations and Maintenance rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. This course provides an overview of indoor air quality (IAQ) and offers strategies for improving it through responsive design and technology.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 452 results.

FIRST [1-25] [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] NEXT LAST