Sustainable Design Courses

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 422 results.

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

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Wood is not only visually appealing; it plays a vital role in shaping acoustics. This course examines the acoustic properties of wood and its applications in wood-based architectural solutions, focusing on how acoustic wood products can help control noise in commercial and residential environments. Also reviewed is how these products support sustainable design objectives, including their role in meeting the criteria of the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, as well as the WELL Building Standard™ v2. The presentation features design strategies and case studies that illustrate the effectiveness of acoustic wood products in achieving superior performance.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course explores the impact of construction materials and manufacturer transparency on health and environmental sustainability. It emphasizes the architect’s role in influencing these outcomes through product specification. Health product declarations (HPDs), environmental product declarations (EPDs), and life-cycle assessments (LCAs) are examined for their contributions to informed decision-making and alignment with green building frameworks such as the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL™ Building Standard v2. A prefabricated fireproofing product serves as a real-world case study in documentation.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Infrared patio heaters sustainably increase safety and comfort in outdoor entertaining areas. There are many variables in creating ambient warmth, and the effectiveness and cost of heating an outdoor space depend on the design of the selected heating option. This course looks at the available outdoor heating options and their sustainability profiles, focusing on the types, color choices, mounting methods, and control options of electric infrared heaters. It includes a review of the steps required to select the best solution.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Concrete is a key construction material in modern society. As the foundation for much of what we make, it has a substantial environmental impact, mainly reflected in its carbon footprint. This course introduces best practices to make concrete more sustainable and lower the embodied carbon in concrete with its use and application.

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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 ) 

    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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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course explores how multifunction tap systems combine a selection of filtered boiling, chilled, and sparkling water within a single, energy-efficient fixture. Learners will examine how this innovative solution supports healthier, more sustainable living and working environments and review real-world commercial and residential applications, highlighting the tap’s aesthetic versatility and impact in modern, design-conscious settings. 

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Today’s sectional overhead doors are more sophisticated than ever. Options include high-strength glazing for security and insulated steel sections for increased energy efficiency and durability. Code requirements for safety in high wind-load areas, impact resistance to hurricanes, and reductions in air transmission have led to improvements in door technology and hardware. This course examines a range of safety and security options for architects to consider when designing and specifying sectional overhead doors.

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  • ( ~ 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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Kitchen and bathroom sinks serve as both functional necessities and design focal points, seamlessly integrating into a variety of architectural styles and design visions. Participants will explore sink materials and design considerations to enhance safety, sustainability, accessibility, and user experience. The course provides an overview of commercial and residential applications and trends and strategies for incorporating sinks into building design.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Well-designed and detailed skylight systems can significantly improve both building and occupant performance. This course explores the benefits, techniques, and importance of daylighting systems that utilize high-performance skylights to optimize daylighting benefits, avoid negative impacts, and contribute positively to building, occupant, and envelope performance. It examines how daylighting with skylights can help meet the requirements of the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL v2 Building Standard™.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Building a stronger connection with nature is critical for humans to maintain health and well-being. Composite wood decking is a durable, environmentally sustainable product that can help build links with nature through applications including home outdoor rooms, roof gardens, healing spaces, and public boardwalks in green spaces.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) wallcoverings are used in commercial interiors for their durability and long‑term performance in demanding environments. This course examines how PVF functions in high‑traffic settings, including hospitality, healthcare, retail, restaurants, and multifamily applications, where surface resilience is a key consideration. The course also evaluates wallcoverings designed to resist wear and microbial growth, supporting hygienic conditions and consistent design performance in demanding applications, and possible contributions toward 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 ) 

    Vinyl is suitable for many building materials and is often the best selection when durability, aesthetics, and value are vital. This course is intended to help designers and specifiers make the most informed decisions about vinyl product selection. It describes the realities and improvements of today’s vinyl product manufacturing, discusses the latest information about the safety and sustainability of vinyl products, and presents a verification standard for responsible vinyl manufacturing.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Single-skin metal siding can be used for a wide range of projects, from commercial buildings to educational, healthcare, residential, agricultural, and even high-end architectural designs. These siding panels can also contribute to green designs and certification programs. This course explores the different types of single-skin metal siding, specification details, and performance and design considerations.

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  • ( ~ 30 minutes ) 

    As cities continue to grow, incorporating synthetic surfacing into rooftop spaces offers a safe, practical, and innovative solution to creating more livable, attractive, and resilient urban environments. The course explores synthetic rooftop surfacing, including its applications; environmental, health, and safety benefits; and product, manufacturer, and installer certifications. Also discussed is how synthetic turf can contribute to achieving certification in LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction, Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2, and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Protected membrane roof (PMR) assemblies have been widely adopted in low-slope commercial buildings since the late 1960s. Also known as inverted or upside-down roofs, PMR assemblies move the waterproofing membrane from the top of the roof assembly to the surface of the structural deck. This course explores how PMR assemblies provide several advantages over conventional roof assemblies, offering superior protection against water penetration and enhanced energy efficiency. The course also shows how PMR assemblies allow for the creation of green roofs or blue roof systems. With a proven record of reliability, PMR assemblies present a compelling solution for architects seeking innovative, sustainable, and efficient roofing options.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    While providing fresh air intake and exhaust, reducing noise, and keeping out unwanted water and debris, louvers can also provide architectural style to a building design. This course discusses the aesthetics, performance, and weather resistance features of a variety of louver designs from the basic to the extreme. A discussion about the industry standards and test protocols for louver performance is included.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    While natural wood has traditionally been viewed as an ideal material for decking boards and tiles, wood-plastic composite (WPC) has emerged as a durable, easy-to-maintain, and sustainable alternative. This course provides insights into the advantages of composite decking, especially fully capped products, and explores topics including its environmental benefits; contribution to occupant wellness and safety; resistance to fading, staining, and other potential defects that decking experiences; various applications; and attractive aesthetics.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Low Impact Development (LID) has several advantages over traditional stormwater management approaches. Since impervious pavement is the main source of stormwater runoff, LID strategies recommend permeable paving for hard surfaces. The course discusses LID, its goals and principles, and how they are achieved. It provides an overview of permeable pavements, and more particularly, plastic permeable grid paver systems and how they support LID goals.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Air barriers improve the health and comfort of building occupants, improve energy efficiency, and prevent premature degradation of materials, increasing the structure’s life cycle. A successful air and moisture barrier system means under-slab, below-grade, and above-grade systems must work together to provide a continuous barrier. This course looks at above-grade air barrier systems and their types and components. Continuity and compatibility, specification, and installation challenges are also considered.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The United Nations has set 2030 as the deadline for member nations to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The construction industry has set complementary goals, including the AIA 2030 Commitment to reach net zero emissions in the built environment by 2030. This course discusses how circular economy building products are necessary to achieve sustainable design goals and presents the case study of Kohler WasteLAB, a small manufacturing business within Kohler Company that creates beautiful products for the home from waste.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The planet is currently in a water scarcity crisis, which is significantly affected by toilet water usage. This course examines the current plumbing codes, standards, and regulations that address toilet water usage, the need for and benefits of going beyond current standards, and the goals of a variety of beyond-the-code voluntary standards and rating systems, such as LEED v4 BD+C and ICC 700 National Green Building Standard®. It explains the various types of low-flow and ultra-low-flow toilets, their pros and cons, and their selection criteria. It concludes with a sampling of successful cost- and water-saving installations.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Building owners have come to rely on weatherable coatings to provide long-term protection to their buildings. With an increased focus on sustainability, performance, and durability, PVDF resin-based coatings can help architects and painting contractors exceed their clients’ design goals. This course covers the key components and functions of high-performance weatherable coatings and looks at how these coatings contribute to sustainable design.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    For over 50 years, insulated metal panels (IMPs) have supported high-performance building enclosures by integrating thermal, air, vapor, and water control within a single system. This course reviews the building science and fire-safety principles that guide proper IMP use in the building envelope, ensuring occupant comfort and safety. Also examined are standardized test methods for evaluating enclosure performance and comparisons of IMPs with alternative wall and roof assemblies.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 422 results.

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