Sustainable Design Courses

Click here for information on the AEC Daily Sustainability Rating System.

Displaying 1 - 25 of 402 results.

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

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Stairs are often a prominent feature or even the focal point of an architectural design project and play a vital role in creating an aesthetically pleasing interior atmosphere, or an exterior welcoming point to a residential, commercial, or industrial building. This course provides an overview of the many benefits of installing precast concrete stair treads and landings, how to detail and specify them, and how to address related building code, design, and construction requirements.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The beautiful gray patina of zinc architectural metal has graced the rooftops of buildings in Europe for hundreds of years. This course examines the sustainable characteristics of zinc as a roofing material, including its 100% recyclability, zero VOC requirement, and low embodied energy production process. The life cycle analysis of zinc is examined, as is zinc’s long-term service life. Various types of roof and wall applications are also discussed.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 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.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly becoming ubiquitous. To serve them sufficiently, there must be a massive expansion of car charging options, and that infers that planners and designers must create those options and opportunities now. This course examines the current trends in, and predictions for, EV chargers, the various types and their attributes, where and how they might be installed for maximum effectiveness, and the programs and incentives that apply to both EVs and their charger requirements.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 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. 

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Now more than ever, architects and designers of commercial restroom facilities are responsible for meeting or exceeding guest and employee expectations for safety and cleanliness. Presented here are touchless fixtures for public restrooms, how restrooms affect sustainability goals, and the benefits of taking cost-saving measures.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Metal roof and wall systems have long been specified for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings because they have a lengthy history of durability, reliability, and resilience. This course examines the attributes of metal panel systems and the design options that make metal-clad buildings sustainable, attractive, and suitable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    When designing noise control measures for a building, it is critical to look beyond the sound transmission class (STC) and impact insulation class (IIC) ratings in order to create an ideal environment that promotes occupant well-being, protects their hearing, and fulfills the project’s needs. This course provides an overview of noise control principles, construction composites, and design methodologies that reduce noise, with an emphasis on performance-oriented designs requiring third-party acoustical consultants.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The use of sustainable materials and products during building design will become the standard within the construction industry, and environmental product declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) help architects and owners make informed decisions for their projects. Insulated metal panels— a prime example of a sustainable product—are one of the most cost-effective solutions to reduce energy and greenhouse gases.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Adequate water consumption is essential to human health, and many turn to bottled water for convenience or out of concerns about the public drinking water supply. But bottled water presents its own water quality issues along with environmental impacts of disposable plastic bottles. This course explores bottle-filling stations that offer safer, convenient, sustainable hydration in a wide range of applications. Also reviewed are the features, benefits, and installation options of bottle-filling stations and how they contribute to drinking water requirements in the WELL Building Standard™ (WELL™) version 2.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 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.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

    Changing climate and land use patterns have necessitated a greater focus on stormwater management. The trench drain industry has developed in a rather fragmented way over the decades, with each manufacturer using their own unique reference points for dimension, load rating, and other criteria. The purpose of this course is to clear up the resulting confusion and provide best practices and a real-world understanding of the multiple variables at play on the project level.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Modern hydronic radiator systems are an energy-efficient, healthy, and hygienic solution for residential and commercial applications. This course discusses the principles of radiant heating and panel radiators, and how to size panel radiators for residential applications.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Saunas that exude authentic Nordic minimalism and elegance promote wellness, relaxation, meditation, and socialization. There are many different types of saunas for private or public purposes, but a few unique features and finishing options set some sauna designs apart. This course explains why the sauna has a much deeper tradition than wellness and discusses the considerations for selecting a ready-made or tailor-made sauna solution.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Industrial-strength ladders must provide functional safety for users in varied and demanding building environments. Aluminum ladders are up to the challenge of virtually any application thanks to aluminum’s high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and corrosion resistance. This course reviews ladder types and safety considerations and discusses how the sustainability benefits of aluminum along with its other attributes make it an ideal material for heavy-duty ladders.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 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.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    The diffuse light-transmitting and composite technology of translucent structural sandwich panels has increasingly caught the imagination of architects and designers because it is possible to maximize wall or roof daylighting while minimizing energy loss, with consequent savings in the running costs of heating, air conditioning, and artificial lighting. This course explores the fundamental connection between light and health by examining how translucent structural sandwich panels deliver glare-free, diffuse daylight deeper and more evenly into spaces with maximum thermal efficiency.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Building owners value daylighting and views but face security and safety challenges with large amounts of glazing. Thermoplastic sheet products offer a variety of glazing solutions that resist security threats while providing transparency, strength, and durability. This course introduces the grades and characteristics of acrylic and polycarbonate sheet products and discusses how they meet the requirements for protection against forced entry and ballistics.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 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.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 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.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Research indicates that the quality of light directly affects the quality of life in a space; access to daylight and outdoor views promotes happiness and productivity. Reviewed in this course are the features of polycarbonate sheeting systems and how they contribute to energy-efficient daylighting design, as well as the overall health and well-being of the building occupants.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 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.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Many communities face challenges related to the presence of harmful pollutants in their drinking water supply. This course examines the issues associated with these contaminants, focusing on lead, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and microplastics. It also discusses the government’s response to providing clean, safe water and innovations in point-of-use filtration systems designed to reduce toxic substances in drinking water and minimize the environmental impact of disposable plastic water bottles.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 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.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Specialty door and frame assemblies have been developed that are designed specifically for the built healthcare environment where performance criteria are critical. Reviewed in this course are specialty door and frame assemblies that meet the challenges of infection prevention, building cleanliness, patient privacy, and increased security, as well as containment of radio wave and radiation interference in hospitals and clinics.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER

Displaying 1 - 25 of 402 results.

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