Architectural resin panels are engineered to suit the demands of a wide array of interior and exterior applications and offer almost unlimited combinations of color, pattern, and design. This course presents the features and options that allow resin panels to meet design requirements for both function and beauty, and discusses how resin panels may play a role in projects seeking LEED®, Living Building Challenge®, or WELL Building Standard® certification.

This program is intended to give attendees a deeper understanding of air leakage, air barriers, and air barrier systems as a whole for commercial buildings. Participants will learn the main evaluations performed on air barriers and air barrier systems, as well as characteristics of fluid applied, mechanically fastened (wraps), rigid boardstock, and other air barrier systems. Presentation also addresses why air barrier continuity is critical for performance, and common installation mistakes and how to avoid them.

No discussion about a material’s sustainability is complete unless it addresses embodied carbon, the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions associated with the material over its cradle-to-grave life cycle. Changes made to spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation formulations address the impacts of embodied carbon. This course explores the evolution and environmental impacts of SPF blowing agents, the performance benefits of SPF, physical property testing and certifications, and SPF’s potential LEED® v4 contributions. Case studies make evident the performance value of SPF.

You can REQUEST a live event at a convenient time and location for you.

There may be additional events available! See the course details page for more information.

This presentation will review the basics of spray polyurethane foam chemistry, application, safety, code compliance, and building performance.  It discusses safety requirements during the foam application, how spray foam can contribute to improved indoor air quality by reducing air leakage, how spray foam creates a more comfortable environment, and improves a buildings energy efficiency leading to reduced energy consumption and lowering a buildings impact on the environment.

This course will go over how EPDs and HPDs play a valuable role in LEED v4.1 Materials and Resources and the importance of product transparency. It also discusses the changes made in LEED v4.1 under Materials and Resources category with guidelines for using credit substitutions. This presentation will also cover the supply chain, recycled content and benefits of building with steel.

This course defines and explains building science behind the code for the four control layers of the building envelope: water, air, thermal, and vapor. Participants will then explore typical design principles as well as alternative system assembly approaches to exterior wall design. In addition, presentation covers common attachment strategies for various types of claddings, including masonry, rain screen veneers, and applied/adhered veneers.

Today's buildings are responsible for 38% of the world's energy usage, causing the demand for highly energy efficient and durable buildings to increase. One of the key elements in a highly energy efficient and durable building envelope is a continuous air barrier and water barrier system. There are several different types of air barrier membranes that are commonly used in the industry, although fluid applied air barriers continue to increase in popularity. There are hundreds of fluid applied air barrier products currently available and they vary greatly in thickness and formulation. As commercial buildings become more energy efficient and complex, the need for a high performance fluid air barrier system is increasing. This presentation will discuss some of the key differences and performance advantages of these new high performance air barrier chemical formulations in contrast to traditional fluid applied air barrier formulations.

This presentation provides an introduction to permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) systems. An overview of the problem with impervious surfaces and the advantages of Low Impact Development, specifically stormwater infiltration practices through pavement surfaces. The presentation addresses designing for hydrological and structural requirements, and reviews required details. The design approach discussed is based on the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute's PICP design manual. Specifications and maintenance requirements are reviewed along with information on winter performance. Several project case studies illustrate the construction process.

The materials we use have a big impact on the environment, our communities and our health. To select materials wisely, we have to know what's in them and what effects they have before, during and after their use. This course will focus on the key drivers in the market on material health and disclosure, types or reporting tools and what the differences are between them.

There are now three distinct types of sustainable roof solutions: green, blue and white. Designers need to understand the relative benefits of eah approach to effectively select the appropriate system for the project. Understand the standards that are used as the basis for green roofs and their myriad benefits that can be reaped. Numerous case studied will be presented.

The effects of Strom Water during Peak Flow periods in areas serviced by Combined Sewer Systems is a hot button issue all over the United States. Blue Roofs are a useful and cost effective tool for managing Storm Water during Peak Flow periods and can be used to contribute to minimizing Combined Sewer Over-flow.

Solid surface material is a durable and sustainable solution for custom architectural solutions. Explore the extensive design possibilities of this nonporous, thermoformable material and review key performance characteristics and fabrication guidelines.

Selecting a countertop surface today, whether for a break lounge or a reception desk, means weighing the relative sustainability of the choices while considering whether the material meets the design objectives of the space. This course will help you decide whether quartz surfacing does that. We will review its environmental and human health impacts, performance characteristics, and compare it to other options and guide selection and design.

This course delves into the types, composition, performance features, and applications of LVF and SPC flooring designed for durable and aesthetically pleasing solutions for commercial and residential applications.

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

You can REQUEST a live event at a convenient time and location for you.

There may be additional events available! See the course details page for more information.

Many are familiar with the LEED Green Building Rating System, but there are many other options for designers and owners looking to create healthy, environmentally-conscious buildings. In this webinar we will look at two -the WELL Building Standard and the Green Globes environmental assessment program - and how they relate to, and are different from, LEED. Strategies using masonry that can be used to meet requirements in these standards will be highlighted.

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.

This course is aimed to define what exactly continuous insulation is, and the key benefits of using it. The course will also show participants how continuous insulation complies with building and energy code requirements within that field.

As urban areas become more dense, land values increase, and the demand for space becomes more challenging, developers are seeking alternative innovative approaches to parking cars that allow a project to proceed while meeting all parking and sustainability requirements. High-density parking (HDP) systems are able to park 30% - 400% more vehicles than a traditional garage in the same amount of space. This course explains the origins, history, and types of high-density parking. The sustainable advantages of HDP systems are examined and design considerations are discussed.

Window opening air and water leakage has been a difficult problem for the construction industry. This course evaluates building failures, conventional construction approaches, and new developments in waterproofing techniques to show a path forward for designers seeking higher-performing wall assemblies.

You can REQUEST a live event at a convenient time and location for you.

There may be additional events available! See the course details page for more information.

This overview of concrete floor basics shows participants how to get the most from finished concrete floors. Along the way it discusses levels of finish, hardening-densifying and other aspects of finished concrete flooring not commonly known. The program also shows how to protect and maintain finished concrete flooring. It includes tips for protecting finished floors from damage during building construction.

You can REQUEST a live event at a convenient time and location for you.

There may be additional events available! See the course details page for more information.

Window films can be used in a variety of applications including solar control, energy efficiency, safety and security, and decorative. Films even provide anti graffiti protection.

This course reviews the science behind solar energy and heat transfer and will help you understand how window film works in different applications. It also looks at how window films can contribute to everything from improving the environment to protecting the safety of building occupants.

You can REQUEST a live event at a convenient time and location for you.

There may be additional events available! See the course details page for more information.

This course will provide an overview of crosswalks, equivalents, alignments and trade-offs of the LEED v4.1 and WELL v2 rating systems as they relate to automated window shades and daylight control.

Identify key improvements in LEED version 4 applicable to fire-rated glass. Identify how fire-rated glass can help achieve LEED version 4 credit points. This course helps architects understand the importance of the sustainability aspects of fire-rated glass. We review HPD’s, EPD’s, LCA’s and LEED points and provide information on what the transparency documents mean and why they are needed to gather LEED points.