Most of us don’t plan our environments to accommodate unforeseen changes in ability or even age-related limitations. But when change occurs, our environments can hinder our day-to-day living. Universal design adds value regardless of where people are in their lives and allows people with a range of abilities to live in comfort. In this course, we’ll look the guiding principles of Universal Design and some innovative and highly functional kitchen and bath solutions.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

The issue of safety is a prevalent theme in today’s society, and protecting the built environment has become a priority. This course examines the material specifications, industry standards, hardware options, installations, and application considerations necessary to design and specify exterior pedestrian steel gates.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

Thermally controlled environments such as cold storage freezers and coolers, and food processing and packaging facilities take many different forms. Their performance and functionality depend on their project-specific requirements and can be affected by the conditions the materials and systems are subjected to. This course discusses how insulated metal panels (IMPs) perform the necessary functions to provide an effective energy-efficient building envelope and why they are suitable for use within temperature-controlled hygienic environments—where performance is critical.

A green roof can be defined as an artificial landscape on a rooftop, consisting of plants, growing media, and drainage over a waterproof membrane. That said, there are a variety of green roof types, each meeting different needs. In this course, we’ll look at green roof design considerations, policy, system types and installation, including specifying a green roof for single-source warranty.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

Bollards are a cost effective means of protecting people and infrastructure from damage and injury. This course examines rebounding bollards and includes discussions on the various types of bollards, the benefits of using rebounding bollards in various applications, the components of bollards, and design considerations.

Lack of secure bicycle parking and storage is one of the top barriers to increased bicycle ridership. However, there is much more to selecting functional and appropriate bike storage than installing a few racks at the building sidewalk. This course examines best practices for bicycle racks and shelters for indoor and outdoor bicycle parking and storage, including typical municipal guidelines and regulations, incentives, guidance on shelters, and rack planning and design.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

Parks, recreational areas, and common rural and urban spaces can be essential relaxing oases. Pathways that navigate through these public spaces should be functional, durable, and complement the natural environment. This course explores pathway materials and focuses on decomposed granite (DG) and natural aggregates. It discusses the types of pathways, their applications, installation and maintenance, as well as their contribution to green design.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

Centralized mail and package delivery is often a last-minute consideration that causes confusion due to the various compliance and accessibility requirements needed to complete the installation. This course is designed to demystify the process by providing a clear explanation of several mailbox installation specifications, accessibility standards, and design strategies.

Stairs are a primary means of egress, exit, and floor-to-floor access for buildings with multiple floors or a change in rise. Metal stair systems designed for commercial and industrial applications can be fabricated out of steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum. This course evaluates types of pre-engineered steel stair systems and includes discussions on advantages, class, fabricator vs. manufacturer, railings, stair flight and landing construction, connections, and building code requirements.

Advances in technology are no longer confined to communications or transportation; they have spilled over into our homes, in appliances, fixtures, and water delivery. Today's water delivery innovations improve functionality, and are changing the way people interact with their faucets. This course addresses the types of water delivery solutions in the kitchen and bathroom, and outlines three design considerations for selecting a water delivery option.

Increased energy efficiency in both new and existing construction continues to play a large factor behind the design decisions we make and the materials we choose to integrate into our buildings. Concrete masonry construction can provide a wide range of benefits. This course illustrates how building envelopes constructed with concrete masonry create high-performance buildings that can exceed energy code requirements.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 not only mandated designing for the disabled but also raised awareness of the issues involved and led to an even broader approach referred to as universal access. Complying with the ADA involves implementing the many details that make the difference between an accessible environment and one that is not. This course explains how locker installations should be designed to incorporate such details in order to be both ADA compliant and fully accessible. The explanation includes numerous drawings and photos of ADA-compliant lockers and locker components.

The green building movement is gaining momentum worldwide, resulting in stricter regulations regarding the energy efficiency of structures. Conventional construction methods can’t always meet these demands and more innovative and thermally efficient building products are required. This course will focus specifically on thermal bridging, how it affects the overall efficiency of a building, and how it can be effectively addressed.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a molded, lightweight, resilient, foamed plastic that is used in a variety of construction products. The impact-absorbing and structural properties of EPS provide a unique advantage over alternative materials. This course provides a review of EPS insulation, EPS geofoam, and ICF/SIP building system solutions produced using sustainable EPS manufacturing processes. Applicable material properties, product standards, and code references are also discussed.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

Plantable permeable paving systems continue to grow in scope and practicality as we search for ways to reduce our carbon footprint, improve water quality, diminish flooding and erosion, reduce the urban heat island from reradiated heat in our cities and environment, and add attractive open space to building sites and neighborhoods. This course looks at plantable permeable pavement system types, their use, and how they can help achieve sustainability goals.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

In the last couple of decades, houses have become progressively air tight due to energy efficiency and cost concerns. While air infiltration and ex-filtration rates have been significantly reduced, the need for an efficient ventilation system has become extremely important. The course evaluates different types of mechanical ventilation systems and discusses why heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems are characterized by a high level of energy efficiency and as an effective means for improving indoor air quality.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

As we become more aware of the levels of toxins in our environment we are realizing that the quality of air inside our homes is just as important as the quality of air outside our homes. This course provides an overview as to why indoor air quality is so important to our health and how to improve indoor air quality by using a balanced ventilation system.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

ICF construction is cost effective and sustainable, and is a superior way to build stronger, quieter, healthier, and more energy-efficient commercial structures. This course explores insulated concrete form (ICF) construction, describing the forms themselves and their construction, performance, and sustainable benefits. Also presented are design guidelines, the installation process, flooring systems, and commercial project applications.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

Green building is about architectural and human performance, and about creating spaces that enhance the user experience. In these regards, LEED v4 and other green programs can drive market transformation. This course demonstrates how LEED requirements are changing to place greater emphasis on materials and health. It also illustrates how new credits with higher standards for health and performance are raising the bar for project teams and the sustainable buildings they design.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

Kitchens have evolved, and so has the role of refrigeration in the home, and there are a variety of factors that are contributing to this change. This course examines the social, economic, and demographic trends that are stimulating the reimagining of the kitchen space. The latest trends in kitchen design are discussed, as is the role of modular refrigeration—a key design element in the creation of functional spaces that reflect the changing domestic landscape.

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 into the technology and benefits of off-grid solar lighting, the 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.

Trash, recycling, and linen chutes must be designed, installed, and maintained to meet NFPA 82 standards. This course addresses trash, recycling, and linen chutes and includes discussions on system components, accessory components, compactors and sorters, and meeting NFPA 82 codes. The program also guides you through a typical installation of a chute system.

Their cost, flexibility, and relative ease of installation are just a few of the reasons why single-ply roofing membranes have seen a growth in popularity over the years. With a focus on commercial roofing systems, this course explores the drawbacks of traditional asphaltic roofing, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of single-ply roofing systems and their attachment technologies.

Time spent on the playground has positive effects on students’ mental wellness, physical health, and academic performance, yet too many playgrounds consist of dark, hot, boring asphalt. This course presents the benefits of low-cost, water-based acrylic coatings to renew and rejuvenate playground surfaces. These solar reflective coatings help protect asphalt and keep it significantly cooler while transforming dull play surfaces into safe, fun, and engaging spaces.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

For those who desire the look and feel of granite, but are concerned about its drawbacks, engineered quartz may be the solution. Harder and stronger than granite, engineered quartz offers a design aesthetic that is different from other surfacing materials. This course provides an overview of the characteristics, features, and benefits of engineered quartz surfaces, as well as a discussion on the related green certification programs.