Mosaics have been part of our history since 3000 BCE. From the earliest temples in Mesopotamia to modern-day buildings and museums, mosaics are beautiful examples of artwork that reflects life. This course discusses the evolution of the mosaic and examines some of the technological innovations that have made mosaic artwork more accessible. Installation procedures are described, and various case studies are explored.

 This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

Unprotected openings resulting from the installation of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems represent a breach of the fire-resistive floor or wall assemblies. This course examines firestop systems used for maintaining or regaining the fire-resistance rating of a fire separation and includes discussions on testing standards, fire-classified floor boxes, poke-thru devices, and through-wall penetration systems.

 This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

The magnitude and negative impacts of solid waste have become increasingly apparent, especially in regard to plastics and their presence in the oceans. As a result, there have been many approaches to rethinking what constitutes waste and how it can be avoided or used/managed in a more sustainable manner. This course explores these emerging approaches to waste management planning and illustrates them with current examples of solid waste management plans and initiatives from various countries around the globe. In the first part of this course, we’ll dig into the impact of our growing waste problem and some methods for rethinking this waste. In the second, we’ll provide guidance for the design of a sustainable community waste management plan.

 This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

 This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

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.

 This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

 This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

Fireplaces have long been a centerpiece in the home. This course presents an introduction to the types of gas fireplaces and vents, and covers the applicable code and standards for direct-vent, factory-built gas fireplaces. Also included are discussions on the protective safety barrier requirements, test methods for fireplace efficiency, and typical steps for installing direct-vent gas fireplaces and barriers.

 This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

 This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

Insulated vinyl siding, known as insulated siding, is an exterior cladding that combines the protection and low maintenance of traditional vinyl siding with the energy efficiency of EPS foam. The composite results in an improvement in performance and aesthetics. This course discusses the benefits associated with installing insulated siding on new and renovation residential construction projects, and the range of architectural styles that can be achieved with the breadth of design and color options available.

 This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

 This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

Natural fibers have been used for over 2,000 years as a method to strengthen building materials. Cellulose fiber provides an excellent alternative to traditional secondary reinforcement, reducing plastic shrinkage cracks and improving durability, impact resistance, shatter resistance, and freeze/thaw resistance without compromising the appearance or finishability of a concrete surface. This course covers the evolution of fiber, its benefits, and why it is a sustainable material.

 This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

 This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

Before the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, organizations chose remote working to improve productivity, accommodate favored employees, and reduce their real estate costs. When governments ordered mandatory office closures to contain the virus, businesses with little or no experience in remote working were forced online. Until a vaccine is developed, remote working will continue, and firms must look beyond surviving to thriving. This briefing paper presents some key research findings about remote working and productivity. Evidence-based recommendations are made for how these findings could be applied to architecture and design (A&D) firms.

 This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

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

This presentation focuses on four major areas of managing a LEED project team from the general contractor’s perspective. It includes an overview of the integrative process; identifying potential members and responsibilities of the project team and discussing how to implement that process in detail; investigating why the role of a LEED project manager is critical to the success of the project; ideas based on personal experience; and examples of past projects with best practice recommendations for a practical approach.

 This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

 This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

 In order to download this course, a USD $70.00 fee must be paid.

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.

 This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

 This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

Efficient water use and conservation are key parts of sustainable development. Toilets account for the greatest water usage within a residential home (typically 30 percent). Dual-flush toilets are an option to reduce water usage by up to 20 percent while meeting the LEED® v4 Water Efficiency requirements. This toilet option can also be incorporated into accessible bathrooms and use touchless flush plates. The most attractive feature of the dual-flush toilet is that it does not require significant behavioral changes for benefits to be realized.

 This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

 This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

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