1 hour

Acrylic solid surface is an attractive design solution, delivering enhanced aesthetics combined with superior properties. This course provides an overview of the characteristics of 100% Acrylic Solid Surface compared to other surface materials, and the driving factors that contribute to its growing role in sustainable design strategies. Also discussed are the manufacturing, fabricating, and thermoformable processes of 100% Acrylic Solid Surface and the related green standards and certification programs.

 1.0 hour

To fully assess the benefits of spray foam and its importance to today’s building industry requires taking a closer look at one of the main goals of architects and building engineers—to create sustainable structures which allows maximum design creativity. With an ability to contour into any space or shape and adhere to any surface, spray foam allows such creativity. This course examines the performance properties spray foam products and discusses advanced design concepts using spray foam

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

 1.0 hour

With the range of ever-evolving uses of cold-formed metal framing, it is important for the building professional to be current with the latest product developments and innovations. This course begins with an overview of steel specification followed by a discussion of a new preassembled double-stud sound guard systems designed for superior acoustical performance. Also included is a review of fire-rated assemblies, including the recent developments and the expansion of UL assembly inclusions for the three different shaftwall studs, (CH-Stud, CT-Stud, and I-Stud).

 1.0 hour

Rain has been cited as the most important thing to control in wall construction. Rainscreen systems have, for over five decades, proven to be highly effective in this regard. Following an analysis of moisture management issues and rainscreen systems, this course then identifies the unique attributes of wood-plastic composites (WPC) for use in rainscreen applications. It concludes with a detailed description of how WPC cladding should be applied and fastened in rainscreen systems.

 1 hour

Concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world, second only to water. Over time, as a result of the build-up of atmospheric compounds in the surrounding environment, concrete will become discolored, stained, dirty and dingy. This course examines photocatalytic technology in concrete and the benefits this technology offers in accelerating the self-cleaning and pollution abatement properties of concrete, while maintaining the same mechanical and physical properties of traditional concrete.

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

 1 hour

Electrical devices impact the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants, so proper specification is critical. This courses looks at electrical devices and the safety issues associated with them. The course includes discussions on the features of duplex receptacles, hospital grade receptacles, GFCIs and other electrical devices, and also discusses updated UL requirements and NEC codes.

 1 hour

Expansion or modification of electrical cabling is rarely considered yet occurs during the lifetime of most buildings. Expansion of in-wall cabling requires additional work and trades, but cable trays facilitate removal and addition of cabling. This course reviews of two types of cable tray—ladder tray and wire mesh tray—their components, characteristics and applications, and code related installation information.

 1.0 hour

Electrical systems that deliver access to permanent power and enable device connectivity are critical components of the design and operation of high performance buildings. Today’s mobile technology means people can connect and move freely between the indoors and outdoors, and integrate their social and work lives, anytime, anywhere. This course examines permanent outdoor power delivery offerings , including charging stations and in ground power boxes, that support the growing demand for connectivity and data and audio visual communications in outdoor spaces and help to create an outdoor environment that promotes longer stays, stimulates creativity, and increases productivity.

 1.0 hour

Fundamentally, a building envelope functions as an environmental separator, and has specific hygrothermal control requirements. This course examines how insulated metal panels (IMPs) create the perfect envelope solution, incorporating the same control layers as site built wall systems. Discussions include: building envelope design; perfect/universal walls; and the use of IMPs to provide the building envelope’s exterior finish, and the air, vapor, water, and thermal barriers.

 1 hour

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.

 1 hour

The triple bottom line approach to sustainability requires thinking of the world as an interconnected system of economic, environmental, and social well-being. Choices can be made to select home furnishings made from durable, recycled, recyclable, rapidly renewable, and/or reclaimed materials from companies who work to improve the lives and livelihoods of others. This course looks at recycled copper, sustainably made concrete, FSC®-certified bamboo, and reclaimed wood used in bath fixtures and furniture handmade by skilled artisans.

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

 1 hour

Energy codes are appearing on the Federal, State, and Local level in an effort to reduce energy consumption, save consumers money, and reduce CO2 emissions. Whether new or existing, energy codes play an important role in the buildings we design, build, and ultimately live, work and play. This course examines the lighting requirements and provisions of the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010 and the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code®, and identifies plug and lighting control strategies for energy efficiency.

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

 1.0 hour

At first glance, a living wall biofilter appears as a vertical, hydroponic green wall of plants. However, it is an active filtration system that is an integrated part of the air handling system for a building. This course explains how living wall biofilters improve indoor air quality, enhance building performance, and create healthier, more pleasant indoor environments.

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

 1 hour

Water is essential to life on Earth. We use it every day for drinking, cooking, cleaning, irrigating, and much more. And while it is such an important part of our lives, we are facing mounting issues when it comes to droughts, flooding, and the systems and infrastructure by which we receive our water. This course covers local and global water supply and demand issues, our current water infrastructure systems and where they are failing, and new technologies and innovations that are helping create more sustainable water solutions for the future.

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

 1 hour

Where quartz surfacing can be used is largely a matter of vision. The material itself is versatile and suitable for various applications. This course discusses quartz surfacing in terms of its performance capabilities, sustainable attributes, and endless design possibilities for both residential and commercial construction and design applications.

 1 hour

Passive firestop systems help prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and toxic gas through openings in fire-rated construction created by penetrations and gaps between walls or floors/ceilings in fire-rated construction. The firestopping of openings in fire-rated construction re-establishes the integrity and fire rating of a wall, floor, or assembly, and aids in the protection of escape routes. This course identifies the main through penetration firestop technologies, evaluates the materials and products that are used to firestop through penetrations in commercial applications, and discusses industry fire testing standards.

 1 hour

Each year in the U.S. there are millions of fires, resulting in thousands of deaths, tens of thousands of injuries, and billions of dollars in property loss. This course examines firestop systems and their role in saving lives and property, with discussions on testing, technologies, and products that help prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and toxic gases.

 1.5 hour

Fall protection is a major concern for workers who need to operate quickly and effectively at height. This course examines the issue of fall protection and contains discussions on: the need for fall protection; the hierarchy of fall protection; fall arrest systems; and the governing standards and regulations surrounding fall protection.

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

 1 hour

The distinctive look and beauty of natural slate roofing cannot be denied, but it does have its shortcomings. This course explores the history of slate roofs and various slate roofing alternatives and includes discussions on the appearance, performance, and costs of various types of roofs that replicate natural slate, with a focus on composite slate tile roofing, its durability, specification, and installation.

 1 hour

Mortars are utilized to bind masonry units together and fill the gaps between them. Understanding the critical relationship between bricks and mortar is fundamental to a successful installation. This course covers the performance and specification considerations related to the different types of mortar used for masonry construction, including portland/lime mixes, mortar cement and masonry cement.

 1 hour

Rainscreens are a multi component system offering offer redundancy in resisting the weather, however, continuity of each component is critical. When an insulated metal panel (IMP) is used within the system it can function as a number of these components, simplifying installation and improving performance. This course looks at IMPs acting as barrier walls behind various rainscreen systems, with a discussion on the performance characteristics for air, water, vapor, and thermal management.

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

 1 hour

Rubber roofing is roofing material which contains natural rubber, often recycled tire-derived rubber, as its key or major ingredient. It often contains other ingredients such as compatibilizers, stabilizers, UV (ultraviolet light) inhibitors, and color which make it suitable for sloped roof applications. Recycled rubber roofing has a significant ecological impact today, as well as in the future when it can be recycled again and made into new roofing material. This course illustrates the environmental and performance benefits of rubber roofing and discussed why it facilitates fast and easy installation.

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

 1.5 hour

Provides an overview of how designers and engineers have moved from their basic 2D environment, into a highly intelligent, collaborative world based in the cloud. Design, construction, and building maintenance will never be the same.

 1.0 hour

Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are lightweight composite exterior wall and roof panels with superior insulating properties. Commercial and industrial buildings benefit from their energy efficient insulation, lightweight construction, durability, and cost-effective, timely installation. This course discusses IMPs in terms of their design options, appropriate support structure, installation, function, code compliance, and warranties.

 1.0 hour

Sustainability in construction and operation is becoming the new normal and the cleaning industry has responded by offering products for restroom facilities that are as energy-conserving and as environmentally-friendly as possible. This course provides an overview of the hand-drying options that are available for commercial restrooms, including the economic and environmental benefits of high-speed, energy-efficient hand dryers.

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