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

 In order to download this course, a USD $100.00 fee must be paid.

This course is Part 1 of two courses aimed at helping contractors get organized, be proactive, and to work efficiently on LEED projects. Part 1 covers proposal preparation for LEED projects and general documentation principles, and also provides some recommendations and best practices for bidding and award during preconstruction.

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

 In order to download this course, a USD $50.00 fee must be paid.

This session will begin with an explanation of the importance of energy efficiency, particularly with today's evolving grid portfolio. Attendees will be provided with an overview of the energy modeling process and a methodology for integrating it into the design process. They will also learn about a variety of ways to think about improving energy performance in building design. Using a medical office building as a case study, the session will look at a number of appropriate energy-efficiency strategies and will demonstrate how different strategies can be combined to achieve higher performance and value.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

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

 In order to download this course, a USD $50.00 fee must be paid.

Manufacturing companies are seeing an increased demand for sustainable products. This course discusses what drives the requests for sustainable products and how to incorporate sustainable choices within each step of the design and construction phases, including understanding what makes a product sustainable, what to look for when specifying a product and manufacturer, and how sustainable choices throughout the phases can have a positive iimpact on the construction project.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

Millennial consumers are committed to making environmentally sustainable purchasing choices. But what makes a product truly sustainable? This course presents data to show that thermally fused laminate (TFL) and other waste wood fiber products are among the most sustainable building materials on the market. Forest management, the properties that make wood climate positive, efficiencies in the panel manufacturing process, and the criteria and processes behind environmental certification are discussed.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

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

Multiwall polycarbonate is an extremely versatile glazing material with high impact strength, excellent thermal insulation, and long-term light transmission. Compared to glass, it is much lighter and easier to handle, offering considerable savings in transportation, labor, and building costs. This course examines how multiwall polycarbonate systems can improve thermal energy efficiency and increase daylighting within a space, enhancing occupant productivity, health, and well-being.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

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

This course covers approaches to high-performance commercial wall system design, analysis tools, and the pros and cons of different barrier options so you can make the most informed design decisions for your job. We’ll also take a look at current code requirements and testing specifications.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

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

This course discusses the design criteria used in designing energy-efficient buildings using concrete-faced continuous insulation systems for low-slope roofing, walls, and foundations, and concrete structural insulated panels (CSIPs) are evaluated.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

 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.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

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

This course introduces the concept of vegetated and blue roofs as a valuable resource for rooftop resiliency. It covers the different types of vegetated roofs, typical components, how to keep a building dry, and the benefits of vegetated and blue roofs to stormwater management. Specific project profiles are featured as real-life examples.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

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

This course focuses on the ways to improve the accounting of embodied carbon and on considering other performance elements when making product selection decisions.

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

This course dives into the topic of below-grade thermal performance and how to appropriately design for the long term. It explores heat loss patterns; energy code requirements and how they differ by region and building type; insulating best practices and benefits; and considerations for material selection.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

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

Good restroom design includes regard for user experience, environmental impact, good hygiene, and cost over time─hand-drying fixtures are a necessary element of this design process. In this course, we review how new technologies can address the hygiene, dry speed, sound level, and accessibility concerns of a restroom project. We also discuss why it is vital to specify hand dryers with optimum energy and cost efficiency.

Western red cedar's (WRC) aesthetic, economic, and environmental benefits are just some of the reasons why builders and designers are increasingly gravitating to this species of wood. Presented here are modern, historical, and cultural uses of western red cedar, as well as its performance characteristics, grade specification, and finishes. Also discussed are sustainable forest management practices and certification agencies, and how sustainably sourced wood can contribute to LEED® credits.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

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

This course introduces the concept of biophilia—the human desire to connect with nature—and examines how paint, coatings, and color can have biophilic effects. The positive impacts of biophilic design on health, well-being, and workplace productivity are reviewed. The environmental benefits of paint are discussed, and an overview of color trends and influences within a biophilic framework is presented.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

The construction industry utilizes green construction standards or rating systems to guide and quantify the benefits of sustainable design. This course introduces basic green construction concepts, two prominent green building rating systems, and building product transparency tools with special attention given to how tile and tile-setting products can contribute toward certification.

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

Beneficial acoustic environments are especially important in healthcare facilities as inappropriate acoustics can be damaging to patients and stressful and tiring to staff. Because a beneficial acoustic environment plays an important role in supporting health, safety, and well-being for all occupants, acoustic issues are now a key component of healthcare design guidelines. This course explores the impacts of acoustics on healthcare, outlines the relevant acoustic standards and guidelines, and describes the methods by which designers can address the issues and improve healthcare facility conditions for patients, families, and healthcare workers.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

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

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.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

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

Hybrid heat pump systems and hybrid heat pump geothermal systems can deliver better heat recovery capabilities than a traditional system to provide energy savings and operational benefits. This course examines the operation of these systems and discusses the benefits for the building owner, the occupants, and the budget.

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

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

Prerequisites:No

Course Level:Introductory

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

Heat loss in buildings is largely attributed to poorly performing windows and walls. Fiberglass windows and doors and cladding support systems contribute to superior building envelope thermal performance. Presented here is the impact of windows on building performance, the characteristics that make fiberglass windows thermally efficient, and how fiberglass cladding support systems mitigate thermal bridging, improving energy efficiency.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

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

Sustainable design and green practices have raised consumer awareness about the potential dangers lurking in buildings and homes from products such as paints and coatings. Environmental sustainability has influenced architects and interior designers to approach their projects in ways that boost health, lower consumption of nonrenewable resources, and minimize waste. This course looks at the evolution of sustainable design, ways to measure the environmental impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), how paints and coatings can contribute toward satisfying LEED® credits, and how these products may play a role in designing for well-being.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

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

Over time, urban parks and other open landscaped areas are being lost to development. One solution to mitigate this issue is to reconsider undeveloped areas such as building roofs to create green amenity spaces. Amenity decks can provide some alleviation of lost green space, while affording developers the potential to monetize underutilized spaces in their buildings and provide an advantage over older buildings to attract tenants.

Prerequisites:No

Course Level:Introductory

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

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.

Prerequisites:No

Course Level:Introductory

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

Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are not created equal; they have different capabilities to accommodate the varying needs of EV drivers. Presented here are the types of EV charging stations and their suitable applications, followed by an in-depth discussion of DC fast charging solutions, their benefits, and charging station site planning and design considerations and guidelines.

Prerequisites:No

Course Level:Introductory

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