Sustainable Design Courses

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 450 results.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    As the demand for data center construction and expansion continues to rise, the market for specialty metals—such as perforated metal, expanded metal, wire mesh, and grating products—is poised for significant growth. This course explores the applications of specialty metals, highlighting their role in optimizing the performance, efficiency, and scalability of data center infrastructure, enabling building professionals to meet evolving market demands while adhering to industry best practices.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    A rooftop solar photovoltaic system offers myriad benefits to both building owners and the environment; to maximize the benefits, however, it is important to be aware of the potential causes and effects of problems with rooftop installations. This course presents the issues to consider to prevent damaging the roof, voiding the roofing warranty, and incurring additional costs. Solar system mounting options are explored in terms of how they can help eliminate concerns around rooftop installations.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are known for their superior heat loss control, moisture and air resistance, and striking aesthetic capabilities. This course highlights how these attributes can be integrated to create beautiful, healthy, and safe buildings. It explains how IMPs achieve air, water, vapor, and thermal control via an advanced and cost-effective single-component system that accelerates construction time and offers design flexibility. The course includes essential design details and case studies that showcase the functional and aesthetic capabilities of IMPs. 

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    White roofs made of PVC (vinyl) can reflect three-quarters or more of the sun's rays and emit 70% or more of the solar radiation absorbed by the building envelope. Despite protecting and keeping buildings cool in all climates around the world for decades, misconceptions about the energy impact of cool roofs still exist. This course uses the fundamental science behind cool roofs to address alleged issues concerning the performance of cool roof products.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Direct vent fireplaces are safe and efficient supplemental heat sources in today’s homes. This course reviews the innovative design options for gas fireplaces, including media options, cool wall technology, and safety barriers. Direct and power vent heat delivery systems are discussed, and the impact of standing versus electric pilot lights on energy efficiency is examined.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines how inclusive outdoor environments and well-designed site furnishings can promote health, safety, and well-being for all individuals. While everyone can benefit from being outdoors, many people experience exclusion due to design barriers in public spaces. Learners will explore strategies and furniture specifications, including layout and materials, that support accessible and inclusive design and contribute to LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C), WELL Building Standard™ v2, and SITES® v2 goals. Case studies highlight real-world applications in communities, school campuses, and public spaces. 

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    It is an expectation that today’s buildings have to be more than just aesthetically pleasing: they have to provide measurable environmental benefits. This course outlines how insulated concrete forms (ICFs) help meet sustainable design objectives and examines the advantages that ICFs and ICF technology have over conventional construction materials for building envelopes in all building types.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines the material composition, reinforcement types, and testing standards associated with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified bitumen membranes. It explains how fiberglass, polyester, and combination reinforcements affect membrane strength, flexibility, and dimensional stability. The standards that establish testing methods for tensile strength, elongation, and long-term performance are covered in detail. The course also outlines how material selection and installation practices influence roof durability, moisture resistance, and occupant safety.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The surface coating is the first line of defense in prepainted metal, and one of the most important elements to consider as part of a metal purchase. Selecting the right coating, finish, and paint system can affect product lifespan, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. This course discusses the composition of prepainted metal, its application and performance, and examines the building and environmental factors that may influence the type of paint system specified.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    An air curtain, also known as an air door, employs a controlled stream of air aimed across an opening to create an air seal. This seal separates different environments while allowing a smooth, unhindered flow of traffic and unobstructed vision through the opening. This course discusses how air curtains work and why they can contribute to occupant comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality when the door is open. It also reviews how air curtains improve whole-building energy efficiency versus conventional methods.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Provides an overview of the noise issues associated with floor/ceiling assemblies of multifamily dwellings, as well as the factors that affect acoustical performance. Also presented is a review of the acoustical solutions that are available with a focus on sound mats with poured underlayment (SMPU) systems.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

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

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Noise pollution is excessive environmental noise that disrupts the activity or balance of human life. As urban environments have become increasingly dense, the noise problem has magnified, negatively impacting mental and physical health. Sound is everywhere, but it can be controlled with architectural solutions. This course provides a refresher on the basic science of acoustics and how sound interacts with our surroundings. From there, the course explores various architectural solutions, the technology behind them, and how they are successfully integrated into buildings to reduce noise. Discussion of installation applications addresses sound control options for retrofits and new construction.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Metal roof and wall systems have long been specified for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings because they have a lengthy history of durability, reliability, and resilience. This course examines the attributes of metal panel systems and the design options that make metal-clad buildings sustainable, attractive, and suitable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course explores the design, performance, and sustainability of engineered wood flooring for contemporary building projects. Learners will examine material composition, finishing methods, and installation considerations that directly impact durability, indoor environmental quality, and long‑term resilience. Emphasis is placed on responsible sourcing, low‑VOC systems, and how flooring choices support occupant safety and comfort. The course examines how engineered wood flooring can support LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ v2 through strategies that enhance indoor air quality and material transparency.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act shines a light on how low-carbon building material selection is one of the keys to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the US. High-performance, sustainable products and thoughtful assemblies designed with the building life cycle in mind are critical to the future of our sustainable communities. This course provides a look at how low-carbon and sustainability considerations are activated from product to building design. Factors impacting a sustainable building life cycle are discussed to help architects and owners with building performance that meets the design intent not just on paper but also in use.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Plongez à l'intersection de l'excellence du design et de la responsabilité environnementale avec ce cours complet sur les panneaux décoratifs TFL. Explorez la valeur intrinsèque de la durabilité dans le monde du design, démêlez les complexités du cycle du carbone et découvrez comment les forêts et le bois jouent un rôle essentiel dans la séquestration du carbone. Découvrez les applications polyvalentes et les attributs positifs pour le climat des panneaux TFL, ce qui vous permettra de faire des choix éclairés et respectueux de l'environnement dans le cadre de vos projets de conception. Améliorez votre compréhension d'une conception, d'une durabilité et d'une viabilité exceptionnelles, et contribuez à un avenir plus vert et plus résilient.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course explores what issues a luxury kitchen designer must address to create a sustainable kitchen. We’ll discuss how manufacturers design and fabricate sustainable, high-end kitchen appliances and how designers can make choices that improve energy efficiency, decarbonize their designs, and support the circular economy while creating a high-end aesthetic.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course explores how understanding disability can guide the creation of accessible and inclusive spaces. It examines access opportunities in educational and public environments, with an emphasis on strategies that go beyond code compliance. These approaches can help meet credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2 by improving usability, promoting occupant well-being, and reducing long-term barriers through design solutions.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    The trend toward more sustainable, healthy, and energy-conserving enclosures has brought building science and moisture management to the forefront of daily conversation for professionals in the construction industry. In this course, we delve into the science behind current practices and explore the role of building envelopes, optimal wall assemblies, and enclosures in vapor, water, air, and thermal control.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Good acoustic and aesthetic environments are important to the health, safety, comfort, satisfaction, productivity, and general well-being of all building users. This course outlines the benefits of and methodologies for simultaneously creating both with wall and ceiling acoustic treatments. The highly illustrated course includes detailed descriptions of the many acoustic wall and ceiling treatment options available, as well as sample installations.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Sustainable building envelopes demand high performance from and proper installation of continuous insulation and air, water, and vapor control layers. What happens when thousands of holes are made in these materials as they are installed with blind fasteners, one layer on top of another by different subcontractors? Sequencing issues can generally not be avoided; instead, this course focuses on self-sealing fasteners as a solution to avoid damage and thermal bridging in insulation and control layers. Various fasteners and anchors are described, and recommendations are presented for how to specify and what testing data to look for.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else and are afforded equal access to the built environment. This course discusses the need for compliance with accessibility regulations and how businesses can benefit from it. It explores the ADA, criteria for perimeter and interior access, accessible design requirements for door and doorway components, and relevant codes, standards, and design guidelines.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Modern interior spaces often feature open areas and hard surfaces. What should be comfortable rooms in these spaces can become unpleasant from noise and echo or sound reverberation. This course discusses how melamine foam can be used to improve the sound quality in a space. The different options for melamine foam products are discussed along with their installation methods. This course also provides an overview of the sustainability features of sound-absorbing melamine foam.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Palm is a plentiful but underused resource with many possibilities to enhance architectural design. This course describes the growth, harvesting, and rendering of palm, how it is manufactured into flooring, plywood, and paneling products, and what to consider when specifying and installing. A detailed look at the products available as well as project examples demonstrates how palm products may apply to several credits and features in the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.

Displaying 1 - 25 of 450 results.

FIRST [1-25] [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] NEXT LAST