Sustainable Design Courses

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 451 results.

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

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Net zero energy ready buildings are a popular topic in today's world of climate change. This course explores how energy efficiency has expanded toward exterior wall assemblies, where thermal bridging and thermally broken subframing systems are becoming the new norm.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Composite roofing materials have been available for over a decade, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional slate and shake roofing systems. In this course, design professionals can thoroughly explore the sustainable and versatile characteristics of composite roofing solutions. Also discussed are the benefits of composite roofing systems, such as their long life cycle, durability, and adaptability for various applications and environments.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    At their root, metal roofs and walls made from steel, copper, zinc, or aluminum have a lower environmental impact because of their ability to be recycled and reused. This course focuses on the green aspects of standing seam metal roofs, and in particular, their cool roof characteristics. Also addressed are the implications of heat islands, what constitutes construction of cool roofs/walls and how they work, some rules of thumb for understanding cool metal roofing, roof slope impacts on performance, and codes, ratings, and standards that apply to designing cool roofs/walls.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Authorities having jurisdiction all over the world, including in all 50 US states, have mandated photoluminescent egress path markings to support safe evacuation of high-rise buildings in the case of total power failure. This course reviews photoluminescent egress path marking requirements in the model International Building Code® and International Fire Code® (2015, 2018, 2021) and identifies compliant photoluminescent path marking products. The course also discusses recommended best practices that exceed code requirements, which will reduce building operation costs and improve occupant and first responder safety.

  • ( ~ 1 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, 15 minutes ) 

    Contrast therapy, the controlled use of heat and cold, has supported health, recovery, and wellness practices for centuries. This course examines the science, design, and construction of modern contrast therapy environments, including saunas, steam rooms, and cold rooms. It explains how temperature control, material specification, and system design influence safety, hygiene, and performance. The course also addresses how prefabricated systems improve installation efficiency, durability, and indoor environmental quality.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In response to a stronger emphasis on natural resources, building efficiencies, and occupant welfare, manufacturers continue to improve design service offerings, product performance, and installation solutions. Fiberglass fenestration meets these demands for residential and commercial design in the built environment. This course explores the performance attributes of fiberglass fenestration, energy efficiency and structural benefits, testing and verification processes, and contributions to healthy building occupancy.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Provides an overview of the types, features, and benefits of designing with cellular PVC trim, including a discussion on the installation guidelines and manufacturing processes.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Drying hands thoroughly is crucial for maintaining hygiene levels, and when a hand dryer is too slow, the result is many people give up trying to dry their hands and leave the bathroom with wet or damp hands. Research has shown that damp hands can transmit up to 1,000x more bacteria than dry hands. This course discusses hand-drying concepts and the advantages of hand dryers with air knife technology. It also reviews the impact the choice of hand-drying equipment has on public health, occupant comfort, facility operations, and our environment.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    By design, automatic pedestrian doors provide easier, more convenient access than manual doors for a wide variety of building types, and their popularity in commercial design continues to grow. Reviewed in this course are the available options of automatic door solutions, including sliding, swinging, ICC/CCU, and revolving door systems. Also discussed are the code requirements and considerations relating to automatic doors for proper specification.

  • ( ~ 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 ) 

    Building science experts have acknowledged the need for both drainage and ventilation in exterior wall systems in order to eliminate moisture issues and extend the life of buildings. This presentation reviews the concepts of rainscreen technology and the solutions for compliance with a focus on engineered rainscreen drainage and ventilation mats used in direct-applied and ventilated wall designs. Prerequisites: No Course Level: Introductory

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    While providing fresh air intake and exhaust, reducing noise, and keeping out unwanted water and debris, louvers can also provide architectural style to a building design. This course discusses the aesthetics, performance, and weather resistance features of a variety of louver designs from the basic to the extreme. A discussion about the industry standards and test protocols for louver performance is included.

  • ( ~ 30 minutes ) 

    As synthetic turf systems evolve as functional and aesthetic landscape solutions, conversations about sustainability, particularly environmental impacts, are essential. This course addresses the sustainability of synthetic turf from the triple-bottom-line perspective: profit, people, and planet. Also discussed is how synthetic turf can contribute to achieving certification in LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction, Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2, and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Lightweight, prefinished, and factory-fabricated insulated metal panels (IMPs) offer building owners a durable, cost-efficient, and easy-to-install roofing system that provides an air barrier, vapor barrier, and insulation all in one product. This course discusses the characteristics of IMPs and the installation process and explains why IMPs are ideally suited for pre-engineered and structural steel buildings. The role of IMPs in a building’s hygrothermal control layers and IMP code compliance are reviewed.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines the design and benefits of pre-engineered trench drains in a sustainable wastewater management system. Discover how they effectively manage water runoff, prevent ponding, and enhance safety in transportation, industrial facilities, and public spaces while supporting sustainable practices. Explore system types, maintenance strategies, and performance optimization, along with guidance on funding and compliance. Gain the knowledge to implement smarter, safer, and more efficient water management solutions in your next project.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    As environmental concerns grow, repurposing materials and finding new ways to showcase their unique qualities in design have become increasingly important. This course examines terrazzo’s history, system types, flooring assemblies, and restoration and refinishing options. Discover its enduring versatility and charm through renovation projects featuring newly installed and renewed vintage floors, where its durability, material attributes, and design potential can help meet credit requirements in the LEED ® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building StandardTM version 2.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    When deciding on outdoor cabinetry, understanding the available material options is essential to the selection of a long-lasting, sustainable choice. This course reviews the pros and cons of these options, with a focus on the attributes, sustainability, and performance characteristics of marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, engineered to withstand extreme conditions while maintaining optimal structural integrity.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Modular wall systems provide a versatile and customizable approach to biophilic design, seamlessly integrating with existing infrastructure and adapting to evolving requirements. This course delves into their benefits, features, specification and installation considerations, and applications encompassing various environments, from urban streetscapes and public parks to commercial spaces, rooftops, and residential areas.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Stone has long been valued for its durability, reliability, and beauty. Today, natural thin stone veneer offers these benefits with reduced weight, cost, and environmental impact. This course explores its applications in commercial and residential settings, covering aesthetics, performance, and key specification standards. It also examines the sustainability profile of thin stone veneer compared to full natural and manufactured stone, highlighting an industry-wide LCA, responsible quarrying and processing, and how collaboration with fabricators can reduce environmental impact while preserving quality and design integrity.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Stucco is a popular and durable finishing material that offers many benefits, combining safety and affordability while satisfying aesthetic needs. It can be applied to various surfaces using a lath system, which provides support for stucco. However, the quality of the stucco lath embedment can greatly affect its performance. This course covers the proper technique for achieving lath embedment, the different types of metal lath and their various applications, and regional material preferences.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    While natural wood has traditionally been viewed as an ideal material for decking boards and tiles, wood-plastic composite (WPC) has emerged as a durable, easy-to-maintain, and sustainable alternative. This course provides insights into the advantages of composite decking, especially fully capped products, and explores topics including its environmental benefits; contribution to occupant wellness and safety; resistance to fading, staining, and other potential defects that decking experiences; various applications; and attractive aesthetics.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    One of the more complicated issues today in building science is addressing moisture movement, since moisture can penetrate a building in several different ways and result in material degradation, air quality issues, and failure of the building enclosure. This course examines the ways moisture can enter a structure and discusses the role of different moisture control layers that, when correctly placed and installed, can prevent unwanted moisture infiltration.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course explores the importance of using natural light in the built environment and provides an overview of the benefits of daylight for building occupants and owners. Automated shading is introduced as a daylight management solution to maximize natural light, preserve views, prevent glare, and minimize solar heat gain and energy use. Also addressed is how daylight management contributes toward credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ v2.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Wood is a sustainable building material that must be properly detailed to reach its full performance and durability potential. This course explores the intricate relationship between wood and water, providing insights into moisture management strategies crucial for achieving durability in exterior wood installations. Discussions include the natural properties of wood, dynamics of wood movement, wood drying processes, rainscreen principles, and designing for wood movement in cladding and decking applications.

Displaying 1 - 25 of 451 results.

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