This course provides an overview of integral blind assemblies and discusses their benefits over conventional blinds, components and framing options, performance characteristics and testing standards, and common applications.

Ultrathin prestressed precast technology provides a versatile, lightweight panel that offers the strength and aesthetic versatility of concrete at a fraction of the weight. Prestressed precast panels can be used to replace a variety of traditional building materials in a wide range of exterior and interior applications. Reviewed in this course are the benefits, design and cost considerations, and the connection and fastening systems of prestressed precast panels in architectural applications.

This presentation celebrates the value of incorporating artisanal, handcrafted fixtures and furnishings into a building’s design. Not only are these products unique, functional, and aesthetically appealing, but they can also establish a sense of connection with their maker. Many artisanal, handcrafted products are made using traditional techniques that have been passed down over time, often from generation to generation. And because many of these products are made from sustainable, recycled, or reclaimed materials that are locally available, they can help reduce the environmental impact of a new build. This course illustrates how sourcing artisan-made products for their projects can allow designers and builders to effect social, economic, and environmental change

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

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.

“Sustainable” design isn’t just “environmental.” It’s design that works for and contributes to the health and welfare of all individuals as well as the planet, now and in the future. This course looks at hand dryers as part of sustainably designed restrooms and discusses how air knife hand dryers benefit the environment through energy efficiency, resource conservation, and waste reduction, and benefit all members of society by meeting ADA requirements and Universal Design principles.

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

Problems associated with moisture in construction are common and wide-ranging—from mold and rot, to corrosion and degradation, to leakage and staining—and affect not just the durability, appearance, and functioning of the building, but also the health of the building’s occupants. This course addresses the materials and techniques that help to manage moisture in exterior walls and includes examples of common mistakes that lead to failures.

This course introduces accessibility from Canadian and US perspectives. It covers a few specific technical accessibility requirements and compares the differences when referencing Canadian or US design standards, such as the National Building Code of Canada (Canada's Model Code) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (the United States accessibility regulation), while reinforcing the intent of good design that is not always outlined by a code or standard. The seven principles of universal design are also discussed.

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

 In order to download this course, a USD $35.00 fee must be paid.

Professional sports stadiums form large complexes with enormous impacts on the environment and local communities. Owners, architects, and operations managers can use this influence to generate a net positive effect on people, the natural environment, and the bottom line. In this video, the executives and consultants involved in the design and daily operation of Gillette Stadium and Mercedes-Benz Stadium discuss the challenges and opportunities of sustainable stadium design. Topics discussed include district energy generation, gray water treatment, evaluation and implementation of new technologies, partnering with local utilities, cost recovery, profitability, and community health.

 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.

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

Aesthetics, durability, and environmental performance are key considerations for architectural metal finishes. This course will help you identify long-lasting and sustainable aluminum extrusion coatings and includes discussions on the aluminum extrusion process; a comparison of powder and liquid coatings; an overview of the chrome and the chrome-free pretreatment processes; and the performance objectives of AAMA testing standards.

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

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, glass, sustainably made concrete, and reclaimed wood used in bath fixtures and furniture handmade by skilled artisans.

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

Movable pool and spa floor technology enables an entirely flexible, multifunctional living and recreational space to complement any architectural vision. Presented here are types of movable pool floors, pool floor technology, options and amenities, and safety and sustainability performance considerations.

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.

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

Specifying the right sectional door system for your commercial project can have a great effect on the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants. This course covers commercial sectional door systems, including the various types of doors available and their associated characteristics including energy efficiency and durability, along with a discussion on how to specify the correct door to meet project requirements.

Cultural dynamics have long influenced design trends. As people travel and experience this beautiful and diverse world we live in, culture is finding its way across the nations. Culture can refer to traditional things like language, music, food, and more recently, internet trends. This course examines how current dynamics, such as wanderlust, influence culture and impact design. As well, resulting color trends, including nuanced neutrals and blanched pastels, are identified and discussed.

Food and wine preservation refers to the process of storing products under ideal conditions in order to maximize longevity. Preserving food and wine maximizes its shelf life and flavor which, in turn, enhances the enjoyment of its consumption. Additionally, proper preservation results in less waste and saves the consumer money. This course reviews the causes of premature food deterioration, the optimal conditions for storing wine and food, and the solutions that are available with a focus on modern refrigeration units.

Innovative and sustainable, powder-coated/sublimated extruded aluminum products are ideal for exterior, interior, and high-traffic architectural applications. Reviewed in this course is an overview of the properties and finishing processes of this material along with discussions of its applications, design criteria, and testing standards.

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

Across the United States, building owners in hot and cold climates are subject to peak energy demand charges. This course examines the economic and environmental effects of peak energy demand as applied to modern buildings, focusing on how peak energy demand is incorporated into electric utility billing structures and how cool roofing yields peak demand and net energy savings for commercial buildings in all climates within North America.

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

Pest control is vital to protecting our quality of life, food and water sources, and environment. How pest control is achieved is just as vital to the long-term safety and sustainability of our health, buildings, and natural resources. This course discusses how integrated pest management (IPM) suppresses pest populations in effective, economical, and environmentally safe ways, and details how to establish an IPM plan for a facility, including LEED® building projects.

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

An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) system provides occupants with filtered, balanced, and tempered air within their living space. Airborne contaminants can be greatly reduced with ERV systems. This course provides knowledge about the need, use, design, and installation of ERVs in the modern dwelling unit and when retrofitting existing structures. The course also addresses the environmental advantages of sustainable and healthy solutions for indoor air quality.

Infrared patio heaters are the best method of increasing comfort for outdoor entertaining areas of any size. There are many variables in creating ambient warmth, as both the effectiveness and the cost of heating an outdoor space greatly depend on the heating option that is selected and the way it is designed. This course looks at the outdoor heating options that are available with a focus on the types, color choices, mounting methods, and control options of electric infrared heaters, including a review of the steps that are required to select the best solution.

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

Leading aluminum extrusion manufacturers have established a variety of methods pertaining to material grade, surface protection, and component solutions to maximize the benefits of aluminum to suit a wide variety of applications. These advancements in technology have led to the development of sustainable wood-patterned aluminum products designed for exterior and interior applications. This course focuses on how these products can be used as a beautiful, high-performance, durable alternative for real wood in a range of applications, including screens, facades, decking, fencing, gates, cladding, and more.

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

Moss is the oldest plant on earth. A living, self-contained moss wall comprises 100% live moss plants that have an innate ability to cleanse the air while enhancing the visual aspects of an interior environment. This course discusses the impact living plant walls can have on the interior environment, explores the attributes of moss plants, and explains how live moss walls may be used to incorporate biophilia into interior spaces.

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

The goal of any roofing project should be long-term performance of the roof system. This means thoughtful, long-term consideration of any details incorporated into it. This course discusses details and conditions to consider when installing trim, seams, and accessories into a metal roofing system to ensure long-lasting performance. Examples of incorrect and correct installations and their effects on the performance of the roof are shown.

Large format floor tiles are elegant and timeless and create spacious and stylish environments with high-end appeal. This course introduces a unique, cutting-edge surfacing material known as ultracompact surfacing (UCS) and explores how it is manufactured, installation considerations, superior performance attributes, design potential, and its environmental impact.