Materials make the built environment possible, and collectively, the effects of millions of materials choices have massive consequences for the ecosystem and human health at local, regional, and global scales. Selecting materials with desirable human health and environmental attributes that deliver comparable or improved function, durability, and maintainability—has always been an important component of green building.

Many low-income communities have sites that are vacant or underutilized because of perceived stigmas or economic barriers. Building a project on a high-priority redevelopment site can revitalize the neighborhood and bring social and economic benefits to the surrounding community. In this course we explain how to achieve the LEED v4.1 BD+C High-Priority Site and Equitable Development credit. Our team discusses how the redevelopment of contaminated sites can improve environmental health.

Join us for an inspiring journey as we explore real-world examples of LEED certified projects that are reshaping our built environment and combating climate change. Through a series of captivating case studies, you'll discover how innovative strategies are dramatically reducing energy and water consumption, creating healthier and more productive spaces for occupants, and paving the way for a more sustainable future. From towering skyscrapers to university centers, each project tells a unique story of environmental stewardship.

Sustainable kitchen design encompasses environmental, health, and social considerations. In this course, we explore innovative approaches that prioritize energy efficiency, the use of healthy materials, and the enhancement of overall well-being. As the demand for eco-friendly living spaces continues to rise, design professionals play a pivotal role in shaping the future of kitchen design. Our team discusses LEED v4.1 BD+C and ID+C strategies that can help design professionals create healthier and more sustainable kitchen spaces for building occupants.

Protecting wildlife and preserving it for future generations is critical. Our planet desperately needs to be safeguarded, with climate change already wreaking havoc on our natural environment. In this course, we describe how to achieve the LEED v4.1 BD+C Protect or Restore Habitat credit and reduce environmental impacts for building sites. We explore how design professionals can preserve high-quality native ecosystems, including their soils, native vegetation, sensitive species habitat, wildlife corridors, and hydrology.

In this course, we explore strategies to improve indoor air quality and how to achieve the LEED v4.1 BD+C and ID+C EQ Low-Emitting Materials credit. In addition, we review the applicable requirements such as (CDPH) Standard Method v1.2–2017. Finally, we discuss how buildings with excellent indoor environmental quality protect the health of building occupants.

Have you ever wondered about the untapped potential of esoteric design strategies in shaping the future of sustainable architecture? What design strategies are innovators, disruptors, and mavericks using to advance sustainable design? In this course we explore uncommon LEED v4.1 BD+C pilot credits and review how projects may register for pilot credits and pilot ACPs. Finally, we examine strategies that diverge from the status quo and help design professionals think out of the box to explore new ideas about sustainable design.

Imagine this scenario: skyscrapers that breathe sustainability, neighborhoods that pulsate with community vibrancy, and cities that hum with innovation. This is the future we envision. Through a captivating blend of in-depth case studies, insightful analyses of proven practices, and visionary examination of cutting-edge ideas, we'll uncover strategies to transform the built environment using LEED. From pioneering sustainable infrastructure to office renovations, every lesson is a step closer to unlocking the potential of our cities.

Noise can negatively affect human health and productivity in the workplace. Poor acoustic performance can critically affect learning in schools and impact healing at healthcare facilities. It is imperative that design professionals balance acoustical design strategies when planning systems and indoor spaces. In this presentation, we discuss the intent and requirements for the LEED v4.1 BD+C and ID+C Credit: Acoustic Performance and how they can help building occupants.

In this course, we explain how to achieve the LEED v4.1 BD+C and ID+C MR: Sourcing of Raw Materials credit and how to specify environmentally friendly building materials. We review FSC certification, recycled content, and how bio-based materials could change the future of construction.

In this course, we review the intent and applications for prerequisites and credits for the LEED v4.1 BD+C EQ category. We discover strategies to designing healthier spaces by improving indoor environmental quality for occupants. We discuss how indoor environmental quality can improve human health and well-being, worker productivity, and occupant comfort.

Building occupants who can visually connect with outdoor environments while performing everyday tasks experience greater satisfaction, attentiveness, and productivity. In healthcare facilities, providing patients with views and access to nature can shorten hospital stays and reduce stress, depression, and the use of pain medication. Designing for quality views involves consideration of building orientation and site design, facade, and interior layout.

In this course, we explain how design professionals can achieve the LEED v4.1 BD+C Indoor Water Use Reduction Prerequisite. We discuss strategies to help reduce potable water use in buildings such as specifying WaterSense labeled products. In addition, our team discusses challenges regarding the nation’s water supply and the need to update water infrastructure.