Free Courses by Newest

It's challenging these days, when you put up a structure, be it a commercial building or a residence, hotels, etc. Anything that you're putting up there has to have a sound element to it. We're challenged by air traffic, rail traffic, highway traffic, construction site noise, outdoor concert noise; we have it all. Theref...

During this one-hour course, ‘Expansive Openings for Energy Efficient Settings’, you’ll uncover the features and benefits of large opening glass wall systems. Explore how architects and builders are using glass wall systems to expand spaces and connect occupants to the outdoors. We’ll also drill into system components, g...

This course is part two of a documentary exploring the Health Science Education Building (HSEB) pursuing LEED certification under the LEED NC 2009 v3 rating system, using the Campus Program as a case study. Through a series of interviews, info-graphics, and construction video tours, we will concentrate on credit implemen...

This course documents the design challenges for the Health Sciences Education Building in Arizona. Design team members discuss sustainable sites, integrated design process, energy models, copper cladding, and the LEED campus approach. Ultimately, the documentary explores how a harsh climate and community needs inspire an...

In this course, we discuss the longevity, durability, and sustainability attributes of pre-fabricated shower pans compared to traditional mortar bed shower pans and how these affect occupants. Our team reviews pre-fabricated shower pan installation practices and how they reduce resource consumption and improve worker saf...

Water heaters are vital for every building’s operation. However, traditional tank-style water heaters are inefficient, unreliable, and harmful to the environment. Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss the many benefits of tankless water heaters, including lower building emissions and increased occupant health. Pa...

The roof of a building is not only vital  as a structural component but can also be an important design feature that makes a building stand out among others. Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss the installation  methods of concrete roof tile systems that minimize environmental impact while maximizing durability...

In this course we explore how Low Impact Development (LID) has several advantages over traditional stormwater management strategies. Our team discusses LID, its goals and principles, and how they are achieved. The course provides an overview of how plastic permeable grid paver systems support LID goals. We review how LI...

In this presentation, we discuss Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and how it can be used as a tool by building designers to ensure occupant health and safety. We interpret CFD analyses to make design improvements for optimal air movement, cohesive comfort for occupants, and efficiency. Finally, we explain how destratif...

This course will go over the basics of vegetated roof construction and how the industry has documented successful installations over the last 25 years in the United States. We will teach the design requirements and standards unique to green roofs. The course will educate the participant on the benefits of the technology-...

In this course, we explore how HVLS Fans can contribute to thermal comfort, energy savings, and sustainable design. Our team explores the basics of ASHRAE Standard 55 requirements and new updates to Standard 55-2017 & 55-2020. We discuss how air movement can assist with meeting indoor air quality performance and ener...

This one hour educational video is part one of a two part case study focusing on an off the grid residence in northern Washington. We will explore sustainable design issues and discover how this project comes to fruition. With a focus on reducing environmental impacts, the course delves into the design strategies associa...

During this course, we explore how vacuum plumbing can help design professionals create projects that save water, energy, and money and contribute to sustainable design. We review how vacuum plumbing can help contribute to LEED projects and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, especially during a pandemic. Our team...

How can commercial restroom design reduce touchpoints, promote proper hand hygiene, and reduce the spread of infection? This course explores this timely question. Attendees will first hear an overview of hygienic restroom design, learning about key elements, such as reducing touching points, improving air quality, and o...

This one-hour course describes Southern Yellow Pine’s impact on building structures historically and today, listing its sustainable attributes and characteristics. This course also examines how the by-products and waste of SYP are reusable and compares the life cycle assessment of SYP to other building materials.

In the wake of COVID-19, people expect more from the facilities they use daily. Public spaces, especially restrooms and locker rooms, must be clean, hygienic, and accessible for everyone to use. Emphasizing public health should not require sacrificing sustainability or aesthetics. This one-hour presentation outlines prac...

This course discusses the impact of buildings on the natural environment and offers insight on designing to minimize those impacts. The discussion emphasizes how implementing design methods including specification of technologies such as sunshading systems and other materials that contain recycled content as part of a ho...

Canopy systems are sometimes one of those building elements that get taken for granted or overlooked, despite the important role they play in providing coverage, shading and reduced heat gain to a building. The integration of these systems with other exterior building systems also often ends up becoming an afterthought,...