The Zen of Bio-Based Materials for LEED
GreenCE’s mission is to support the necessary transition to a sustainable built environment by empowering design professionals to address the environmental, economic, and social impacts of buildings. GreenCE’s course catalog includes LEED exam preparation, continuing education to maintain your AIA or LEED credential, as well as specialty education focused on topics such as ADA/Barrier-Free requirements. We are committed to designing the highest quality continuing education programs in the construction industry.
Welcome to an exciting journey through the revolutionary world of bio-based circular materials that are reshaping how we design and build. This course explores innovative construction materials derived from agricultural waste, fungi, and renewable plant sources that offer design professionals unprecedented opportunities to create environmentally responsible buildings. We'll dive deep into mycelium-based composites, hemp and straw construction systems, cork applications, and agricultural waste products that are not only reducing the environmental impact of our built environment but also enhancing occupant health and well-being. You'll discover how these materials contribute to LEED v4.1 while providing superior thermal, acoustic, and fire performance characteristics. By the end of this course, you'll have practical knowledge to confidently specify these materials in your projects, understanding their historical context, performance benefits, and strategic applications for achieving high-performance sustainable design goals.
- Evaluate bio-based materials for LEED v4.1 BD+C and ID+C Materials and Resources credits, specifically understanding how these products integrate with HPDs, EPDs, and sourcing of raw materials criteria.
- Analyze the lifecycle environmental impacts of bio-based materials for the LEED v4.1 BD+C and ID+C ratings system including assessment of embodied carbon, recyclability, and circular economy principles.
- Design healthy indoor environments using bio-based materials to support LEED v4.1 BD+C and ID+C goals focusing on low-emitting materials, thermal comfort optimization, and natural humidity regulation that these materials provide.
- Integrate sustainable bio-based materials into architectural practice to enhance occupant well-being through improved air quality, thermal performance, and biophilic design principles while reducing overall project environmental impact.
