EDUCATION PROVIDER PROGRAM (EPP)

Insights gained during the COVID-19 pandemic have shown how vulnerable we are to contagion through indoor air, but the pandemic also revealed many new solutions to better ensure indoor air quality. In this course, we examine the role of humidity in indoor air quality and its impact on air pollutants. We also discuss how to control humidity in residential and commercial spaces and review several solutions for humidity control.

ONGOING - 1.25 HOUR - FREE

Metal roof and wall systems have long been specified for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings because they have a lengthy history of durability, reliability, and resilience. This course examines the attributes of metal panel systems and the design options that make metal-clad buildings sustainable, attractive, and suitable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions.

Despite increasing awareness, stiffer regulations, and improved methodologies, construction waste remains a significant and growing portion of the overall waste stream. Building designers play a significant role in preventing the initial creation of waste by specifying waste-reducing building design and construction methodologies, as well as managing waste in their own offices. This course provides an overview of current construction waste and landfill issues, their potential impacts, and strategies for addressing them. It then focuses on an innovative material sample system that eliminates a sizable portion of the waste generated by construction material samples.

This course explores how modern pergola systems enhance outdoor environments by supporting health, safety, and sustainability goals. It reviews design parameters, material choices, environmental benefits, and testing requirements, including features applicable to the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction rating system, the WELL™ Building Standard v2, and SITES® v2. Relevant case studies and project examples are also discussed.

Personal and corporate security is a steadily increasing issue of concern, and more homes and businesses are installing gates to control who can enter or leave. Sliding cantilevered gates, with their wide range of design and operating options, are increasingly popular for these installations. This course outlines their advantages; the many ways they can be designed, built, and operated; and those aspects that make them safe, aesthetically appealing, and reliable. The course concludes with a series of illustrated sample installations.

The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act shines a light on how low-carbon building material selection is one of the keys to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the US. High-performance, sustainable products and thoughtful assemblies designed with the building life cycle in mind are critical to the future of our sustainable communities. This course provides a look at how low-carbon and sustainability considerations are activated from product to building design. Factors impacting a sustainable building life cycle are discussed to help architects and owners with building performance that meets the design intent not just on paper but also in use. 

This course examines aluminum facade cladding systems and their role in creating durable, safe, healthy, and sustainable buildings. After summarizing the behavioral attributes of aluminum, the course compares common aluminum cladding formats and reviews key selection criteria related to performance, design flexibility, aesthetics, and integration with building envelopes and interiors. The course also outlines how high‑performance aluminum cladding systems may support credit achievement in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.

ONGOING - FREE - 1 HOUR

Redwood Timbers are a safe, strong, and sustainable option for exterior and interior building projects where natural wood is desired. This course provides an overview of the properties of Redwood Timbers including insulation properties, grades, dimensions, fasteners, finishing options, and strength. It concludes with numerous case studies exploring the use of Redwood Timbers for post and beam construction, decorative elements, deck posts, and outdoor living structures. 

Ceilings are typically one of the largest uninterrupted surfaces in an interior environment, yet they are often underutilized as a design opportunity. This course explores how decorative ceiling tiles can dramatically influence perception, acoustics, occupant comfort, and overall user experience while also supporting performance requirements such as durability and moisture resistance. Participants will examine how the use of contemporary decorative ceiling tiles and wall panels allows designers to move beyond the trade-off between aesthetics and functionality. By examining real-world applications and examples, the course reviews the use of decorative tiles that accommodate acoustical integration, custom printing capabilities, restoration and replication applications, and methods for creating visually impactful yet cost-effective environments across commercial, institutional, hospitality, retail, and public spaces.

Designing restrooms to allow for and maximize proper hygiene is important in reducing the spread of germs. This course discusses the elements of hygienic restroom design and how reducing required touchpoints helps to increase safety and cleanliness. The key steps in proper hand hygiene are also discussed. The course then focuses on hand dryers and considers their impact on hand hygiene and sustainability. The future of commercial restroom design is then explored.

This course explores how the use of color and coil and extrusion coated metal building products can help you make a big visual impact on your next façade design. Learn about the coating process, color theory, the chemistry behind color creation, and the benefits of solar reflective pigments.

This course explores the use of coil and extrusion coatings (70% PVDF metal coatings) for protecting and enhancing exterior façades. It demonstrates how utilizing color and aesthetic attributes can further enhance a building’s impact and brand recognition. The coating application/treatment process is also discussed in detail. Sustainability benefits that 70% PVDF coating has to offer are outlined, and real-world case studies show the positive impact that 70% PVDF coatings can have on a project.

ONGOING - FREE - 1 HOUR

Wind forces always influence building design and detailing. This course focuses on one particular force, wind uplift, and its influence on roof paving system design and selection. It examines how wind loads and building configuration affect the design of roof paving systems; the codes, regulations, and calculation approaches that inform and control such designs; and the various options designers can use to design safe, appealing outdoor roof paving systems that will withstand even the strongest winds.

Due to advancements in architectural decorative glass technology, the number of design options available to help designers and architects achieve specific aesthetic, safety and sustainability requirements, has dramatically increased. This course provides a review of architectural decorative glass including product options, applications, features, and specification considerations. Also discussed is how decorative glass can contribute to LEED® v4 and WELL® initiatives. 

With faster build speeds, superior environmental control performance, and exceptional design flexibility, insulated metal panels (IMPs) offer many advantages over other conventional building envelope systems. This course details these and other aspects of IMPs and why they can be considered the key component of “the perfect wall.”