EDUCATION PROVIDER PROGRAM (EPP)

The materials we use have a significant impact on the environment, our communities, and our health. Consequently, material transparency—wherein manufacturers disclose vital sustainability information about their products—is an increasingly necessary element of modern life. This course examines the tools and resources that are available for both manufacturers and the A&D community that effectively communicate transparency information and optimization of building products. Also reviewed are the benefits of the new-generation insulated metal panels (IMPs) designed to achieve a trusted range of health and wellness certifications.

ONGOING - FREE 

Recycled rubber flooring is an environmentally responsible material that outlasts many types of traditional commercial flooring products when exposed to normal foot traffic stress. Interior and exterior recycled rubber surfacing products are explored in terms of their sustainable design benefits and applications. The program includes discussions on rubber manufacturing, postconsumer tires, and green building certification systems.

ONGOING - FREE - 1 hour

Understanding a product’s life cycle impact is central to the selection of materials for any green building. High pressure decorative laminate (HPDL) manufacturers have initiatives in place to reduce waste, energy, and virgin materials in its production. This course introduces HPDL, its performance characteristics, fabrication techniques, and manufacturing processes and the processes and ingredients that make it a sustainable decorative surfacing solution for commercial and residential applications.

Roughly 10 million tons of office furniture, furnishings, and equipment (FFE) end up in landfills annually in the US and Canada. Sustainable decommissioning is an innovative solution that ensures that the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) value of workplace change is measured, maximized, and reported. This course reviews sustainable decommissioning, a proven strategy for reducing carbon, building community, and embracing circularity in corporate builds, moves, renovations, and refreshes. Also discussed is the role of sustainable decommissioning in meeting requirements in LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction (BD+C): New Construction and LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance (O+M): Existing Buildings.

ONGOING - FREE - 1 HOUR

When deciding on outdoor cabinetry, understanding the available material options is essential to the selection of a long-lasting, sustainable choice. This course reviews the pros and cons of these options, with a focus on the attributes, sustainability, and performance characteristics of marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, engineered to withstand extreme conditions while maintaining optimal structural integrity.

Cleanliness and sanitation are important aspects of buildings and businesses, especially in restrooms. Users want environments where they don’t have to worry about picking up germs while owners desire solutions that are safe, attractive, and cost effective. Smart, connected fixtures can leverage sensor technology to optimize user experiences while also streamlining the management of building facilities, conserving water, and providing a hygienic, touchless experience for users. 

Synthetic (artificial) grass specifically designed for use with dogs is a cost-effective solution that offers a clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing environment for dogs. Presented here are the health, safety, performance, and cost benefits of installing synthetic grass specifically designed for dogs; its suitable applications; design considerations; installation factors; and maintenance guidelines.

Synthetic sports turf systems offer all-weather play for a wide variety of sports and provide a consistent, durable surface with lower maintenance costs than natural grass. This course reviews the components of synthetic turf systems, different product types, and procedures for installation, maintenance, and use. Guidance is offered on how tested values can impact field performance and how to specify a system that meets safety, performance, use, and budget requirements.

ONGOING - 1 HOUR - FREE

The implementation of synthetic surfacing for leisure and performance applications is rapidly growing. Artificial materials such as synthetic turf (grass), synthetic green walls, and poured-in-place and court surfacing often outperform their natural counterparts. Additionally, increased safety standards and design expectations have accelerated innovation in the materials available to designers. This course outlines synthetic surfacing options and examines synthetic turf systems, detailing their design considerations, performance features, sustainability and health benefits, and associated return on investment (ROI).

ONGOING - FREE - 1 HOUR

Communities need accessible, versatile surfaces for play and relaxation for people of all ages and abilities. Modern landscape synthetic turf options are specifically formulated for public recreation spaces frequented by adults, children, and pets. This course reviews the health benefits of being outdoors, the history and fabrication of synthetic turf, the design considerations for various recreation applications, and synthetic turf’s performance and sustainability characteristics.

ONGOING

There is no substitute for the natural beauty of newly installed tropical hardwood, but keeping it looking great and achieving the desired performance over time require careful attention to detail. Choosing the best hardwood species and specifying the appropriate fastening and finishing systems will ensure an aesthetically pleasing, low-maintenance, and successful design in terms of installation, performance, and appearance. This course discusses wood species specification, installation techniques, and finishing methods for tropical hardwoods in conventional and sustainable buildings. As well, international programs that are used to successfully determine sustainability are examined.

ONGOING - FREE - 1 HOUR

For generations, designers have turned to the beauty and functionality offered by terrazzo. In recent years, new technologies and materials mean terrazzo can respond to the needs of the most modern buildings. This course covers the evolution of terrazzo, terrazzo flooring systems, and the environmental advantages of terrazzo and how they apply to sustainable initiatives for indoor air quality, recycling, and resource efficiency. 

Plongez à l'intersection de l'excellence du design et de la responsabilité environnementale avec ce cours complet sur les panneaux décoratifs TFL. Explorez la valeur intrinsèque de la durabilité dans le monde du design, démêlez les complexités du cycle du carbone et découvrez comment les forêts et le bois jouent un rôle essentiel dans la séquestration du carbone. Découvrez les applications polyvalentes et les attributs positifs pour le climat des panneaux TFL, ce qui vous permettra de faire des choix éclairés et respectueux de l'environnement dans le cadre de vos projets de conception. Améliorez votre compréhension d'une conception, d'une durabilité et d'une viabilité exceptionnelles, et contribuez à un avenir plus vert et plus résilient.

Dive into the intersection of design excellence and environmental responsibility with this comprehensive course on TFL decorative panels. Explore the intrinsic value of sustainability in the design world, unravel the complexities of the carbon cycle, and uncover how forests and wood play pivotal roles in carbon sequestration. Discover the versatile applications and climate-positive attributes of TFL panels, empowering you to make informed, eco-conscious choices in your design projects. Elevate your understanding of exceptional design, durability, and sustainability, and contribute to a greener, more resilient future.

ONGOING

The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is not just an idea about how to “grade the greenness” of products; it is a well-developed, globally recognized way to make responsible comparisons and decisions regarding sustainable material design and continuous improvement. This course discusses the concept of the EPD as applied to building materials and how to integrate EPDs into design and product selection decisions. Detailed information from different thermal insulation EPDs is used to demonstrate how thermal insulation provides a unique and significant payback in terms of energy and environmental impacts.