Energy Efficiency

  • Blower Door Basics Course

    1 LU AIA

    Identify where air leaks occur in a home and describe the difference between infiltration and exfiltration. Describe how a blower door test can identify leaks in a home, how the test works, how and where to set it up to get consistent results. This program details how to properly use a digital gauge during the blower door test to view results. This program is registered with AIA for 1 CEH. Take the course.

    Posted:
    November 2012
    Subject(s):
    Building Envelope, Energy Efficiency, Building Science
    Sponsor:
    The Energy Conservatory
  • Sustainable Design for Windows

    1 LU HSW/SD

    It has become very important for architects to understand how to choose a sustainable window and window frame system that will promote comfort, energy efficiency, durability, and longevity through quality construction. This course will explain how windows promote healthy living conditions for the occupants by increasing natural daylight and improving indoor air quality. It will also describe how sustainable building products and materials can satisfy the aesthetic tastes of occupants today and in the future by using Universal Design strategies. Finally, by the end of this course you will be able to describe how choosing an ENERGY STAR® rated window can, lower heating and cooling costs and how they can help contribute towards points the LEED for Homes credit categories. This program is registered for 1 AIA HSW/SD hour. Take the course.

    Posted:
    October 2011
    Subject(s):
    Windows, Energy Efficiency
    Sponsor:
    Milgard Windows & Doors
  • An Energy & Environmental Analysis of Propane Energy Pod Homes

    Bundles or collections of building systems in homes can form the basis of an energy package or “pod.” These can be the foundation for homes delivering energy and CO2 emissions savings that outperform typical new homes in the marketplace. Building energy analysis was used to evaluate the energy and environmental performance of Propane Energy Pod prototype homes at two sizes, across different climate zones. These results were compared with standard homes featuring typical technology packages. The program has been submitted to the AIA, GBCI and NAHB for one continuing education hour.

    Posted:
    October 2011
    Subject(s):
    Energy Efficiency
    Sponsor:
    Propane Education & Research Council
  • Designing the Green Kitchen

    1.0 LU HSW/SD

    After completing this course you will be able to: Define the two aspects of green design that are of importance to the green kitchen. Explain the elements that comprise the concept of net-zero energy. Describe in overview terms the key performance properties of core elements of the green kitchen. Describe in general terms the basic design principles of the net-zero energy residence. Discuss the key elements of a refrigeration system in the context of green design. Discuss some of the components that make up a green cooking system. Take the course.

    Posted:
    July 2010
    Subject(s):
    Green Design, Energy Efficiency, Interiors
    Sponsor:
    Sub-Zero
    Certification(s):
    AIA
  • Introduction to Tubular Daylighting Devices

    1 LU SD

    This learning unit will describe the benefits of dayligting in multiple building environments. You will be able to differentiate between different daylighting strategies and identify advantages and disadvantages of different strategies. You will be introduced to tubular daylighiting devices and be able to describe how they are different from other daylighting product categories. Take the course.

    Posted:
    May 2010
    Subject(s):
    Daylighting, Lighting, Energy Efficiency
    Sponsor:
    Solatube
    Certification(s):
    AIA
  • Proper Attic Ventilation with Soffit: An Easy Way to Reduce Energy Consumption & Improve Indoor Air

    1 LU

    Identify weaknesses in building codes related to attic ventilation; describe problems associated with insufficient attic ventilation. Describe why proper attic ventilation improves indoor air quality and the health, safety and welfare of residents. Describe how attic ventilation impacts energy use in cold and warm climates and how it contributes to green building initiatives. Take the course.

    Posted:
    March 2010
    Subject(s):
    Ventilation, Building Envelope, Indoor Air Quality, Energy Efficiency
    Sponsor:
    Quality Edge
    Certification(s):
    AIA
  • Innovations with Propane Gas for Outdoor Residential Use

    1 LU HSW/SD

    There are several atypical outdoor residential uses for propane gas. This learning unit will demonstrate the true versatility of this fuel source in residential outdoor applications. You will be able to compare and contrast emissions of common fuel types, describe the sustainable energy benefits of buidling with propane gas and list several applications for propane gas around the home. Take the course.

    Posted:
    January 2010
    Subject(s):
    Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy
    Sponsor:
    Propane Education and Research Council
    Certification(s):
    AIA
  • Making the Grade: Designing and Building with LEED for Schools 2009 - USG

    1 LU HSW/SD

    Making the Grade – LEED for Schools 2009 is an AIA-certified learning unit that will explain how and why indoor air quality and acoustic performance affect learning environments. Furthermore, the course provides an in-depth review of both indoor air quality and acoustic performance as they relate to the LEED® for Schools 2009 requirements. Take the course.

    Posted:
    December 2009
    Subject(s):
    Acoustics, Building Science, Energy Efficiency, LEED, Walls and Ceilings
    Sponsor:
    USG
    Certification(s):
    AIA
  • Climate Zoned Cladding and Contemporary Solutions with Fiber Cement

    1 LU HSW/SD

    After completing this course you will list common slection criteria for various siding options, describe why fire, wind and impact resistance are important for long term siding performace. You will define what fiber cement is and describe how it can be used for climate zoned cladding systems. You will compare and contrast the FCS cladding climate zones and illustrate how new panel cladding helps designers meet demands for contemporary commercial design and list six benefits of fiber cement siding. Take the course.

    Posted:
    December 2009
    Subject(s):
    Building Envelope, Energy Efficiency, Siding, Insulation
    Sponsor:
    James Hardie
    Certification(s):
    AIA
  • Developing and Building Sustainability with Fiber Cement Siding

    1 LU HSW/SD

    By the end of this program you should be able to define what fiber cement is, illustrate three design decisions affecting building enclosure systems, list the four D's of wall design, and describe how water management and durability improve cladding service life. You will compare and contrast embodied energy and recurring body energy, define a life cycle assessment and system analysis parameters. You will be able to discuss climate zoned cladding systems, climate zones and environmental concerns. Take the course.

    Posted:
    November 2009
    Subject(s):
    Energy Efficiency, Building Envelope, Green Design
    Sponsor:
    James Hardie
    Certification(s):
    AIA