EDUCATION PROVIDER PROGRAM (EPP)

In response to steadily growing demands for more and more storage capacity and the costs and energy required to implement that storage, data center design is now focusing on solutions that conserve energy, materials, money, and space. This course explores the current influences that directly or indirectly affect energy usage and management, the resulting trends in data center development, and how containment strategies enable designers to optimize energy efficiency and create facilities with minimal environmental footprints.

ONGOING - 1 HR - FREE

Throughout history, human desire to communicate, tell stories, and to express cultural identity, gives us a glimpse at the need for early use and creation of pigments. Creating color was, and still is, an art. Its history is one of discovery, wealth, power, religion, trade, and science. This course discusses the origins and evolution of color pigments by looking at historical civilizations and time periods.

ONGOING

Over the past few decades, exterior building spaces and roofs have significantly transformed from utilitarian ballasted roof systems to roof systems with highly programmed, environmentally conscious, people-friendly amenities that promote healthier lifestyles. A variety of products and materials can be utilized in the design and construction of roof gardens and decks. This course reviews the construction of basic types of roof systems and the range of hardscaping products that are available to designers.

Obesity rates in the U.S. have reached epic numbers and correlate to significant health and economic impacts. Outdoor obstacle courses in public green spaces can provide appealing, effective, and free training equipment to the community to help increase physical activity. Review the theories of obstacle course training and guidelines for their design and installation.

ONGOING - 1 HOUR - FREE

Selecting outdoor kitchen cabinetry and appliances that meet a client’s needs and budget and that address climate concerns can be challenging. This course explores the design of safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor kitchen and living areas and presents the various types of cabinetry available, with a focus on stainless steel as a positive alternative for cabinetry. Included is a synopsis of outdoor kitchen design principles and considerations.

Outdoor cooking has come a long way in recent years, from simple stone or brick “grills” to luxury outdoor kitchens that allow families to entertain and cook with the comfort and convenience of the indoor kitchen. This course discusses the fundamental design and planning strategies for outdoor kitchens, environmental and construction considerations, and an overview of the outdoor kitchen products available on the market today. The course concludes with a short question and answer section.

Designers increasingly focus on creating environments that improve the health, welfare, and productivity of occupants. This includes providing the benefits of daylight, fresh air, and access to the outdoors. This course explores how retractable roofs can extend the use of outdoor spaces year-round by converting them to daylit indoor spaces seasonally or with sudden weather changes. It explains the economic benefits, structure, and operation of various retractable roof types and how they can be customized to suit multiple site sizes and types, including rooftops. The course concludes with a series of case studies.

This course provides an overview of growth trends in package delivery and information necessary to recommend and specify package management solutions for businesses, universities, multifamily residential, and single-family residential homeowners. In addition, this course summarizes the different types of package management equipment, recommended applications, detailed information on current equipment standards, and accessibility considerations used to improve package management and user convenience.

ONGOING - 1 HR - FREE

Different types of paints are typically classified according to the type of resin they contain or the mechanism by which they dry and cure. This course discusses the classification of paints, advantages and disadvantages of latex versus alkyd coatings, the benefits of a three-coat system, surface preparation and priming techniques, and causes of and solutions for common paint problems.

Modern hydronic radiator systems are an energy-efficient, healthy, and hygienic solution for residential and commercial applications. This course discusses the principles of radiant heating and panel radiators, and how to size panel radiators for residential applications.

Fire control for high-rise building facades requires active and passive systems to work in tandem. This course explains how passive fire protection systems for building envelopes should be used to create fire containment compartments to control fire spread; also addressed are the codes, standards, testing, and compliance routes that apply to verify material and system performance. The course provides detailed illustrations of how the materials must be designed and installed to create effective fire containment compartments and explains how they relate to active fire prevention systems.

ONGOING

Permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) has the ability to create solid, strong surfaces for pedestrians and a range of vehicular uses; it can help maintain a site’s existing natural hydrologic function and reduce the overall impact of development. This course discusses the components of a PICP system and how they work together to manage stormwater in a variety of applications. Also addressed are hydrological and structural factors to consider when designing with PICP and how PICP contributes to sustainable building goals and projects.

Parks, recreational areas, and common rural and urban spaces can be essential relaxing oases. Pathways that navigate through these public spaces should be functional and durable and complement the natural environment. This course explores pathway materials and focuses on decomposed granite (DG) and natural aggregates. It discusses the types of pathways, their applications, installation, and maintenance, as well as their contribution to green design.

Birds, bird droppings, and nesting materials can detract from buildings’ architectural features; more importantly, they can negatively impact the environment by creating health and safety risks. Eliminating a bird problem requires a strategic combination of preventive measures and proven bird control products. This course explores the characteristics of common birds, bird problem assessment, and the solutions designed to deter the roosting and nesting of pest birds.

Authorities having jurisdiction all over the world, including in all 50 US states, have mandated photoluminescent egress path markings to support safe evacuation of high-rise buildings in the case of total power failure. This course reviews photoluminescent egress path marking requirements in the model International Building Code® and International Fire Code® (2015, 2018, 2021) and identifies compliant photoluminescent path marking products. The course also discusses recommended best practices that exceed code requirements, which will reduce building operation costs and improve occupant and first responder safety.