COURSES
Sustainability
OUR COURSES SERIES
Sustainability Course Directory
Green/Sustainable
| Course Name | Course Type | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Solutions: Urban Flooding and Water Pollution | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Sustainable Solutions: Urban Flooding and Water PollutionOverview/Description: At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to: Explain the difference between point source and nonpoint source water pollution Discuss the factors that contribute to flooding and water pollution Identify sustainable strategies to avoid flooding and water pollution Describe actions to reduce runoff and treat stormwater Define biofiltration areas to reduce elements harmful to rural and urban ecosystems Course Number: RV-10486 |
| Sustainable Solutions: Human Health and Well-Being | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Sustainable Solutions: Human Health and Well-BeingOverview/Description: At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to: Identify site design strategies that encourage physical activity Provide multisensory experiences to encourage site users to explore the landscape more fully Recognize design elements that promote social interaction. Select site designs that encourage children to interact with their surroundings Course Number: RV-10484 |
| Introduction to Rain Gardens | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Introduction to Rain GardensOverview/Description: At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to: Describe what a rain garden is and why it should be installed Explain how urbanization has changed the hydrologic cycle Define the importance of proper location Identify the role that soils play in proper selection Discuss how size and depth are determined for a rain garden Indicate where rain gardens should not be installed and why Course Number: RV-10281 |
| Green Design: The Ethics of Green Design | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Green Design: The Ethics of Green DesignOverview/Description: At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to: Discuss the codes of ethics recognized by the American Institute of Architects, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, American Society of Landscape Architects, and the National Society of Professional Engineers. Identify how ethical and professional responsibilities extend to the natural environment. Demonstrate adaptation to emerging environmental issues, such as population growth, climate change, water scarcity, and species extinction. Recognize and analyze the differences between benchmarks, goals, and standards. Explain the relationship of knowledge and trust to green design. Course Number: RV-10685 |
| Green Urban Design | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Green Urban DesignOverview/Description: At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to: Discuss the fundamental principles of urban design Understand the importance of green urban design for the environmental stewardship of a community List the different green urban design approaches that professionals can incorporate into their urban areas Recognize the importance of stormwater considerations Utilize green urban design concepts to achieve sustainability Course Number: RV-10226 |
| Sustainable Solutions: Air Pollution | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Sustainable Solutions: Air PollutionOverview/Description: At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to: Identify the air pollutants that impact and affect our lives List and identify the strategies to improve air quality on a building site and surrounding areas Describe the materials used to reduce the embodied energy of a site Describe and Identify the key features of green roofs and walls Explain and identify the ways operating energy can be reduced on a site Outline the best practice for site maintenance to minimize the release of air pollutants. Course Number: RV-10485 |
| LEED v4 – Operations and Maintenance | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus LEED v4 – Operations and MaintenanceOverview/Description: At the end of this course, you will be able to: Discuss the origins of the LEED Existing Building: Operations and Maintenance within the USGBC LEED Green Building Rating System for buildings Differentiate between LEED Credit Rating Systems Recognize the importance of meeting the prerequisites to the categories of LEED OM Identify criteria to best reach LEED OM credit rating goals Explain the intent and requirements of LEED OM credit categories Describe strategies for achieving exemplary performance where applicable Identify synergies between strategies to optimize building performance Course Number: RV-10593AW |
| Green Design: Introduction to Sustainable Design Materials and Resources (Based on LEED v4) | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Green Design: Introduction to Sustainable Design Materials and Resources (Based on LEED v4)Overview/Description: At the end of this course, you will be able to: Discuss life cycle analysis, embodied carbon, embodied energy and other defining characteristics of sustainable materials Recognize the environmental, economic, cultural, and aesthetic benefits of sustainable materials Identify the necessary techniques, databases, and organizations in the selection of sustainable materials Describe ways to use materials sustainably, including building and material reuse, construction waste management and LEED credits Course Number: RV-10680 |
| Green Design: Introduction to Sustainability and Measurement Systems (Based on LEED v4) | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Green Design: Introduction to Sustainability and Measurement Systems (Based on LEED v4)Overview/Description: At the end of this course, you will be able to: Discuss the need for sustainable building design and systems to measure sustainability Describe the USGBC LEED rating systems Explain the process of becoming a LEED Accredited Professional Recall the similarities and differences between the LEED and Green Globes programs Course Number: RV-10553 |
| Green Design: Introduction to Sustainable Water Systems (Based on LEED v4) | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Green Design: Introduction to Sustainable Water Systems (Based on LEED v4)Overview/Description: At the end of this course, you will be able to: Discuss both larger watershed and community water systems local sites support Explain the impact of local development practices on water systems, local water resource reserves, and water quality Identify the cultural, social, economic, and health benefits communities derive from earth’s water systems Predict consequences of the conflicts between current development practices and these water systems Recognize emerging developments practices that work better with, and have a lower-impact on watershed systems Describe credits from version 4.0 of the LEED-BDC rating system that support improved quality, conservation, and management of local storm and ground water resources. Discuss low-impact practices that support water conservation, recycling, harvesting, and stormwater management – and help meet LT, SS and WE credits in the LEED-BDC rating system that support these goals Recall examples of how these practices provide opportunities to express natural, cultural, social, and aesthetic character of place. Course Number: RV-10988 |
| Green Design: Economics of Green Building | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Green Design: Economics of Green BuildingOverview/Description: At the end of this course you will be able to: Identify multiple business incentives for going green Describe life cycle costs and how they are determined List what factors affect direct and indirect costs of green building Recognize the differences between truly green claims and greenwashing Discuss relative costs of LEED and non-LEED buildings Course Number: RV-10682 |
| Sustainable Design: Eco-efficiency of Roofing Insulation Systems | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Sustainable Design: Eco-efficiency of Roofing Insulation SystemsOverview/Description: At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:Describe the available plastic foam roof insulation technologies for commercial low-slope roofs.Explain advancements in direct-to-deck roofing application, including system components, technical aspects and technology advances.Discuss economic and environmental comparisons and advantages of the systems.Understand how to assess the relative environmental aspects of each technology in order to create the most sustainable roofing system to meet your design needs. Course Number: RV-10189 |
| Green Design: Introduction to High Performance Building Design (Based on LEED v4) | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Green Design: Introduction to High Performance Building Design (Based on LEED v4)Overview/Description: At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:Explain and identify how building design and construction can impact the health and wellbeing of the people within and the surrounding environment Define and identify energy use and its effects on buildings and the safety and welfare of the people within and around Describe the three options for Daylight LEED v4 credits and their impacts on the environment Explain the proper use and storage of refrigerants used in vapor compression systems ensures a safe environment for building occupants and the environment. Describe and identify the process to ensure that a building is operating at peak efficiencies to maintain a safe environment for people and the surrounding area List the LEED requirements for the facility requirements and operations maintenance plan Identify and explain the LEED Credit and prerequisites for Energy and Atmosphere Course Number: RV-10683 |
| Green Design: Introduction to Indoor Environmental Air Quality (Based on LEED v4) | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Green Design: Introduction to Indoor Environmental Air Quality (Based on LEED v4)Overview/Description: By the end of this course, you will be able to: Explain the relationship between building energy use and the larger issues of climate change and environmental degradationRecognize the positions and activities of governmental and professional organizations in this subject area Discuss sustainability ratings for buildings and understand in detail the requirements of one of those systems, USGBC’s LEED Rating System Recall the current sources of energy for buildings and their environmental effects Describe in some detail how buildings use energy, the variables affecting how they perform for energy efficiency, and how energy can be produced by buildings Restate how digital models are used in high performance building design and how commissioning and maintenance affect actual results Discuss how to implement the LEED v4 BD+C Energy and Atmosphere credits and integrate them into project design Course Number: RV-10679 |
| Sustainable Solutions: Loss of Biodiversity | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Sustainable Solutions: Loss of BiodiversityOverview/Description: At the end of this course, you will be able to: Identify the Drivers of Biodiversity LossRecognize how the loss of biodiversity affects the lives of humansDiscuss the importance of site selection and habitat conservation in promoting healthy environmentsDescribe how reduction of habitat fragmentation and ecosystem restoration contribute to appealing residential and commercial developmentList the benefits of holistic resource management in meeting the needs of safe, healthy construction for future generationsExplain habitat mitigation to produce commercial and residential construction that the public can utilize safely, responsibly, and with pride. Course Number: RV-10489 |
| Sustainable Solutions: Water Shortages | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Sustainable Solutions: Water ShortagesOverview/Description: At the end of this course, you will be able to: Identify the reasons for fresh water shortages.Discuss the different uses of water in our daily lives.Identify strategies used to minimize the use of potable water and recharge groundwater.Discuss strategies used for stormwater catchment and reuse.Discuss proper vegetation selection in order to reduce water requirements and protect a site from drought conditions, such as avoiding bare soils, restoration and maintenance of soil organic matter content, and recharging of groundwater supplies.List proper irrigation practices and alternative water sources used such as rainwater and air-conditioner condensate. Course Number: RV-10487 |
| Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)Overview/Description: At the end of this course, you will be able to: Illustrate how to incorporate this material into traditional building construction to provide style, comfort, safety and durabilityCalculate the demand on the material without sacrificing affordability and life safetyDefine the code expectations for gravity and lateral performance to provide occupants with adequate protectionAddress constructibility issues Course Number: RV-10795AW |
| Introduction to Net Zero Buildings | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Introduction to Net Zero BuildingsOverview/Description: At the conclusion of the course you will be able to: Recite the broad definition of Net Zero building, and understand the variation on this definition Comprehend the different types of Net Zero techniques and technologies Recognize the importance of the marketability and affordability of Net Zero building List case study examples of world-wide application of Net Zero building Course Number: RV-10348AW |
| ASHRAE 100: Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus ASHRAE 100: Energy Efficiency in Existing BuildingsOverview/Description: At the end of this course, you will be able to: Provide the requirements of ASHRAE 100, as it exists, and 100-2006, the proposed updated version.List and explain the meaning and application of concepts innate to the 100 Standard, such as AHJ, EUI, EEM, and IRR.Identify the main differences between source and site energy use, and the implications thereof.List and explain the various ASHRAE zones (1-8; a, b, and c). Course Number: RV-10696AW |
| Sustainable Building Technology | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Sustainable Building TechnologyOverview/Description: At the end of this course, you will be able to: Select key lighting system and electrical power system design features for sustainable building technology. Recognize how mechanical and central plant system design impacts energy efficiency. List the factors involved in sustainable plumbing systems and water use in a facility. Explain electric power metering principles and proper use in energy management and sustainable design. Course Number: RV-10876AW |
| LEED v4: Residential Homes | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus LEED v4: Residential HomesOverview/Description: At the end of this course, you will be able to: Describe the importance of the LEED for Homes rating system, which covers major home renovations and new construction of single-family homes, multi-family apartments and condos, and mixed-use residential buildingsDifferentiate between the various categories of LEED for Homes within the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating SystemIdentify criteria to best reach LEED for Homes category credit rating goalsDispel common myths regarding LEED for Homes credit requirements Course Number: RV-10595AW |
| Building a Sustainable Future | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Building a Sustainable FutureOverview/Description: At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to: Identify the resources and processes provided by ecosystems that sustain and fulfill human life Explain what a regenerative system is and discuss its importance for reversing the degradation of the earth’s natural resourcesDefine “site sustainability” and discuss the three pillars of sustainability and their relationship to site development: planet, profit, and people Discuss the value of education about sustainability and stewardship toward constructed landscapes and natural ecosystems Discuss the importance of creating a love for nature in our children Describe the process of monitoring and adaptive management and how it can be used to adjust maintenance practices and prove the overall function of the site Course Number: RV-10482 |
| Green Design: Introduction to Sustainable Sites (Based on LEED v4) | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Green Design: Introduction to Sustainable Sites (Based on LEED v4)Overview/Description: At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to: Recognize a broad overview of issues impacting the site environment Recall several factors that inform sustainable site selection Identify beneficial aspects of the site environment, which should be admitted and enhanced, and detrimental aspects of the site environment, which should be excluded or ameliorated Evaluate the relationship, across multiple scales, between the impacts of a building project and various natural phenomena and social constructs Course Number: RV-10681 |
| The WELL Building Standard | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus The WELL Building StandardOverview/Description: At the end of this course, you will be able to: ? List the rules of the WELL Building Standard™ (version1) and how to apply them across the three project types: new and existing buildings, new and existing interiors, and core and shell. Define Biophilia, its importance within the building environment, its impacts on human health, and how the MIND section in the WELL Building Standard™ (version1) promotes Biophilia indoors (Feature 88: Biophilia I-Qualitative) and outdoors (Feature 100:Biophilia II-Quantitative.Describe how the FITNESS section of the WELL Building Standard™ (version1) promotes active furnishings within the workplace by illustrating Feature 71: Active Furnishings in a before and after scenario showing a schematic office layout.Describe how the WELL Building Standard™ (version1) effects workplace kitchen and cafeteria design to promote a healthy food culture through illustrating examples from the NOURISHMENT section, including Feature 45: Food Advertising, Feature 46: Safe Food Preparation Materials, Feature 47: Serving Sizes, Feature 50 Food Storage, and Feature 52: Mindful Eating. Course Number: RV-11152AW |
| Introduction to Sustainable Roof Technologies | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Introduction to Sustainable Roof TechnologiesOverview/Description: At the conclusion of the course you will be able to: Understand the environmental and economic impacts of sustainable roofsComprehend the fundamentals of different types of sustainable roofs (i.e., green roofs, cool roofs, energy harnessing roofs)Recite concepts on how to design a building to limit amount of impermeable areas as well as expand the usefulness of the roof spaceComprehend the current limitations of sustainable roofs (i.e., initial costs, maintenance)Comprehend the importance of site selection, placement, and type of sustainable roofing applications Course Number: RV-10352AW |
| LEED v4 for New Construction Projects | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus LEED v4 for New Construction ProjectsOverview/Description: By the end of this course, you will be able to: Identify the most important changes in the LEED Rating System under Version 4 compared with LEED 2009 and demonstrate how the new rating system goals impact the health of people and communities. Describe the integrative design process and how it would impact the early stages of designing a LEED project. Describe the separation of Sustainable Sites credits into two categories and how they encourage strategies that minimize impact on eco-systems and water resources. List the changes in the Materials & Resources category. Describe how to utilize Building Product Disclosures from manufacturers to achieve LEED credits and disclose the health, safety and environmental hazard and risk of chemical ingredients. Course Number: RV-10819AW |
| Building Performance: Design Through Operations | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Building Performance: Design Through OperationsOverview/Description: By the end of this course, you will be able to: List the benefits of a holistic approach to sustainable design and construction and operations of a building. Identify when to include technical services in an integrated design process to optimize building performance. Describe how building commissioning contributes to reduced energy consumption in high performance buildings. Describe how a building audit can optimize performance in buildings. Course Number: RV-11002AW |
| Understanding Concrete’s Environmental Advantage | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Understanding Concrete’s Environmental AdvantageOverview/Description: By the end of this course, you will be able to:Summarize the history of environmental concerns that impact public perceptionIdentify how buildings impact our environmentDiscuss how to integrate a life cycle perspective when considering green buildingsDescribe concrete’s unique environmental advantages in energy efficiency, material resources and sustainable site considerations Identify concrete applications that contribute to LEED credits Course Number: RV-10870 |
| Green Design: Brownfield Redevelopment (RV-10900) | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Green Design: Brownfield Redevelopment (RV-10900)Overview/Description: At the conclusion of this course you will be able to:Explain how brownfields formKnow the Federal definition for “brownfield”Identify the varieties of techniques for brownfield cleanupRecognize what differentiates a major brownfield cleanup with a minor oneKnow major regulations in brownfield redevelopmentKnow Federal, state, and local incentives and assistance for brownfield cleanupDefine and effectively understand the brownfield redevelopment credit for LEED buildingsUse case studies as a guide for insight of existing brownfield sites that have been successful redevelopments Course Number: RV-10900 |
| Green Landscape Design: Reducing the Urban Heat Island Effect | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Green Landscape Design: Reducing the Urban Heat Island EffectOverview/Description: At the end of this course, you will be able to: Discuss the adverse effect of higher temperatures on our health, environment and energy consumptionDescribe the typical differences in summer temperatures between rural farmland, commercial complexes, downtown urban areas, suburban residential areas and parksDefine the term heat island, what causes it, and when they formDiscuss strategies and technologies that can be used to decrease the heat island effectList the benefits of cool roofs and pavements to individual buildings, pavements, health, electricity demand, air quality and potential benefits globally Course Number: RV-11345AW |
| Introduction to Net Zero Carbon Design | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Introduction to Net Zero Carbon DesignOverview/Description: By the end of this course, you will be able to: Define Zero Net Carbon design principles and their significance in sustainable architecture Describe how net-zero building guidelines fit within the context of California’s sustainable building requirements Identify advanced efficiency strategies to reduce operational energy consumption in buildings Explain how to design natural ventilation systems appropriate for diverse climate zones, particularly throughout California Discuss how to select appropriate renewable energy systems based on project requirements and site conditions Identify components essential for climate-resilient building systems Describe equitable design strategies that address community needs while achieving sustainability goals Course Number: JCOM-00101 |
| LEED v5 for Cities and Communities | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus LEED v5 for Cities and CommunitiesOverview/Description: By the end of this course, you will be able to: Discuss the fundamentals of LEED for Cities and Communities Identify key issues such as climate change, resource shortages, and social inequalities affecting cities and communities Explain the principles, strategies, and advantages of sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban growth Describe how the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) assesses cities and communities based on performance metrics like energy use, water management, waste handling, transportation systems, and social equity Explain the point system and certification levels (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum) and how points are allocated across various categories to achieve different certification tiers Discuss how to align the LEED for Cities and Communities framework with local urban development and global sustainability goals Recall methods and approaches for integrating the framework into municipal planning and development Discuss the future of LEED for Cities and Communities, including emerging trends in urban sustainability Course Number: JCOM-00089 |
| LEED v5 Certification Process | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus LEED v5 Certification ProcessOverview/Description: By the end of this course, you will be able to: Explain the point system and certification levels (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum) and how points are allocated across various categories to achieve different certification tiers Determine eligibility requirements for various project types (e.g., commercial, residential, industrial) Outline the registration process, including required documentation, fees, and compliance preconditions Analyze the importance of early-stage planning to identify achievable LEED goals Conduct feasibility assessments to align project objectives with LEED v5 criteria Explain the process for submitting documentation to Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) and the standards for approval Navigate the stages of GBCI review, including preliminary and final reviews Outline ongoing compliance requirements for maintaining LEED certification, including performance tracking and reporting Course Number: JCOM-00088 |
| Increasing Building Energy Efficiencies: Policies and Practice | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Increasing Building Energy Efficiencies: Policies and PracticeOverview/Description: By the end of this course, you will be able to: Discuss the requirements of Federal building mandates and codes. List the requirements of ASHRAE 90.1 and 189.1 standards, upon which most State & Local codes are based and written.Describe and appreciate the impact locally, nationally, and globally of these efforts and the trends towards increasing energy efficiency, and competing interests globally between efficiency and a cleaner environment, and cheaper fuel and resulting pollution and associated deleterious effects thereof. Practically implement and adopt these requirements in building systems, and design and construction strategies. Course Number: RV-10735AW |
| Green Building: Commercial High Performance Guidelines Part 1 | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus Green Building: Commercial High Performance Guidelines Part 1Overview/Description: At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to: Name examples of high performance green commercial buildingsDescribe green building featuresList benefits of green building features and practices Indicate lighting strategiesIndicate lighting strategiesDiscuss energy sources and energy load managementExplain indoor air quality strategiesIdentify visual quality componentsDefine high performance building performance goals Course Number: RV-10198 |
| LEED v4 for Existing Buildings: Operation & Maintenance (EBOM) | Course | View details Course Syllabus | Print Syllabus LEED v4 for Existing Buildings: Operation & Maintenance (EBOM)Overview/Description: At the end of this course, you will be able to: Recognize all the LEED rating systems Explain the sub-categories of each of those rating systems Determine which types of design and construction projects are most appropriately served by which system Differentiate between the previous, though still applicable, LEED v2009, and the more current, LEED v4, for EBOM Explain the difference between LEED Accreditation and LEED Certification and finally Define the eight (8) credit categories in LEED-EBOM v4 Course Number: RV-10676AW |