Continuing Education

Delivering and designing sustainable and high-performance buildings are becoming a norm and necessity in each project. It is not only because of code requirements but due to the benefits for the building owner and occupants over the long term. To develop sustainable and high-performance buildings, there are 3 core values that we need to implement to develop successful sustainable projects such as an integrative and collaborative approach; innovative and creative solutions; and cost and environmental impact. These core values will optimize and enhance building performance delivery and design. To implement core values, the presentation provides some case studies and examples. The implementations consist of three major steps. The first step will focus on early design impact and the second step will be during construction document and administration. The last step will discuss implementation or strategies in existing buildings.

Envelope design is a key component to creating sustainable, high-performing buildings. There are many strategies and design methods for buildings that can be applied from design through construction to improve envelope design. The presentation will discuss specifically, the implementation of an Integrative Design Process using LEED and new ASHRAE 209. Better envelope design will have a direct impact on occupant performance by providing better thermal comfort, daylight and a healthy overall environment conducive to learning. The presentation will first describe the integrative design process, including the requirements of this process and various performance simulations that can be conducted to assess overall building performance. The presentation will also showcase the important strategies and key components that designers and performance modelers must focus on to develop a better envelope design. The implementations and case studies will be presented to illustrate how to improve envelope performance using energy model and daylight simulation.

This presentation is for the members of the building design team. It is an introduction to the commissioning process and a guide to the design team responsibilities within the commissioning process. The presentation will describe each step in the commissioning process and explain how the designer will fulfill their role during those steps. Ideally, the designer will come away with a better understanding of the commissioning process and how it is a benefit during the design phase of a project.

An introduction and survey of major energy users in laboratory infrastructure design and common sense ways to ensure a safe lab environment while minimizing energy costs. Topics covered are: Basic Types of Laboratory Space; Largest Energy Usage in Laboratory Space; Safety Concerns for a Safe Laboratory Environment; Governing Codes and Standards for Laboratory Space Design; and a General Design Approach for Energy Efficient Laboratory Space.