This unit focuses on evaluating and specifying sustainable materials, systems, and retrofit strategies for green remodeling and residential projects. Students learn to compare material options, interpret green certifications, design energy- and water-saving upgrades, and develop waste-reduction and maintenance plans to ensure long-term building performance.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze life-cycle environmental trade-offs and health/performance characteristics of multiple building material options (e.g., flooring, insulation, finishes) and recommend appropriate selections for specific project constraints
- Evaluate trusted green certification programs and product declarations to justify material and product choices in a remodeling or new-design scenario
- Apply retrofit strategies (including solar water heating, lighting and occupancy sensors, weatherization, plumbing fixtures, and HVAC improvements) to produce a renovation plan that quantifies expected energy and water savings
- Demonstrate sustainable construction and maintenance practices by creating implementation plans for material reuse, construction waste recycling, low-maintenance finishes, and scheduled upkeep to preserve green building performance
Curriculum
- 1 Section
- 27 Lessons
- 30 hours
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- Unit 4 — Green Materials and Retrofits27
- 1.1One Building Doesn’t Make a Difference to the Environment20 mins
- 1.2Pick the Right Toilet20 mins
- 1.3Earthen-Clay Plaster20 mins
- 1.4Go Green with Your Yard20 mins
- 1.5Picturing the Perfect Green Room20 mins
- 1.6Looking to Trusted Green Certification Programs When Shopping for Materials20 mins
- 1.7Furnishings20 mins
- 1.8Earthships20 mins
- 1.9Nobody Cares Whether a Building Is Green20 mins
- 1.10Heat Your Water with the Sun20 mins
- 1.11Bamboo Flooring20 mins
- 1.12Convert Your Wood-Burning Fireplace to a Gas Fireplace20 mins
- 1.13Exterior Finishes and Trim20 mins
- 1.14Ceramic Earth20 mins
- 1.15Green Buildings Are Just Buildings with Recycled Materials20 mins
- 1.16Recycle Construction Waste20 mins
- 1.17Linoleum Flooring20 mins
- 1.18Weatherize Your Windows and Doors20 mins
- 1.19Remodeling: Bringing Old Materials to Life20 mins
- 1.20Green Buildings Are Fragile and Require More Maintenance20 mins
- 1.21Choose Your Carpet Carefully20 mins
- 1.22Cork Flooring20 mins
- 1.23Make Your Heating and Cooling Work Better20 mins
- 1.24You Can’t Have High-End Design in a Green Building20 mins
- 1.25Watch Your Plywood20 mins
- 1.26Recycled Denim Cotton Insulation20 mins
- 1.27Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Install Occupancy Sensors20 mins
Instructor
Free
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