Green Building Principles and Practices (Non-LEED Focus)
Credits: 8 PDH
PDH Course Description:
This comprehensive course presents a structured and technically rigorous exploration of green building principles and practices, explicitly excluding LEED or proprietary certification frameworks. The content is grounded in time-tested engineering, architectural, and construction methodologies that improve energy performance, resource efficiency, occupant health, and environmental sustainability. Designed for licensed engineers, architects, and construction professionals, this course provides a broad yet detailed understanding of how green building principles are applied throughout the building lifecycle—from site analysis and material selection to envelope design and operations.Topics:
- Define foundational principles of green building design and differentiate them from certification frameworks like LEED.
- Identify passive and active design strategies that optimize energy performance in various climatic zones.
- Evaluate sustainable material options based on durability, embodied carbon, recyclability, and sourcing impacts.
- Assess building envelope strategies for thermal performance, air sealing, and moisture management.
- Apply site-integrated design concepts that preserve ecological balance and manage water sustainably.
- Incorporate renewable energy systems, natural ventilation, daylighting, and water reuse technologies.
- Analyze the economic, environmental, and operational impacts of life cycle assessment (LCA) and building commissioning.
- Design or retrofit building systems that support long-term energy and water efficiency, healthy indoor environments, and net-zero targets.
To take this course:
1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
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3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.
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4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
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Intended Audience: This course is intended for civil, construction, architectural, mechanical, electrical, and other engineering professionals whose job description may require a general knowledge of green building principles and practices.
Publication Source: Cadistics Courseware
Donald Parnell, PE