Building Design+Construction's professional development website, BDCuniversity.com, features hundreds of free AIA CES courses covering a variety of topics in the nonresidential building industry, including metal construction, roofing, modular buildings, glazing, and sustainable construction.
Here's a roundup of the 25 most popular courses based on the number of AEC professionals that took the course material and completed the exam. Check out www.BDCuniversity.com to earn 1.0 AIA CES learning units for each successfully completed exam.
PROGRESSIVE STEEL JOIST AND METAL DECKING DESIGN
A three-part course examining cost and performance considerations of steel joist and metal decking construction. Provided by New Millennium Building Systems.
PAINTS & COATINGS: THE LATEST TRENDS IN SUSTAINABILITY
How to assess the sustainability value of architectural coatings relative to their performance value to end-users.
INSULATED METAL WALL AND ROOF PANELS FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
IMPs in depth, from materials, finishes, and construction life cycle to energy conservation and other sustainability characteristics. Provided by MBCI.
THE PERIMETER ROOF EDGE: FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE IN A WIND EVENT
Details of the ANSI/SPRI ES-1 Standard, and how to determine the correct specs for perimeter roof edges. Provided by Duro-Last.
PVC SINGLE-PLIES AS SUSTAINABLE ROOFING SYSTEMS
Learn the attributes of PVC single-ply roofing, including their potential for high-performance design. Provided by Duro-Last.
FIBER CEMENT PANELS AS RAINSCREENS
Review the causes and effects of moisture intrusion and learn appropriate rainscreen technologies, including fiber cement panels. Provided by Nichiha.
BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING EDUCATION PROGRAM
A four-unit program with an increasing level of difficulty, designed to provide in-depth training in BIM. Provided by the Associated General Contractors of America.
ADVANCED CONTROLS AND EXTERIOR TACTICS FOR BETTER ILLUMINATION
Lighting control strategies that contribute to energy-efficient buildings and occupant well being, plus tips for lighting exteriors.
INSULATED METAL PANELS
Business development opportunities involving IMPs, terms associated with the product, relevant policies and codes, and sustainability implications. Provided by MBCI.
A PROVEN SIX-STEP APPROACH TO TREATING HISTORIC WINDOWS
Step-by-step prescriptive advice on when it makes sense to repair or rehab existing windows, and when clients should consider replacement, from experts at Hoffmann Architects.
FLEXIBLE PLASTIC POROUS PAVERS
Learn how porous paving systems compare with conventional paving. Provided by Invisible Structures.
GREENER GLASS: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN & ADVANCED, FIRE-RATED GLASS TECHNOLOGIES
Novel fire-rated glazing systems for sustainable design, including how to meet applicable codes and standards. Provided by Safti First.
SUSTAINABLE ENCLOSURES: DESIGN, ENERGY & CODES
Details for creating more sustainable enclosures, including insulation improvements, intelligent window-to-wall ratios, new technologies for facilitating net-zero, and benefits of active façades.
DOES THE OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS EQUAL GREEN?
Discover the inherent green benefits of off-site, prefabricated, and modular building systems. Provided by the Modular Building Institute.
PREVENTABLE CURTAIN WALL FAILURES
Highlighting errors of curtain wall design that lead to in-field failures, including aspects of fabrication and installation. Provided by Kawneer.
CONCRETE ADDITIVES: WATER-REPELLENCY & EFFLORESCENCE CONTROL IN MASONRY
How to achieve water repellency and efflorescence control in masonry construction, including single-wythe masonry walls. Provided by BASF.
NEW TRENDS IN CEILING DESIGNS AND MATERIALS
Improved ceiling products that offer superior acoustics, closed-loop recycled content, and easy integration with lighting, HVAC, fire sprinklers, and overhead infrastructure.
COMBINING OFF-SITE AND SITE CONSTRUCTION
Large-scale, multi-story projects can benefit from a combination of on-site and permanent modular construction. Provided by the Modular Building Institute.
MODULAR BUILDING: A GREEN LIFE CYCLE
How to apply Building Service Life Planning concepts to manage environmental impacts using modular systems. Provided by the Modular Building Institute.
BUILDING WITH BRICK, STONE, AND MASONRY
New types of brick, stone, and masonry systems, including thin brick veneer, clay brick paving, and stone cladding.
ROOFING RETROFITS AND RENOVATIONS
How to make a roof last as long as possible, and how to properly retrofit or reroof.
THE RAINSCREEN APPROACH TO A BETTER BUILDING ENVELOPE
Best ways to use rainscreens, encompassing cladding, cavity, insulation, air barrier, moisture barrier, and the supporting wall.
HIGH-EFFICIENCY PLUMBING
How to implement water-conserving products and systems for commercial, industrial, institutional, and multifamily building projects.
CLADDING AND EXTERIOR INSULATION
Discusses new requirements in the 2012 IECC, the IgCC, and ASHRAE 189.12 for continuous insulation, maximum fenestration area, and air and moisture barriers.
FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY IN LARGE BUILDINGS
Criteria for designing and installing integrated emergency lighting, voice communication, and security systems.