Building professionals can look forward to earning more free credit hours this year, thanks to four additions to the CertainTeed Building Knowledge Academy of Continuing Education (ACE) webinar course schedule. Topics include specifying high performance materials for medical facility interiors, sustainable systems for the building envelope and cool roofing. Residential landscape design and fence systems will also be covered.

“This year, we are celebrating more than 100,000 credit hours earned by architects and design professionals,” said Jill Betters, manager, commercial and architectural programs for CertainTeed Corporation. “It’s a milestone to be proud of, as we strive to be the best and most convenient resource for continuing education and technical information. Webinars provide a unique opportunity to have a dialogue with the architecture and construction industry in real time. We are very pleased that our efforts are so well received by the building community.”

This month, “Achieving a Desired Acoustic Environment: Creating Healthcare Spaces for Enhanced Healing,” 12-1:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Oct. 22, will take on the challenge of acoustics in the healthcare industry and address issues that architects and engineers face when designing spaces for enhanced healing that reduce stress and increase positive patient outcomes. Professional experiences and case studies will be the foundation of the session, which will include an expert panel discussion. Specifiers will learn how proper Environmental Acoustics™, evidence-based design is driving healthcare facility construction, the role of sound attenuation in protecting patient privacy, and LEED for Healthcare as it relates to ceilings and acoustics. Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) recommendations for ceilings in healthcare environments will also be discussed.

Next month, “Thermal Control in Building Envelopes,” 11:30-12:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Nov. 12, will provide an extensive review of the thermal properties of building materials, how thermal control effects spaces, and how improved design can help achieve points in the Energy and Atmosphere and Indoor Environmental Quality Category of LEED rating systems.

“Landscape and Residential Fence Systems: An Overview,” 2-3 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 8, will cover will the advantages and disadvantages of four kinds of fencing materials for residential fencing systems. Attendees will learn about the vinyl manufacturing process, commonly used test standards, the ICC code for swimming pool fencing and vinyl fence installation methods.

Later that same week, “Up on the Roof: Asphalt Shingles,” 1-2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 10, will go over the key components within an asphalt shingle that contribute to solar reflectance and reduce the heat island effect. Learning objectives include how to properly ventilate roofing systems in order to reduce energy consumption within the building and increase indoor air quality; how the recycling of asphalt shingles contribute to a sustainable environment; the benefits of Energy Star rated roofing products and more.

All CEU courses are accredited by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for one learning unit. Many are also certified for AIA Health Safety and Welfare (HSW) and Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) credential maintenance program, giving professionals the credits they need and the product and system knowledge to specify smarter. The online academy also helps users easily organize and keep track of their completed courses and earned credits.

In addition, online content is accessible 24/7 via multiple platforms and devices, giving users the ability to choose how and when they want to learn—whether by attending scheduled seminars or taking an online self-guided course.

To register for any of these free webinars or request a lunch and learn presentation, visit continuinged.certainteed.com.