Mar 10 2009
BASF, the Chemical Company, has launched a virtual classroom for construction professionals called the BASF Online Campus for High-Performance Construction.
Utilizing interactive courses with active video content and flash video, this easy-to-use tool for professionals is designed to be interesting, informative and fun. In addition, the online courses available meet state licensing board requirements for AIA continuing education requirements and are free of charge when accessed through www.basf.com/construction.
"We created the BASF Online Campus for High-Performance Construction to help industry professionals more quickly adopt proven solutions that make construction more sustainable," said Jack Armstrong, Leader of the Construction Initiative in North America for BASF. "To BASF that means increasing energy efficiency, speed of construction and project durability, which can translate directly into more profit for the builder, as well as more value for the owner through lower utility and maintenance costs."
Currently, there are four courses posted on the BASF Online Campus for High-Performance Construction including:
High-Performance EIFS for Sustainable Construction
This one hour interactive course outlines key architectural decisions related to EIFS, and illustrates how architects can incorporate EIFS into building designs that maximize aesthetic value, building longevity, sustainability, LEED ratings and cost-effectiveness. (This course satisfies the new AIA Sustainable Design Credit requirements.)
Sealant Repairs that Last: Hybrid Sealants for Building Restoration
This two hour interactive course discusses the role that restoration can and does play in the area of sustainability, and specifically the role that sealants play in sustainable design and repair. Learn why the "greenness" of restoration sealants should go beyond VOC emissions to include performance properties and extended service life. (This course satisfies the new AIA Sustainable Design Credit requirements.)
Concrete Additives: Water-Repellency & Efflorescence Control in Masonry
This one hour interactive online course provides the details of achieving water-repellency and efflorescence control in masonry construction. While the focus is on single-wythe masonry walls, the admixture technologies presented are applicable to other manufactured concrete products, such as pavers and roof tiles. (This course satisfies the AIA Health, Safety and Welfare requirement.)
High-Performance Green Buildings: New Materials and Methods
This course shows how the selection of building materials and methods directly impacts sustainability and performance. Key considerations include occupant health and increasing energy efficiency. This Webcast examines roofing and enclosure materials that affect these areas, with attention given to air barriers, "cool roof" designs, and insulation. The implications of these enclosure choices on building life-cycle analysis (LCA), LEED ratings, and other key measures of building sustainability are examined. 1.5 AIA/CES learning units can be earned for viewing the Webcast and successfully completing the exam. (This course satisfies the new AIA Sustainable Design Credit requirements.)
The BASF Online Campus for High-Performance Construction was developed in conjunction with RedVector, Inc., the leading provider of online education for the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industries. Upon course completion, a certificate is placed in the course-taker's account and their results are reported (when desired) to the appropriate board.
To learn more about the BASF Online Campus for High-Performance Construction, please vist www.basf.com/construction and click on the link located at the bottom left titled, "BASF Online Campus for Construction."