Zonda - Resource Library

Architects, engineers, developers, and facilities managers have numerous choices when determining fuel sources for commercial buildings, whether those choices involve the practicalities of space and water heating, the aesthetics of fireplaces, fire pits, and outdoor lighting, or the functionalities of building site energy needs.

Combined with these choices is the ever-increasing need to build and plan not only cost-effectively, but with sustainability in mind. This course will help specifiers compare the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of fuel sources and storage options, as well as examining the flexibility and reliability of propane, so that they can more readily determine which fuel source best meets the needs of individual commercial projects.

It’s a common human reaction; we turn to nature in uncertain times. Nature nurtures, as they say. With the 2020 global pandemic and the limited access to the outdoors it has meant for many, people are looking at their surroundings with new appreciation – and an increased desire for buildings that help them feel good as they spend more time indoors.

While we know that good architecture doesn’t guarantee good health, evidence is growing that a well-designed building can lead to an improved overall sense of well-being for occupants. And, since wood has a natural connection with nature, there is increasing evidence that wood can contribute to the well-being of building occupants when it is left where it can be seen and even smelled. This CEU explores the trend towards architecture designed to improve the well-being of building occupants.

This course will compare and contrast methods of preventing fire, smoke, and sound passage within/between wall assemblies. We'll explore different types of structural movement that may occur and the impact to building components and their connections over time. Next, we will examine how movement impacts interior finishes and identify solutions, and the steps that must be taken to prevent damage from movement to building components. By the end of the course, the learner will be able to make more informed decisions in the marketplace of fire and sound rated solutions designed for wall joints.

This On Demand CEU is a recorded presentation from a previously live webinar event. Buildings must be designed to stand up to their natural environment, including high winds, heavy rain events, and freeze / thaw cycles. Increasingly, building systems must also have a positive impact on a building in case of a catastrophic event, such as potential natural disasters. Wood-plastic composite cladding is a great alternative for constructing resilient and sustainable commercial buildings.

The material is highly durable with performance attributes that equate to a longer-lasting, more resilient product than alternative cladding materials. This course will cover the principles of resilient design, the importance of material durability and high performance when specifying resilient materials, and how wood-plastic composite cladding contributes to resilient building design.

This On Demand CEU is a recorded presentation from a previously live webinar event. Cutting-edge building projects must use durable materials that also help reduce carbon footprint. Concrete is the material of choice for the tallest buildings in the world and infrastructure designed to last centuries.

This session explores how new products using pozzolans, calcined clay, biochar, and other innovations enhance a product that is nearly 5,000 years in development and provides another pathway for meeting future challenges in the built environment. This presentation includes the histories, compositions, and environmental impacts of these technologies and offers case studies to show how innovation is being put into action.

This course will provide foundational knowledge about clay pavers, explore their benefits and features, and cover what architects and builders need to know for successful specification and installation.

This course will take a holistic view of roof systems and explore the different categories of underlayment, as well as options that can optimize performance and compatibility with roofing materials. It will also explore performance attributes of different underlayment categories and how superior products can increase energy efficiency, wind resistance, and fire resistance.

This course will explore the benefits of a flexible dual-fuel home and how partnering with propane can offer lower costs, fewer emissions, and greater stability. In addition, propane should be considered as a primary energy option in areas of the country not under electrification mandates, as it offers favorable cost and emissions savings over electricity.

It should also be incorporated into all homes as a backup power option, but this is particularly important in all-electric or electric-ready homes.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is an important technology used to improve indoor air quality in a wide variety of applications, from residences and schools to highly sensitive healthcare facilities. There is a false perception that HEPA air filters sufficiently sterilize air, but studies demonstrate that while filters are necessary, they are not sufficient to neutralize the smallest particulates — UVGI can be a key partner in this battle. This course will review the importance of optimizing indoor air quality for building occupants and how ultraviolet air purification can be used to sanitize surfaces and air, remove odors, and reduce allergens. The course will also examine how to properly engineer an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation system to ensure it operates optimally when used in conjunction with ventilation and filtration systems.

Extreme weather events such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and straight-line winds are becoming increasingly common. They have the potential to displace populations and incur billions of dollars-worth of damage. Considering various strategies and best practices, as well as examining a case study involving plywood and OSB sheathing, can help specifiers design resilient homes and mitigate the effects of various extreme weather events.