This course will discuss how architects and business owners can achieve outstanding performance and low-cost operation by incorporating high-efficiency, low-emission propane appliances into commercial new builds or retrofits.

We will discuss the challenges of designing commercial buildings in rural areas, especially those that do not have natural gas service, and how propane can help to meet resilience and sustainability goals, and maximize health, wellness, and occupant comfort. In addition, this course will explore applications for propane in different commercial building types, as well as case studies where propane was used.


Learning Objectives

  • Identify the challenges architects face when designing commercial buildings in rural areas and how propane can help solve those challenges.
  • Discover how designing with propane can help commercial buildings meet resilience and sustainability goals that maximize health, wellness, and occupant comfort.
  • Explore how propane can be used in retail, restaurants, and hotels to solve design challenges by providing space savings and flexibility; two hospitality case studies will demonstrate these solutions.
  • Examine how propane is used in large campus projects, such as warehouse facilities and schools, for reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable energy, including a case study in which a school received LEED Silver certification.

Pre-Requisite: General understanding of commercial building design for rural areas.