This course is an examination of the role designers play in protecting health through specification of materials and choices made in the building design phase. You learn about strategies and principles employed in the execution of healthier design projects. Finally, you look at how the use of healthier materials can lead to a healthier world. Participants in the course should have leadership-level career experience in design, architecture, contracting, or a similar field.
Sustainable Building: Design and Specification
Sustainable Building: Design and Specification
This course is part of Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building Specialization
Instructors: Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8
(11 reviews)
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
12 hours to complete
3 weeks at 4 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Shift from traditional design to a healthier materials design approach
Evaluate tools and resources for protecting human health
Apply strategies for choosing healthier materials
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
3 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 3 modules in this course
Welcome to the Path to Becoming a Material Influencer. In this module, we'll learn how to design with a healthier world in mind. We will explore strategies and principles of healthier material projects. By the end of this module, you will gain material health inspiration and understand that there's no one-stop-shop for material health. Let's get started!
What's included
11 videos6 readings1 assignment4 discussion prompts
Welcome to Establishing the Material Evaluation Process. In this module, we'll learn how to review disclosures and make healthier material decisions based on performance, quality, and affordability. We will think about where to start when compiling material options and how to reach out to manufacturers. By the end of this module, you will know how to utilize research and approaches for reviewing product health. Let's get started!
What's included
8 videos3 readings1 assignment3 discussion prompts
Welcome to Beyond Design Aesthetics: Healthier Materials for a Healthier World. In this module, we'll learn how to compare options and make decisions for a healthier design approach. We will examine healthier alternatives that provide inspiration for the future. By the end of this module, you will know that no product is perfect, but that progress comes as designers overcome obstacles and transform the marketplace. Let's get started!
What's included
9 videos3 readings1 assignment1 peer review3 discussion prompts
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Public Health
Parsons School of Design, The New School
Parsons School of Design, The New School
Parsons School of Design, The New School
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
Showing 3 of 11
4.8
11 reviews
- 5 stars
90.90%
- 4 stars
0%
- 3 stars
9.09%
- 2 stars
0%
- 1 star
0%
New to Public Health? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.