Architects, engineers, installers, contractors, and building science professionals…Read this article to learn more about free online courses and how you can earn 32 AIA credits this January!

I met Richard Paradis, Director of Whole Building Design Guide, a branch of the National Institute of Building Sciences, during my recent trip to Washington, DC. I’d received an email from the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) outlining upcoming courses and webinars and figured I’d call him because we’re both working to educate building professionals. Lucky for me, Richard was free to meet for coffee on the Monday before I flew back to Boston.

Here are two things I learned from Richard that you (architects, engineers, installers, contractors, and building science professionals) will also find interesting:

1. You Can Earn 32 AIA Credits January 6-9 at Building Innovation 2015. Live in DC or close by? Check out this opportunity. The annual conference offers a number of educational sessions that give you the opportunity to select from a total of 32 Learning Units (LUs) from the American Institute of Architects. You’ll be able to check professional education credits off the top of you “2015 to-do” list. During Building Innovation 2015, the Institute will present a four-day informative agenda that highlights its activities and programs for developing innovative solutions for the built environment. The theme: Creating High-Performing Resilient Communities.  The first day is completely free for all participants. Online registration is open until 12/31/2014. 

2. Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG) contains a wealth of information and is your gateway to up-to-date information on integrated ‘Whole Building Design’ Techniques and Technologies. They offer free short courses that provide an introduction to Whole Building Design concepts as well as more specific applications for design objectives, building types, and operations and maintenance. As a registered CE provider, the WBDG CE system is a source of Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) AIA Continuing Education System learning units (LUs) for registered architects, USGBC GBCI CE hours for LEED Professionals, and Federal Energy Management Program CE Units.

Interested in learning more about the National Institute of Building Sciences? Check out their website. If you apply to become a member, you have access to 6+ building councils.

Connect with Richard Paradis and comment below if you know of other upcoming learning opportunities!

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