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ENVR-3005 Building Systems/Materials

Welcome

Welcome to Your Environmental Design Course Guide!

Welcome to the course guide for Third-Year Environmental Design! This guide is designed to help you navigate the vast world of research and resources related to sustainable architecture, building systems, energy efficiency, and more. Whether you're working on a specific project or looking for general information, this guide provides essential tools and tips to support your academic success.

What You'll Find:

  • Find Background Information: Start here to get a solid foundation on key concepts in environmental design, such as green building certifications, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient technologies.
  • Find Articles: Learn how to locate peer-reviewed journal articles and research studies that will provide in-depth insights into topics like insulation materials, carbon reduction, and renewable energy integration in building design.
  • Find eBooks and Books: Explore a curated selection of digital and print books on sustainable design, energy systems, and environmental policies that will deepen your understanding of the field.
  • Citing Sources: Get help with properly citing your sources in MLA, APA, or Chicago style. Accurate citation is essential for your assignments and presentations.
  • Interlibrary Loans: If you can't find a resource in our library, learn how to request books or articles from other institutions through interlibrary loan.
  • Research Consultations: Need more personalized help? Book a consultation with a librarian to discuss your specific research questions or get guidance on using our databases and tools effectively.

Video Resources: In addition to the resources above, we’ve also included helpful video tutorials developed by McMaster University Library. While some content is specific to their library system, many of the research strategies and academic concepts are broadly applicable and will support your work here at OCAD. These videos are a great way to enhance your research skills and improve your overall understanding of environmental design.

This course guide is here to support you throughout your research journey in environmental design. Dive in, explore the tabs, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help whenever you need it. Best of luck with your studies this semester!

Ask Chat with a Librarian

Ask a Librarian is an English/French collaborative online reference service, connecting students, faculty members, and researchers from participating Ontario university libraries with real-time library and research assistance. This consortial service is offered by Scholars Portal, the digital service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL).

Start a chat session by going to the library home page and clicking on the Ask Chat with a Librarian icon right above Research Help. 

We can help you with:

  • Getting started on finding resources about a topic
  • Locating a specific book or article
  • Understanding and using library services, resources, and tools effectively

September 3–December 6

  • Monday-Thursday: 10am-10pm
  • Friday: 10am-5pm
  • Saturday-Sunday: 12pm-6pm
  • Closures: Monday, October 14

Privacy policy

Scholars Portal is a service of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL). OCUL is a consortium of 21 academic libraries in the province of Ontario and acts under the authority of the Council of Ontario Universities.

In order to begin a chat session, Ask a Librarian users must indicate their university affiliation and level of study. This information is used to ensure that Ask a Librarian staff are providing the best possible research assistance. While staff may request your email address during a chat session in order to follow-up on a research request, you are never obligated to provide it.

OCUL, the University of Toronto, and all Ask a Librarian staff respect your privacy. User data can only be accessed by Scholars Portal staff and by designated administrators from participating libraries. Information provided while using the service is collected primarily for statistical reporting to the OCUL board of directors, funding agencies, and your local institution. Data collected through the service may also be used for research purposes, but privacy and anonymity of users will be ensured. Personal information that you provide in order to use Scholars Portal services will be protected in accordance with FIPPA, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. We will not disclose any personal data we collect from you to any party in a manner that would identify you, except to fulfill your service request or where required by law.