SBC staff - Smart Buildings Center

Upcoming Lighting Design Lab Courses

May 23, 2022 By SBC staff

Energy Management Systems Part 1
Thu, May 26 | 10am-noon | FREE

DAY 1 of 2. Getting the most energy savings out of your HVAC requires building systems to be capable of adjustment, such as variable speed drives or demand limiting, as opposed to simple on/off control. However, these strategies often add a higher level of complexity making it more challenging to keep persistent energy savings over time. Energy Management Systems and Analytics are often offered up as a solution to this problem. This course will provide a deep dive exploration on the reality of energy management systems and how they are not a one-size-fits all endeavor and how each one needs its one requirement and parameter for success.

Energy Management Systems Part 2
Thu, Jun 02 | 10am-noon | FREE

DAY 2 of 2. Getting the most energy savings out of your HVAC requires building systems to be capable of adjustment, such as variable speed drives or demand limiting, as opposed to simple on/off control. However, these strategies often add a higher level of complexity making it more challenging to keep persistent energy savings over time. Energy Management Systems and Analytics are often offered up as a solution to this problem. This course will provide a deep dive exploration on the reality of energy management systems and how they are not a one-size-fits all endeavor and how each one needs its one requirement and parameter for success.

Commercial Refrigeration Part 1
Tue, Jun 14 | 10am-noon | FREE

DAY 1 of 2. This course reviews elementary refrigeration concepts, components, and configurations of refrigeration systems. It delves into various types of control strategies for restaurants, grocery stores, cold storage, and industrial applications, and it examines case studies that focus on energy efficiency measures. Finally, students are invited to investigate areas of special interest, such as evaporative condensing units, CO2 refrigeration, etc.

Commercial Refrigeration Part 2
Thu, Jun 16 | 10am-noon | FREE

DAY 2 of 2. This course reviews elementary refrigeration concepts, components, and configurations of refrigeration systems. It delves into various types of control strategies for restaurants, grocery stores, cold storage, and industrial applications, and it examines case studies that focus on energy efficiency measures. Finally, students are invited to investigate areas of special interest, such as evaporative condensing units, CO2 refrigeration, etc.

Adjustable Speed Drives/Variable Frequency Drives Part 1
Tue, Jun 21 | 10am-noon | FREE

DAY 1 of 2. Attendees will learn about adjustable speed drives and their practical/ proven energy and efficiency applications. This course examines the evolution and application of adjustable speed drive technology, manual/automated control strategies, and the short/long term benefits on energy savings and equipment. Furthermore, this course dives deep into the electrical principles of adjustable speed drives, common issues, the value of preventative maintenance, common troubleshooting solutions, and investigates real world success stories.

Adjustable Speed Drives/Variable Frequency Drives Part 2
Tue, Jun 23 | 10am-noon | FREE

DAY 2 of 2. Attendees will learn about adjustable speed drives and their practical/ proven energy and efficiency applications. This course examines the evolution and application of adjustable speed drive technology, manual/automated control strategies, and the short/long term benefits on energy savings and equipment. Furthermore, this course dives deep into the electrical principles of adjustable speed drives, common issues, the value of preventative maintenance, common troubleshooting solutions, and investigates real world success stories.

Attend the USGBC Smart Building Summit – May 11th & 12th!

April 25, 2022 By SBC staff

Hear from building and technology experts about integrated, high-performance buildings.
On May 11 and 12, participate in the first Smart Building Summit, hosted by USGBC’s Pacific region communities. This event will bring together diverse players to discuss the optimization of the design and operation of integrated, high-performance buildings. Join industry leaders in exploring opportunities to advance how smart buildings can support climate, health, equity and resilience. The program will feature a keynote address from futurist Saul Griffith and other luminaries. Read a Q&A with Saul here.

The initial program

In addition to inspiring keynotes from Saul Griffith and others, the two-day summit will feature four program sessions. Each session will be followed by a hosted industry conversation to dive deeper. Preview the four main sessions below and find additional information at www.usgbcsmartbuildings.org.

The Challenge of Smart Building Integration
In this session, panelists will discuss the challenges of integrating new climate and other building technologies so that they speak to one another, work together, and can be managed by the building engineers through a single software platform. Smart technologies include energy and lighting controls, building management systems, dynamic glazing, air quality, occupancy sensors, security, and elevators. Challenges and solutions will be presented.

Smart Building Operators: The Workforce of the Future
Evolving technologies in integrated high-performance buildings require skilled personnel to operate increasingly complex buildings and are raising the bar on advanced skills needed to operate IoT-connected and -optimized systems. As a result, owners are facing a workforce gap in highly skilled labor, while at the same time new opportunities for high-road jobs are emerging. In this session, we will explore workforce development challenges in the evolution of smart buildings and discuss opportunities to support high-road jobs for vulnerable communities.

Optimizing Smart Buildings and the Grid
In the future, smart buildings will not only manage their performance but also serve as flexible, clean energy resources to the electric grid. This panel discusses the technologies enabling that transformation, as well as the challenges in integrating legacy energy infrastructure.

State-of-the-art AI and Machine Learning in Buildings
AI and machine learning will become critical for all buildings in the future. This session will examine what will be necessary for best-in-class buildings and their operation. We will hear from early adopters and academic researchers expanding possibilities for buildings of today and tomorrow.

Smart Buildings Center subscribers can receive a 20% discount on registration by following the link below.

Register Now!

Smart Buildings Exchange Preliminary Agenda Now Available!

April 19, 2022 By SBC staff

The preliminary agenda for Smart Buildings Exchange 2022 is now available at sbxconference.org/agenda! The free, three-day virtual event to be held August 22-24 will explore the market opportunity for smart buildings through interactive conference sessions featuring a mix of panel discussions and case study presentations on the future of energy services and the built environment, grid-interactive efficient buildings, the role of smart buildings in carbon emission reductions, and more.

View the agenda and register for free today!

In-Person Networking Events
On August 24th, regional in-person networking events featuring a livestreamed conference session on how smart technologies can support building performance reporting will be held. If you are interested in hosting an in-person SBX networking event in your region, please contact Britton Rife to coordinate. Recommended guidelines for hosting the in-person networking events can be found here. Stay tuned for more details as plans are developed!

Sponsorship Opportunities
For more information about ways your organization or business can participate in the conference, please download our Sponsorship Prospectus or contact Stan Price for customized sponsorship/partnership opportunities.

Register for free today!

Tool Lending Library Case Study – Hospital Electricity Use

April 13, 2022 By SBC staff

Photo credits: Walt Vernon, Mazzetti/2020

The Smart Buildings Center Tool Lending Library supported a yearlong project led by Mazzetti, a health care engineering, planning, and design firm, to study electricity use at eight hospitals across the country.

During the pandemic, Mazzetti, on behalf of the Fire Protection Research Foundation, studied electrical demand in hospitals. Although the study initially planned to look at electrical loads in multiple occupancies, after the pandemic started, Mazzetti realized there was a unique opportunity—for the first time in a hundred years, since the 1918 flu pandemic—to look at electrical loads in hospitals during a pandemic.

Mazzetti borrowed Fluke 1730 3 Phase Logging Power Meters from the Tool Lending Library to measure electrical loads at hospital panels. These meters were installed at hospital panels and helped in conducting a robust study.

Read the full case study

Better Buildings Top 10 Solutions for April

April 13, 2022 By SBC staff

The top 10 most-viewed resources on the Better Buildings Solution Center from the past month feature strategies for low carbon technologies, clean energy access in low-income communities, project financing, and more. This list also highlights solutions from partners New York City Housing Authority, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Ford Motor Company. Check out this month’s line up!

1. Low Carbon Technology Strategies Toolkit

To help building owners and operators reduce carbon emissions, this toolkit offers guidance on how to achieve deep carbon reductions in existing buildings with a primary focus on retrofits and operational strategies. Low carbon technology strategies are currently available for 10 building types, with a supplement for commercial kitchen equipment. Recommendations are grouped by technology, with actions categorized as either simple, intermediate, or advanced. Read more.

2. Clean Energy for Low-Income Communities (CELICA) Toolkit

Low-income households spend about 8% of their income on energy costs, three times more than average. Better Buildings Accelerator partners committed $335 million to help 155,000 low-income households access energy efficiency and renewable energy benefits, collecting resources and lessons learned into the CELICA Toolkit. The toolkit includes a guide to program development and replicable program models for single-family and multifamily housing, as well as community solar. Read more.

3. Smart Energy Analytics Campaign Toolkit

With analytic software applied to everyday building operations, owners are using data to their advantage and realizing cost savings through improved energy management. This toolkit collects the best resources from DOE’s Smart Energy Analytics Campaign to help facility owners and managers take advantage of savings opportunities and performance improvements from energy management information systems (EMIS) and ongoing monitoring practices. Read more.

4. Green Revolving Funds Toolkit

This collection of solutions provides guidance on establishing a green revolving fund to overcome a lack of dedicated capital. A green revolving fund is an internal capital pool dedicated to funding energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability projects that generate cost savings. A portion of those savings is then used to replenish the fund, establishing an ongoing funding vehicle to help drive energy efficiency and sustainability investment over time. Read more.

5. Showcase Project: New York City Housing Authority: 344 East 28th Street

To address energy challenges faced at its 344 East 28th Street multifamily apartment complex, Better Buildings Challenge partner New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) conducted an extensive lighting, heating, and hot-water modernization project. Energy-efficient upgrades made to these building systems, as well as NYCHA’s first-ever deployment of renewable technologies, resulted in nearly 40% annual energy savings and nearly $114,000 in cost savings. Read more.

6. Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) Toolkit

This collection of resources enables state and local communities to benefit from the experience of partners who have successfully established and implemented performance contracting. It includes best practices and innovative approaches that states, cities, and K-12 schools have used. Users can easily find the information they need at each stage of their ESPC decision-making process. Read more.

7. High-Efficiency RTU Replacement Toolkit

This toolkit helps HVAC contractors and service companies work with their customers through a step-by-step process of evaluating and managing their inventory of rooftop units (RTUs) and how to evaluate the business case for high-efficiency replacements. From an incentives database to a comparison calculator, the toolkit provides everything needed to make an informed decision regarding RTU replacements. Read more.

8. IHG Hotels & Resorts Green Engage™ Program

IHG Hotels and Resorts, a Better Buildings Alliance partner, created the IHG Green Engage™ system as a comprehensive online sustainability platform. It allows hotels to track, measure, and report on their carbon footprint and utility consumption. With over 200 Green Solutions, including detailed action plans, guidance, and case studies, Green Engage can help hotels avoid up to $67 million in utility costs while significantly reducing their carbon footprint. Read more.

9. Engaging Tenants in Energy Efficiency Toolkit

Building occupants can control up to 80% of energy use in a commercial building. Tenant engagement in energy efficiency initiatives is crucial to unlocking the full energy savings potential. This toolkit outlines successful strategies and resources for bridging the tenant-landlord divide through green leasing guidance, tenant improvement and build-out best practices, and examples of successful communication with tenants regarding energy efficiency opportunities. Read more.

10. Ford Motor Company: Dearborn Campus Uses a Digital Twin Tool for Energy Plant Management

A digital twin is the virtual representation of an object or system across its life cycle that helps operators quickly identify problems. Better Plants partner Ford Motor Company is using a digital twin of the new central energy plant (CEP) at its Dearborn Research and Engineering Campus, which is projected to reduce campus energy and water use by 50%. The digital model helps the Ford team manage potential risks by monitoring functions across the CEP and providing real-time data for increased visibility and more efficient operations. Read more.

Upcoming Lighting Design Lab Classes

April 13, 2022 By SBC staff

The Networked Lighting Controls Value Proposition
Thu, Apr 14 | 10am-noon | FREE

The real opportunity brought forth by NLC systems revolve around reducing maintenance efforts, increasing productivity, and serving as the infrastructure to concepts such as Space Utilization, Asset Tracking, Horticultural Lighting and Automation, LiFi, Tunable White or Circadian Lighting, integration to the Smart Building Ecosystem, and a plethora of IoT applications. This value proposition is forward looking and is not adopted as a mainstream plan of action – how do we get there? In this webinar we will discuss some of these non-energy benefits, how to get a foot in the door, and how to navigate the conversation with different types of stakeholders with diverse agendas.

Register here

Networked Lighting Controls Fundamentals – Day 1
Thu, Apr 21 | 10am-noon | FREE

DAY 1 OF 2. Part one of this comprehensive online class will introduce you to modern lighting control strategies and equipment. Part two will offer guidance on successful implementation and programming approaches for these systems. System concepts, design, installation, sequence of operations, and startup will all be discussed over the course of the class.

Register here

Networked Lighting Controls Fundamentals – Day 2
Thu, Apr 28 | 10am-noon | FREE

DAY 2 OF 2. Part one of this comprehensive online class will introduce you to modern lighting control strategies and equipment. Part two will offer guidance on successful implementation and programming approaches for these systems. System concepts, design, installation, sequence of operations, and startup will all be discussed over the course of the class.

Register here

Energy & Alterations: Meeting the Alterations Requirements of the Energy Code
Thu, May 05 | 10am-noon | FREE

This 2-hour webinar will summarize the “alterations” requirements of the Seattle and Washington state energy codes and offer suggestions for potential design solutions. It will provide an overview of the alterations provisions of Chapter 5, with a special focus on replacing existing gas or electric resistance space heating and water heating systems with heat pump systems. Alterations to envelope, lighting, electrical, metering, and HVAC systems will also be covered, as will Seattle’s “substantial alterations” rules in addition to “additions.” The webinar will conclude with a substantial Q&A period for discussion of specific applications.

Register here

Networked Lighting Controls for Healthcare
Thu, May 12 | 10am-noon | FREE

This class will build on the foundation of our one- and two-day Networked Lighting Controls classes by examining controls that may be effectively applied to areas of specific interest to the healthcare environment including clinics, patient rooms, procedure areas, and related spaces. We will consider how networked lighting controls may help to improve patient and staff perception, productivity, and patient outcomes. We will specifically discuss how lighting controls implementation may relate to current research regarding light and health, circadian entrainment, and shift workers.

Register here

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