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Smart Buildings Center

Energy Efficiency Innovation Center, Tool Library & Data Visualization

Q&A Series: The Future of Intelligent Lighting

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This resource is brought to you by BetterBricks

As the commercial lighting industry continues it steady move towards more advanced controls and lighting solutions, for many experts, all signs point to networked lighting controls. And when it comes to truly intelligent, flexible lighting with non-energy benefits—such as cost savings and utility incentives—the future may be Luminaire Level Lighting Controls (LLLC). Read this Q&A series where industry experts break down the technology, and provide informative use cases and advice for architects and building owners considering LLLC for their next project.

Video – Very High Efficiency DOAS: How It Works and Why It Matters

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This resource is brought to you by BetterBricks

In commercial buildings across the U.S., outdated or inefficient HVAC systems waste a staggering amount of energy and money, while also creating unhealthy and uncomfortable indoor environments. However, research and field studies have proven there’s an optimal approach to HVAC design that can significantly improve indoor air quality and occupant health, comfort and productivity, while maximizing energy-cost savings. Learn how this optimized, high-performance approach to HVAC combines high-efficiency equipment with design best practices to make widespread commercial HVAC deficiencies a thing of the past. Watch the video linked below to learn more.

Learn more about Very High Efficiency DOAS at: https://betterbricks.com/solutions/very-high-efficiency-doas

No-Cost Program Prioritized for Buildings in Seattle Serving BIPOC & Frontline Communities to Meet State Clean Buildings Law

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The new Seattle Clean Buildings Accelerator technical support program assists building owners or managers to meet the WA Clean Buildings Law (applies to commercial, nonprofit & nonresidential buildings 50,000 ft2 and larger) and reduce building emissions. An educational path for all buildings and individualized coaching will be starting this fall. Coaching training spaces are prioritized for buildings that serve or have importance to frontline communities (e.g., black, indigenous, people of color, immigrants, refugees, youth, elders, houseless people, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, low-income). This could include many types of buildings or those with tenants like nonprofit organizations, small/local businesses, museums, shelters, community centers, worship facilities, health centers, nursing homes, and more.  Register for a Sept 7th (noon – 1pm) info session or visit the program website to learn more and watch a past info session recording.

SBC Clean Buildings Performance Standard Technical Assistance Helpdesk

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Do you wonder what the Washington State Clean Buildings Performance Standard is about or don’t know where to start to bring your building into compliance?

The Smart Buildings Center’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard Technical Assistance Helpdesk offers support to building owners, managers, and facility personnel responsible for their building’s compliance with the Washington State Clean Buildings Performance Standard.

The utility-sponsored helpdesk offers:

  • Free one-on-one coaching during office hours via phone, virtual meetings, and email
  • A resource webpage including training videos
  • A searchable table for Qualified Persons and Qualified Energy Auditors
  • FAQs

For more information and to schedule a consultation, please visit https://smartbuildingscenter.org/resources/clean-buildings-performance-standard/

Thank you to our sponsors!

Upcoming Lighting Design Lab Courses

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Light Sources and Luminaires
Thu, Sep 15 | 10am-noon | FREE
Participants will learn the major characteristics of modern LED light sources and luminaires and how to effectively select and specify them for projects. This class will be suitable for newer lighting practitioners including designers, contractors, architects, engineers, building operators, sales people, and those seeking to update their knowledge and skills.
https://www.lightingdesignlab.com/education/event/light-sources-and-luminaires

Lighting Audits & Retrofits
Thu, Sep 22 | 10am-noon | FREE
Attendees of this class will gain access to tools to assist them on a variety of lighting upgrades projects.
https://www.lightingdesignlab.com/education/event/lighting-audits-and-retrofits

Electrification of the Built Environment – Day 1
Tue, Sep 27 | 10am-noon | FREE
DAY 1 OF 2. This class presents an overview of building electrification in residential and commercial settings. Attendees will explore various avenues that work toward electrification goals including heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electrification. Challenges to electrification and ways to overcome them will also be examined.
https://www.lightingdesignlab.com/education/event/electrification-built-environment-day-1

Electrification of the Built Environment – Day 2  
Thu, Sep 29 | 10am-noon | FREE
DAY 2 OF 2. This class presents an overview of building electrification in residential and commercial settings. Attendees will explore various avenues that work toward electrification goals including heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electrification. Challenges to electrification and ways to overcome them will also be examined.
https://www.lightingdesignlab.com/education/event/electrification-built-environment-day-2

Online Open House: Seattle Building Performance Standards Draft Policy Framework, June 16th at 12pm

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Join the Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE) for an online open house about potential Seattle Building Performance Standards (BPS) regulations — a powerful tool to reduce climate pollution and transition toward cleaner, healthier buildings where we live and work.

Participate in the open house for an update on work to date and highlights of stakeholder feedback received.

 OSE will share the draft BPS policy framework for the legislation, the policy timeline, and take comments and questions. This 2nd open house is a follow-up to the April 5th event (visit link below for recording and summary).

Performance standards are the single most impactful building policy the City can implement in the next few years and are projected to reduce building sector emissions 27% by 2050. This policy would gradually phase out carbon pollution from existing nonresidential and multifamily buildings over 20,000 sq. ft. through mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets beginning 2026 for the largest nonresidential buildings. Targets would become more stringent over time, to net-zero GHG emissions by 2045. Register for the open house at: www.seattle.gov/building-performance-standards

Contact Us

Smart Buildings Center
Pacific Tower
1200 12th Ave. S., Suite 110
Seattle, WA 98144

206-538-0832

[email protected]

Smart Buildings Center is a project collaboration with Building Potential