SBC News - Smart Buildings Center

SBX 2025 Agenda Highlights

September 26, 2025 By SBC staff

In addition to the State of Buildings panel (highlighted here) and the Innovation Showcase panel (to be highlighted very soon!), SBX 2025 will provide attendees the opportunity to hear inspiring messages from industry leaders about how the Pacific Northwest is helping to shape the national smart buildings transition and uniquely positioned to lead the US through the energy market transformation.

We hope to see you on November 5^th – register by October 10^th to save on early-bird pricing!

Register now & save at www.sbxconference.org/register/

For previous SBX 2025 updates, check out our blog feed and to view the full SBX agenda visit www.sbxconference.org/fall-conference/

Meet the BEACON fellows: Lewis County

September 18, 2025 By SBC staff

The Building Efficiency and Clean Operations Network (BEACON) Project officially launched in June 2025, with 10 fellows across the state providing free technical assistance to help building owners comply with the Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS).

We’ll feature BEACON fellows from different counties for the next few weeks. If you’re interested in receiving assistance from a BEACON fellow, please complete the BEACON Project Interest Form.

Mike Bowen

Who is your host site?

I work at Centralia College and serve Lewis County. I hope to branch out to other surrounding counties as needed by covered buildings.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m from Western New York and currently study Sustainable Energy Management at SUNY ESF in Syracuse, with a minor in Sustainable Construction. I’m also working toward my LEED GA certification. Before pursuing my ambition to move west, I gained more than two years of experience in the renewable energy field. I’ve been in Washington for almost two years and enjoy playing basketball and being outdoors to fish, camp and kayak.

Why did you apply to be a BEACON fellow?

It was my goal to stay in the energy sector when I moved to Washington, but it is different from state to state. New York has a booming solar industry, while Washington has the first-in-nation Clean Buildings standard. With a background in sustainable buildings, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to learn more about energy in a different capacity.

Mike provides Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS) support to Tier 1 and Tier 2 buildings in Lewis County. To receive services, please complete the BEACON Project Interest Form. You can also email Mike at [email protected].

Smart Buildings Exchange (SBX): State of Buildings

September 16, 2025 By SBC staff

In the first of two panel discussions at SBX 2025, Tom Marseille (Sazan Group) will lead the conversation between Emily Salzberg (Washington State Department of Commerce), Tom Williams (DB Engineering), Martin Clinton (UMC), and Tom Anderson (Puget Sound Energy) on the State of Buildings – what’s working, what’s not, and what kinds of solutions are needed.

State of Buildings – what’s working, what’s not
Building owners and operators are facing a convergence of challenges—rising costs, growing decarbonization expectations, aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, cybersecurity threats, and evolving occupant needs. In this panel discussion, leaders from both the public and private sectors will share their candid perspectives on the current state of the industry: what’s working, what’s stuck, and what kinds of solutions they need most.

The full agenda for the 2025 Smart Buildings Exchange Fall Conference is available at sbxconference.org/fall-conference/. After the State of Buildings discussion, an Innovation Showcase panel will highlight strategies for smarter, safer, more responsive buildings and the event will conclude with a networking happy hour, sponsored by Building Potential.

Register now to join us in Seattle on November 5th!

Check Out Our Tool Library Video Tutorials – on the SBC YouTube Channel!

September 10, 2025 By SBC staff

With support from Energy Trust of Oregon, Seattle City Light, Puget Sound Energy, and Washington State Department of Commerce, the Smart Buildings Center (SBC) provides our Tool Lending Library of energy monitoring and diagnostic tools, a free resource serving the commercial building operations sector in Washington and Oregon. Check out the latest tool videos we’ve added to our Tool Lending Library Tutorials playlist on our YouTube channel, including titles such as:

The tools demonstrated (and many more) are available to borrow free of charge at the Smart Buildings Center website. Follow us on our YouTube Channel for additional video tutorials and other smart buildings content!

Meet the BEACON fellows: Whatcom County

August 28, 2025 By SBC staff

We’ll feature BEACON fellows from different counties for the next few weeks. If you’re interested in receiving assistance from a BEACON fellow, please complete the BEACON Project Interest Form.

Whatcom County: Adeline Coggins

Where is your host site?

I am working with the City of Bellingham and the Whatcom County community.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a recent graduate from Western Washington University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Sustainability along with a Climate Leadership Certificate. I’m originally from Tacoma, where I grew up with a strong appreciation for nature and the environment. I’ve lived in Washington my whole life and am passionate about building more sustainable and resilient communities.

Why did you apply to be a BEACON fellow?

I applied to be a BEACON fellow because I’m interested in the energy sector and want to be part of the transition to clean, equitable energy solutions. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to work directly with my community and support local efforts that address climate and energy challenges. This fellowship aligns with my passion for sustainability and my desire to make a tangible impact at the local level.

Adeline provides Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS) support to Tier 1 and Tier 2 buildings in Whatcom County. To receive services, please complete the BEACON Project Interest Form. You can also email Adeline at [email protected].

Meet the BEACON fellows: Chelan County

August 21, 2025 By SBC staff

This article was originally shared by commerce.wa.gov, learn more about BEACON Project at: Building Efficiency and Clean Operations Network (BEACON) Fellowship Project – Washington State Department of Commerce

The Building Efficiency and Clean Operations Network (BEACON) Project launched in June 2025, placing 10 fellows across the state to provide free, technical assistance to building owners working to meet the Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS). The Smart Buildings Center is supporting the project with training and technical support for the fellows. We are sharing features of BEACON fellows from different counties for the next few weeks that are published by the Department of Commerce. If you’re interested in receiving assistance from a BEACON fellow, please complete the BEACON Project Interest Form.

Chelan County: Ava Burk

Where is your host site?

My service area is Chelan County, and my host site is Wenatchee Valley College.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am originally from Omaha, Nebraska, but I currently live in Wenatchee. I recently graduated from Wenatchee Valley College, and I was on the Sustainability Committee for the entirety of my time at WVC. I am passionate about nurturing a balance of enabled play in the natural world while enforcing the protection of it. There’s no other place I’d rather be than outside, which is why I am so keen on conserving nature.

Why did you apply to be a BEACON fellow?

I applied to be a BEACON Fellow because I want to create sustainable cities. Energy efficient measures are an incredibly effective way to begin transforming the relationship between the built environment and the natural world. Through sustainable initiatives, urban areas and the natural world can thrive in harmony. I am incredibly excited to be a part of this process.

Ava provides Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS) support to Tier 1 and Tier 2 buildings in Chelan County. To receive services, please complete the BEACON Project Interest Form. You can also email Ava at [email protected].

Contact Us