Smart Buildings Center

Refrigerants' Role in the Decarbonization Movement
2024-03-20 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual/Online
Electrification efforts are driving heat pump installations and as a result the use of refrigerants is increasing. Refrigerants, which can cause climate and environmental harm, need to be optimized for cleanliness and performance to meet decarbonization goals. Speakers will discuss the EPA’s hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phasedown and how this regulation will affect refrigeration and space conditioning practices in commercial buildings.

Exploring the Versatile Applications of Building Automation Systems (BAS)
2024-02-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
This webinar will cover the myriad uses of Building Automation Systems (BAS) and how this technology is transforming the landscape of building operations. From optimizing energy efficiency to ensuring occupant comfort, BAS plays a pivotal role in streamlining operations and enhancing overall building performance. Speakers will provide real-world examples showcasing how BAS can effectively schedule and control diverse building operations. Gain valuable insights into how BAS serves as a comprehensive repository of critical data, offering a wealth of information on historical building performance, environmental conditions, and occupancy trends.

Exhaust Ventilation System Energy Conservation Measures for Savings
2024-02-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
Webinar description: Exhaust ventilation systems in commercial & large multifamily buildings are a vital building system with significant energy, sustainability and occupant health & safety implications. Recent code requirements place increased emphasis on getting them right in both new construction and retrofit projects. This session explores how these systems work, as well as some scenarios where they don’t work. It explores where to find these projects and how to integrate them into an overall “airside” energy and building performance project.
Learning objectives
After completing the webinar, participants will be able to:

Explain how exhaust ventilation systems really work in the field and the factors that contribute to their role in a successful project.
Identify good candidates for retrofit and the “pain points” that motivate action for building owners and operators.
Explore the components in an overall solution that will achieve desired energy and building performance results.

Speaker: Thomas Holmes, Aeroseal

Seattle’s Building Emissions Performance Standard: What You Need to Know Now
2024-02-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual/Online
Start getting prepared for this new requirement!
BEPS applies to existing nonresidential and multifamily buildings greater than 20,000 square feet and sets carbon emissions targets that buildings must meet over time to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Compliance starts with benchmarking data verification and emissions reporting requirements due starting in 2027 to encourage planning and action to meet first emissions targets by 2031-2035.
Join Nicole Ballinger from OSE for a webinar on Thursday, February 1 from 10:00 to 11:30. Hosted by the Lighting Design Lab.
Learn the basics of BEPS, hear about 2024 rulemaking and program design planning, and get a sneak peek into how to estimate a building’s emissions using a greenhouse gas intensity metric. Q and A to follow.
Register for the webinar

Opportunities to Optimize Performance through Digital Twin Technology
2023-10-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
Learn about how digital twin technology can help optimize building performance and operations in both new and existing buildings. Presenters will discuss how interacting with live Internet of Things (IoT) data can generate actionable insights for building operators.
Speaker: Rick Szcodronski, Willow
Moderator: Kevin Fish, Strategic Energy Group

Distributed Energy Resources & Resiliency
2023-09-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
Distributed energy resources, including onsite renewables, electric vehicles, and battery storage, will play a critical role in the shift to a clean and resilient energy system. Presenters will discuss applications and benefits of these technologies in different types of facilities, including DER integration in building retrofit projects.
Speakers: Diana Burk, New Buildings Institute; Carlos Velazquez, Interstate Renewable Energy Council

Smart Buildings Exchange
2023-08-15 09:00 - 2023-08-17 14:00, 2022-08-22 09:00 - 2022-08-24 14:00 | Virtual/Online
A three-day hybrid conference connecting participants to the latest information and technologies in the smart buildings industry and showcasing smart buildings projects and initiatives in the U.S.
Throughout the built environment, new technologies are connecting building systems and occupants in ways that generate new and exciting opportunities. From enabling buildings to perform for occupants and owners in previously unimaginable ways, to leveraging buildings to accelerate smart cities and the clean energy transition for a cleaner and healthier planet, the opportunities are countless and inspiring. The Smart Buildings Exchange brings together the key audiences to challenge the hype, bear witness to the innovation, and explore the business case for accelerating the adoption and commercialization of smart buildings technologies and practices.
Learn more and register at sbxconference.org

From Measuring to Managing: Submetering Strategies for Plug and Process Loads in Healthcare Facilities
2023-08-01 08:00 - 09:00 | Virtual/Online
In healthcare facilities, large plug and process loads pose a significant obstacle to reducing on-site energy consumption. Sub-metering medical equipment allows landlords and property managers to understand energy use patterns and helps energy managers match reduction strategies to different equipment types. Join this webinar to learn about how Better Buildings healthcare partners deploy submetering strategies to identify energy savings opportunities.

Retrofit reality check: Overcome challenges and maximize opportunities in commercial and residential buildings
2023-06-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
We need to perform roughly 3.5 million deep energy retrofits per year to reach net zero emissions by 2050. People who deliver retrofits say it’s time for a reality check on what it takes to do the work. Facility managers are busy. Retrofits are costly and financing can be hard to find. Contractors need training that they might not always be able to access. Homes might need critical repair before an energy retrofit. Supply chain issues. Labor shortages. The list goes on. Join subject matter experts from Slipstream and IFMA for a frank conversation with experts who work in residential and commercial buildings about what it will really take to rise to the retrofit challenge.

2021 Energy Code Update Series – Lighting & Electric
2023-06-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
The June 13th webinar will cover electrical, lighting, and renewable energy provisions of the 2021 Seattle and Washington state energy codes for commercial and multifamily buildings.

2021 Energy Code Update Series - Alterations
2023-06-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
This 2-hour webinar will summarize the “alterations” requirements of the Seattle and Washington state energy codes and offer suggestions for potential design solutions.

2021 Energy Code Update Series - Water Heating
2023-05-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
The May 30th webinar will cover the water heating provisions of the 2021 Seattle and Washington state energy codes for “commercial buildings,” highlighting requirements that are new to this year’s code and the differences between the Seattle and state codes.

2021 Energy Code Update Series – HVAC
2023-05-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
The May 23rd webinar will cover the HVAC provisions of the 2021 Seattle and Washington state energy codes for “commercial buildings,” highlighting requirements that are new to this year’s code and the differences between the Seattle and State codes.

Achieving Savings with Advanced Lighting Technology
2023-05-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
This webinar will cover the latest in lighting technology including human-centric lighting and germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) disinfection technology. A lighting retrofit case study in which significant energy savings were achieved will also be shared.
Speakers: Scott Jenkins, Planled; Gabe Arnold, PNNL
Moderator: Kurt Nielsen, Illuminating Engineering Society

2021 Energy Code Update Series - Lighting & Electric
2023-05-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
The May 16th webinar will cover electrical and lighting provisions of the 2021 Seattle and Washington state energy codes for “commercial buildings,” highlighting requirements that are new to this year’s code and the differences between the Seattle and State codes.

2021 Energy Code Update Series – Envelope
2023-04-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
The April 27th webinar will cover the building envelope provisions of the Seattle and Washington state energy codes for “commercial buildings,” highlighting requirements that are new to this year’s code and the differences between the Seattle and State codes.

Improving Building Envelope Performance
2023-04-19 11:00 - 11:30 | Virtual/Online
Hear the latest on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Envelope Campaign including success stories from partners in the K-12 and healthcare sectors. Presenters will highlight practices and technologies that can be utilized to improve building envelope performance and save energy.
Speakers: Anthony Aldykiewicz, Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Rick Dunn, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance; Kevin Smith, Aeroseal

ASHRAE Winter Conference & AHR Expo, ACEEE Hot Air/Water Forums Post-Game Show
2023-04-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
This year’s ASHRAE Winter Conference and AHR Expo joined forces in Atlanta to connect ASHRAE learning with more than 1,700 manufacturers and suppliers of “Heating, Cooling, Refrigeration, Ventilation, Plumbing, Indoor Air Quality, Building Automation & Control, Sustainable Solution, Software, Tools & Instruments, and Business Management” products and technologies. And March 7-9, 2023, ACEEE hosted their Hot Water Forum with a new Hot Air Forum, to more comprehensively address nation-wide decarbonization and electrification goals for space and air heating. Join us for this webinar to learn more about what Lab staff saw and heard at these new-to-us events!

Estimating Your Building’s Emissions and Draft Targets for the Proposed Seattle Building Emissions Performance Standards (BEPS)
2023-03-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual/Online
Are you new to understanding your building’s greenhouse gas emissions and want to learn some simple steps to understand your building’s climate impact? Join the Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE) on this beginner-friendly webinar to learn how to quickly estimate and track your building’s current emissions using local utility emissions factors and ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager data. Then learn how to estimate emissions reduction targets using details from the proposed BEPS policy. OSE will also provide a brief overview of the proposed BEPS policy and the current policy timeline. The presentation will be followed by an opportunity for comments and questions. This webinar is a follow-up to the online open houses and emissions targets analysis webinar last year. Recordings and slides from those events are available at www.seattle.gov/building-performance-standards.
Translation services are available upon request. Call (206) 233-7184 or email cleanbuildings@seattle.gov.
About the Proposed Policy: Performance standards are a powerful tool to reduce climate pollution and transition toward cleaner, healthier buildings where we live and work. The proposed BEPS policy is projected to reduce emissions from Seattle’s buildings (in total) 27% by 2050. This proposed 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 2027 for the largest nonresidential buildings. Targets would become more stringent over time, to net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. Visit www.seattle.gov/building-performance-standards for more information.

Benefits of Heat Pumps & Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems
2023-03-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
Learn about heat pump and variable refrigerant flow system applications for new and existing buildings and how these technologies can help accelerate the transition to building electrification. Presenters will discuss strategies that can improve the return on investment for these projects and the necessary skill sets for building operators to manage these technologies in their facilities.
Speakers: Kevin Frost, Slipstream; James Pentz, Hargis
Moderator: Jared Robillard, Hargis

The Electrification Transformation
2023-02-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
This webinar will examine the role of building electrification in the clean energy economy and explore how electrification programs, strategies, and technologies can make an impact in your building. Presenters will highlight an innovative “Eco-District” that uses a centralized plant to provide energy to multiple buildings.

Speakers: Seth Davis, McKinstry; Mike Kowalick, Edo
Moderator: Steve Abercrombie, South Seattle College

Retro-commissioning in K-12 Schools
2023-01-19 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual/Online
K-12 school superintendents and facility staff face many challenges to operating their buildings efficiently and effectively. Common challenges include funding and staffing issues. Deferred maintenance, antiquated systems, or even poorly operating modern systems can have a direct impact on learning outcomes. Retro-commissioning (RCx) is a process that optimizes building system performance by defining current operating requirements and identifying root causes of problems and energy saving opportunities. An RCx report can be useful evidence in securing funding for needed upgrades or efficiency measures.
In partnership with Puget Sound Energy, the Smart Buildings Center brings you an engaging webinar exploring concepts of RCx specific to K-12 schools and the unique characteristics this sector brings. In this information session and panel discussion, O&M professionals working in the K-12 sector will share their experience with RCx initiatives. Attendees will come away with practical resources for implementing RCx programs in their own facilities and will learn how utility incentive programs such as Strategic Energy Management (SEM) can help with funding and implementation.

Washington State Clean Buildings Performance Standard – What do installers, vendors & building operators need to know?
2022-11-01 11:00
Description
This training will provide an introduction to the Washington State Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS) and highlight tools and resources available to installers, vendors, and building operators to assist building owners with energy efficiency improvements that may be required for standard compliance.
Presenter’s bio
Rebecca Sheppard is a Senior Project Manager at the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council and Smart Buildings Center. She holds an MBA, is a Building Operator Certification (BOC) Level II graduate and has a certificate in Construction Management from the University of Washington. Throughout her career including her time as a Resource Conservation Manager, she has worked on various building retrofit projects, energy management and analysis, project management, and capital projects.
Successful completion of the training provides 2 points towards maintaining your Building Operator Certification (BOC) Credential and .20 IACET CEU’s towards the renewal of other industry certifications, certificates and licenses.

Draft Emissions Targets for Seattle Building Performance Standards
2022-10-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual/Online
Join the Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE) for a technical webinar at which OSE and SBW Consulting will share the draft greenhouse gas intensity targets under consideration and the analysis conducted to inform the targets. Presentations will be followed by the opportunity for comments and questions. OSE will also provide a brief overview of the proposed policy and the updated timeline.
This webinar is a follow-up to open houses in April and June that provided detailed background and the draft policy framework. Recordings and slides from those events are available at www.seattle.gov/building-performance-standards.

Date: October 25, 2022 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Pre-register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3nqYS-oWSo-v6_dCnCagNg

This webinar will be recorded and posted on the OSE website afterwards.
About the Policy: Performance standards are a powerful tool to reduce climate pollution and transition toward cleaner, healthier buildings where we live and work. This policy is projected to reduce emissions from Seattle’s buildings (in total) 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 2050. Visit www.seattle.gov/building-performance-standards for more information and timeline.

SBC Technical Webinar – Occupancy & Ventilation: Finding the Balance Between Safety & Efficiency
2022-10-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
This webinar will examine the differences and benefits of utilizing occupancy sensors in place of CO2 sensors for optimizing ventilation control for energy efficiency.
Register here

SBC Technical Webinar – What's Next for Building Controls? The Evolution of Wireless Technology
2022-09-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
Hear from a building controls engineer about how wireless technology has evolved as a reliable and cost-effective solution for system retrofits and new equipment installations.
Register here

SBC Technical Webinar – Heat Pumps: Are They the Right Fit for Your Building?
2022-05-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
This webinar will cover aspects building owners and operators should consider before installing heat pumps, including: Return on Investment; how heat pumps affect connected building systems; and preparing occupants and technicians for the transition.
Register here

Smart Building Summit
2022-05-11 - 2022-05-12 | Virtual/Online
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.

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 at www.usgbcsmartbuildings.org.

SBC Technical Webinar – It's Electric: The Impact of Electrification on Building Operations
2022-04-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual/Online
This webinar will cover the transition of building energy “resources” away from fossil fuels and how building operators can prepare for the future and the opportunities it holds.
Register here
