Episode Description:

Episode 468 explores advanced airside HVAC sequences, offering building automation professionals an in-depth look at ASHRAE's Guideline 36. This episode unpacks strategies for optimizing energy efficiency through standardized control sequences, helping listeners understand how to achieve predictable and repeatable system performance. You'll gain insights into best practices and considerations for implementing these strategies across different building scenarios, with a focus on practical, real-world applications.

Key takeaways you’ll get:

• The Principles of Trim and Response: Understand how this control strategy minimizes energy use while maintaining optimal HVAC performance.
• Handling Zone Requests and Zone Groups: Learn about managing cooling and heating demands across multiple zones for better system efficiency.
• Implementing Economizer Control: Discover how to leverage outdoor air conditions for free cooling to reduce energy consumption.
• Effective Reheat Control Techniques: Explore how reheat strategies can improve comfort, especially in colder climates.
• Key Factors for New Builds and Retrofits: Get guidance on sensor calibration, system integration, and adapting strategies for project success.

Tune in to SBA 468 to enhance your understanding of Guideline 36 and elevate the performance of your building automation systems.

In episode 467 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you’ll dive deep into BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) and how understanding BTL listings can significantly impact your work in building automation. Whether you’re a contractor taking over a building or a facility manager looking to specify BACnet systems, this episode offers essential insights into device capabilities, interoperability, and conformance. By the end of the episode, you’ll be equipped to make smarter decisions regarding BACnet device selection and deployment.

Key Topics:

• Understanding BTL Listings: Learn how to interpret protocol implementation conformance sheets and what they reveal about device capabilities.
• Device Profiles and Interoperability: Explore the different BACnet profiles (such as AAC, B-BC) and how they apply to your systems.
• Functional Groups and Building Blocks: A breakdown of BACnet interoperability blocks, like data sharing, alarming, and trending.
• Network Capabilities: Discover how network compatibility impacts system integration and device communication.
• The Role of BACnet Testing Laboratories: Why BTL certification matters and how it ensures system functionality and compliance.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge of BACnet standards and BTL listings. Listen now to stay ahead in your building automation projects.

Episode 466: How to Find, Develop, and Retain Your Building Operators addresses one of the most pressing challenges in the building automation industry today: the growing shortage of skilled building operators. In this episode, you’ll gain insights into how to effectively attract, train, and retain talent in an increasingly competitive market. While contractors are pulling operators away, there are key strategies facilities can use to combat this trend and keep their teams strong.

In this episode, you'll explore:

• Why finding skilled operators is getting harder and how to tap into overlooked talent pools.
• Proven methods for developing operators through hands-on training and systematic onboarding processes.
• The unique benefits facilities can leverage to retain operators, beyond just salary.
• How creating a culture of continuous learning and growth can boost employee loyalty.
• The long-term value of development plans and creative employee recognition programs.

If you’re looking to keep your facility running smoothly by building a loyal and skilled team, this episode is for you! Tune in to learn more about the steps you can take to future-proof your operations.

Episode 465 dives into the emerging presence of robots and collaborative robots (Cobots) in the construction industry and their potential impact on building automation professionals. With labor shortages and advancements in automation technology, the trades are ripe for transformation, and understanding how robots might complement or replace certain tasks is crucial.

In this episode, you'll explore:

• The rise of Cobots and their potential role alongside humans on job sites.
• The impact of robots on repetitive, highly predictable tasks in the skilled trades.
• How advances in AI and machine learning could change project management and task automation.
• The future of skilled trades in the age of robots—what jobs are safe for now, and which might be at risk?
• The emotional and existential implications of automation on the workforce.

Don’t miss out on how these changes may affect your role in building automation and where to focus your efforts to remain indispensable. Tune in to gain insights on the future of the industry and your place in it!