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The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology
The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology
The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast is the world's largest podcast dedicated to the building automation industry. Hosted by expert instructors, it covers the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in smart buildings. The podcast features expert insights, special guest interviews, and real-world training, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experts. Many companies use it as a free training tool for their teams.
Episodes
SBA 565: Proper Labor Estimation for Sales
A building automation project can look profitable when it is sold and tell a very different story when it closes out. Often, the problem is labor. Hardware costs are relatively straightforward to quote. Labor requires judgment. If that judgment misses part of the work, overlooks site conditions, or relies on assumptions that no longer match reality, those missing hours can quickly consume project
SBA 564: What a PID Loop is Really Doing
When a PID loop starts hunting, a valve keeps swinging, or a space refuses to settle at setpoint, changing tuning values can feel like the obvious next move. But what if the PID loop is not actually the problem? In Episode 564 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you'll get a practical look at what PID loops are really doing inside building automation systems. Instead of treating PID settings l
SBA 563: Preparing for Effective Service Calls
A service call can start going wrong before you ever arrive at the building. A vague work order. Missing credentials. No clear site contact. The wrong tools. No understanding of what changed before the complaint started. For building automation professionals, preparation can be the difference between spending hours chasing symptoms and arriving on site ready to troubleshoot with purpose. In Episod
SBA 562: Estimating Electrical Loads for Secondary Power Loops
A secondary power loop can look completely healthy while creating problems that technicians chase for months. A valve struggles to reach the set point. A controller randomly reboots. An actuator behaves inconsistently. Nothing trips, and the panel looks normal. If you work in building automation, these symptoms can point to an electrical load problem that was built into the system long before the
SBA 561: Database Fundamentals
Databases sit behind more of your building automation work than you might realize. Every time you pull trend data, investigate an alarm, restore a system, review an audit trail, or move information between platforms, a database is part of the process. For building automation professionals, understanding database fundamentals can help you troubleshoot more effectively, plan systems more confidently
SBA 560: Damper Sizing 101
A control loop that hunts all day may not have a controls problem. The real issue could have been locked into the system before the controller was ever programmed. In this episode, we dig into damper sizing and why this often-overlooked mechanical decision matters to building automation professionals. Incorrect damper sizing can show up as poor comfort, wasted energy, premature actuator failures,
SBA 559: How to Coordinate with Electrical and Mechanical Contractors
In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we tackle one of the most common sources of friction on a controls project: coordination between electrical, mechanical, and controls teams. As a building automation professional, you often sit directly between multiple trades. When responsibilities are unclear, a missing connection or misunderstood scope can quickly become a schedule problem
SBA 558: IP Security Fundamentals
Building automation systems are more connected than ever. That connectivity brings new capabilities, but it also changes what you need to know to design, install, and maintain them responsibly. In Episode 558 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we explore IP security fundamentals through the lens of building automation. You'll get a practical framework for thinking about where vulnerabilities
SBA 557: Valve Sizing 101
A control valve can look right on paper and still create control problems in the field. For building automation professionals, valve sizing directly affects what you see at the controller. Unstable loops, limited valve travel, poor response, and persistent comfort complaints may appear to be programming or tuning issues when the real problem started with valve selection. In Episode 557 of the Smar
SBA 556: Reading Catalog Sheets for Technicians
Most building automation professionals have done it. Open the catalog sheet, find the wiring diagram, glance at it, and move on. What if the information you skipped is the reason a device works perfectly or becomes the next callback? This episode explores one of the most overlooked skills in building automation. Learning how to read a catalog sheet goes far beyond wiring. It helps you catch proble
SBA 555: Windows Services and Task Scheduling
Most building automation professionals know how to work inside a BAS. Fewer know what keeps that BAS running behind the scenes. When Windows services or scheduled tasks stop working, the symptoms often appear in the BAS, but the root cause lives deeper in the operating system. Knowing where to look can help you troubleshoot faster, reduce downtime, and become the technician others rely on when sys
SBA 554: Why BAS is a Great Career Choice
Most career conversations focus on college or the traditional trades. But what if there's another path that offers strong earning potential, constant learning, and opportunities to grow into technical, leadership, sales, or business ownership roles? If you enjoy solving problems, working with technology, and building valuable skills that can take you in multiple directions, this episode will give
SBA 553: BAS Fundamentals for Building Operators
If you're responsible for keeping a building running after the installation is complete, how confident are you with the building automation system you use every day? Many operators spend hours responding to alarms, adjusting schedules, and handling comfort complaints, yet the BAS can still feel overwhelming. Understanding how the system works from the operator's perspective can make every decision
SBA 552: IP Networking Troubleshooting Commands
Every building automation professional will eventually face a controller that goes offline, graphics that stop updating, or trends that suddenly disappear. The question is whether you'll spend hours guessing or quickly identify the real problem. In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you'll learn how to approach IP network troubleshooting with a structured process that helps you i
SBA 551: Job Site Safety
Every day on a building automation job site, you make decisions that affect more than just the success of a project. They affect whether you and your team go home safely. Technical skills matter, but they are only part of the equation. The habits you build in the field can help prevent injuries, equipment damage, and costly mistakes. This episode explores practical safety considerations that every
SBA 550: Proper Panel Wiring and Layouts
This episode tackles a topic that impacts every BAS project but rarely gets the attention it deserves: control panel design and wiring. The quality of your panel affects commissioning, troubleshooting, inspections, and long-term serviceability. A well-built panel does more than power a system. It helps the next technician quickly understand what they're looking at when it matters most. If you've e
SBA 549: IP Troubleshooting in BAS
If your building automation devices are moving to BACnet/IP, troubleshooting communication issues requires a different mindset than checking wiring and terminations. A controller can have power, link lights, and appear healthy, yet still remain invisible to your discovery tools. The challenge is that many of today's failures are hidden inside network configurations rather than physical connections
SBA 548: Performing a Job Site Walk for Owner-Direct Projects
Owner-direct BAS projects can be some of the highest-margin opportunities you'll encounter. They can also become some of the riskiest. The difference often comes down to what happens before a proposal is ever written. If you're treating an owner-direct job walk the same way you treat a plan-and-spec walkthrough, you may be missing critical information that impacts scope, labor, risk, and profitabi
SBA 547: Proper Project Closeout
What happens after the BAS project is "done" often determines whether the system actually performs over the next 10 years. Too many projects reach substantial completion only to fall apart because documentation is incomplete, alarms are ignored, operators are left unsupported, or nobody knows who owns what after turnover. If you work in building automation, project closeout is where long-term syst
SBA 546: VPN and Remote Access in BAS
Remote access is no longer optional in building automation. But every connection to your BAS can also become a pathway for risk if security is treated as an afterthought. In this episode, you'll learn how VPNs, remote desktop tools, and zero trust strategies are reshaping the way automation professionals manage buildings remotely. You'll also hear why many BAS networks remain vulnerable and where
SBA 545: How to Perform BAS Sales Takeoffs Without Missing Scope
If BAS sales takeoffs feel inconsistent, the issue usually is not the tools. It is the process. Episode 545 breaks down how to create accurate BAS takeoffs that protect margin, reduce missed scope, and improve project handoffs. You'll learn how experienced sales engineers and account executives review specs, drawings, sequences, integrations, labor, and risk before a proposal ever goes out the doo
SBA 544: Functional Testing vs Commissioning
If you've ever been on a project where "commissioning" meant checking a few points and signing off, you've seen the problem firsthand. Confusion between functional testing and commissioning shows up everywhere and it quietly impacts project outcomes, budgets, and your credibility. In this episode, you'll start to see where the lines actually are and why understanding them changes how you sh
SBA 543: Access Control Fundamentals
Access control issues don't wait for a convenient moment. You're on-site, the clock is ticking, and the door isn't behaving the way it should. What you do next defines your efficiency and your credibility. This episode puts you in that exact situation and challenges how you approach troubleshooting from the ground up. You'll start seeing patterns across systems, not just isolated problems, and
SBA 542: UL Panel Design
If you work with control panels in building automation, the design behind them impacts more than you think. Safety, troubleshooting speed, and future scalability all start long before a technician ever opens the panel door. Small design decisions can create clarity or confusion when it matters most. This episode explores what goes into UL panel design and why it should not be treated as an afterth
SBA 541: Service Call Triage - Is it the BAS or the HVAC?
You get the call: "comfort issue." That is all the detail you have. Now you are stuck deciding where to start, how to diagnose faster, and how to avoid wasted time between BAS and HVAC. This episode helps you build a clearer path so you can take control of the situation, protect your credibility, and move problems to resolution without friction. If you have ever second-guessed where the fault live
SBA 540: Commercial Fire Alarm Basics
Fire alarm systems are often treated as background infrastructure until something goes wrong. This episode challenges how you think about commercial fire alarm systems by focusing on what actually impacts your buildings, your compliance, and your risk. If you're responsible for building automation, operations, or facility performance, understanding these systems goes beyond basic awareness. It dir
SBA 539: Troubleshooting Techniques for Building Operators
Every building operator eventually faces the same challenge. An alarm goes off, a complaint comes in, or equipment stops working. The pressure is on to fix it quickly. The difference between frustration and fast resolution often comes down to how you troubleshoot. In this episode, you will learn how experienced building operators approach problems with a clear process instead of jumping to conclus
SBA 538: BAS Fundamentals for HVAC Mechanics
If you work in HVAC, you already troubleshoot complex mechanical systems every day. But what happens when the problem shows up on a BAS screen instead of inside a piece of equipment? Many mechanics spend years mastering compressors, valves, and airflow. Then one day they are asked to open a building automation system and suddenly the language looks completely different. Graphics, alarms, trend log
SBA 537: Proper Mentoring for Field Leaders
If you lead field teams in building automation, you already know the challenge. Technical skills alone do not create strong field leaders. Many teams still rely on the old method of learning by watching someone work and figuring things out along the way. That approach is starting to break down as projects get more complex and the workforce continues to change. Strong field leaders are developed th
SBA 536: Power Monitoring and Management
Power monitoring is no longer just an electrical concern. It directly impacts how your HVAC systems perform, how stable your BAS is, and how much your building costs to operate. As buildings electrify, add EV chargers, convert to heat pumps, and increase server loads, your electrical infrastructure becomes the backbone of performance. If power quality degrades, everything downstream feels it. In t
SBA 535: VAV Box Control Theory
If you work with commercial HVAC systems, you touch VAV boxes every day. But are they working with your air handler or quietly fighting it? In episode 535 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you step back from sequences and setpoints to look at VAV box control theory as a complete system. Because a VAV box is not just a damper and a reheat coil. It is a decision-making device balancing comfort
SBA 534: IP Networking in BAS
If you are working in building automation and still treating networking like an IT problem, this episode is for you. When devices stop communicating, alarms will not clear, or data disappears from your supervisory system, do you know where to start? Or does troubleshooting turn into trial and error? In Episode 534, you will rethink how IP networking fits into your daily BAS work. You will see how
SBA 533: BACnet-SC Overview
BACnet over SC is starting to show up in specs, submittals, and IT conversations more often. If you touch BAS networks, this episode helps you understand what is changing and what stays the same, so you can walk into the next project with confidence. You'll hear why legacy BACnet/IP assumptions are colliding with modern IT expectations, how Secure Connect shifts communication patterns, and what th
SBA 532: MSTP Wiring Strategies
How solid is your MSTP wiring strategy? MSTP communication issues can derail even the most well-planned BAS projects. If you've ever chased phantom controller failures or been burned by wiring mistakes, this episode is built for you. This week, you'll learn how to build MSTP networks that are boringly reliable. Not flashy, but rock-solid. It's about clean installs, predictable behavior, and avoidi
SBA 531: IP Addressing Fundamentals
IP addressing issues are one of the top causes of system downtime, failed discovery, and data loss in building automation systems. In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we take a practical look at IP addressing; no IT jargon, just what you need to install, troubleshoot, and prevent costly mistakes in the field. Whether you're dealing with HVAC, lighting, or energy systems, your s
SBA 530: Fundamentals of Electricity and How It Applies to Building Automation Systems
What's really causing your building automation issues? In episode 530, we dig deep into the fundamentals of electricity and how they impact everything from your BAS panels to your network communications. If you're only focusing on software, you're missing half the picture. Poor grounding, loose terminations, and undersized transformers; these silent failures lead to big problems. Understanding the
SBA 529: Proper P2P Checkout Techniques
A single missed point in a BAS checkout can snowball into expensive callbacks, downtime, and frustrated clients. In this episode, you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of point-to-point checkout techniques and how they set the foundation for long-term system reliability and technician credibility. This one's for any tech who's ever faced tight timelines and tough handoffs and still wants to
SBA 528: The Future of BAS - Trends Every Facility and Service Team Should Watch
The role of a BAS tech is changing. Are you ready? The future of building automation is not coming; it's already unfolding. With less manual intervention, more analytics, and tighter integration with IT, BAS professionals are facing a major shift. This episode explores how to stay ahead of that shift and what skills are becoming essential for tomorrow's success. Topics Covered Why smarter buildin
SBA 527: Beyond Alarms - How to Use Your BAS Data to Prevent Failures
You know the alerts. The flashing messages. The alarms that go off after the damage is already done. But what if you could see the failure before it becomes a crisis? In this week's episode, we explore how building operators and BAS professionals can move from reactive to proactive maintenance using the data already in their systems. It's not about more alarms, it's about better insight. Topics Co
SBA 526: From Lead to Loyalty - The BAS Sales Cycle Explained
Selling to owners is different and more powerful. In episode 526 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we dive deep into the owner-direct BAS sales process, from targeting your ideal accounts to closing deals and supporting long-term relationships. This episode is for sales professionals ready to move beyond quoting and toward real consultative selling. If you're ready to increase margins, influ
SBA 525: Optimizing Operator Workflows - Daily BAS Tasks that Drive Facility Performance
Daily decisions can make or break facility performance. In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we take a deep dive into the BAS operator's role and how structured daily tasks create long-term gains in energy efficiency, equipment life, and tenant satisfaction. This isn't about chasing alarms or reacting to complaints. It's about creating a system of proactive habits that give you
SBA 524: Commissioning Like a Pro - Field-Tested Strategies for Reliable BAS Startups
Commissioning can make or break the success of your BAS projects. But it's more than just a checklist. This episode challenges how you approach commissioning, offering practical insight and proven tactics to ensure reliable startups every time. If you're dealing with rushed schedules, inconsistent installs, or unclear field communication, this episode is for you. Topics Covered The true role of c
SBA 523: Spec Smarts - What Every BAS Salesperson Should Know About Project Specs and Submittals
Spec Smarts: What Every BAS Salesperson Should Know If you're in BAS sales, your relationship with specifications and submittals can make or break your projects. Too often, opportunities are missed, or risks overlooked, simply because specs weren't fully understood or questioned. This episode helps you build that essential spec literacy. You'll learn how to approach project specs and submittals wi
SBA 522: Troubleshooting Common HVAC Control Failures
When comfort complaints roll in, it's easy to assume mechanical failure. But the real culprit? Controls. In this episode, we walk through how to identify and fix the most common HVAC control failures, fast. If you're tasked with maintaining comfort and efficiency, you need a system to diagnose issues quickly and confidently. This episode gives you exactly that: a repeatable 30-minute troubleshooti
SBA 521: Top 5 strategies to improve your facility operations today using building automation systems
Facility operations teams face growing pressure to improve performance and reduce costs. But too often, the building automation system is underutilized. In this episode, you'll explore how to turn your BAS into a strategic tool, not just for monitoring, but for elevating your entire operations program. Whether you're mid-fiscal year and trying to course-correct or you're looking to build stronger
SBA 520: How to Line Out Your Electrical Subs
Lining Out Electrical Subcontractors: Why It's Critical for BAS Success Ever had a BAS project go sideways due to wiring issues, unclear expectations, or finger-pointing between trades? Episode 520 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast is your guide to avoiding those problems. If you're responsible for delivering successful BAS installs, you'll want to understand the real cost of skipping the sub
SBA 519: How to Correctly Perform Point to Point Checkouts
Performing a point-to-point checkout may seem routine, but it's the difference between a reliable BAS and one that fails under pressure. In this week's episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we dive into the real purpose behind point-to-point checkouts and why rushing through them can derail your entire project. If you're in the field or leading a team, you'll want to ensure these checkou
SBA 518: How to Create Career Plans to Grow and Retain Your Employees
Struggling to retain your building automation talent? In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we dive into how building automation companies can create effective career plans to improve retention, grow employee capabilities, and strengthen operational performance. Your people are your most valuable asset, but how often do you give them a clear, structured path forward? Most
SBA-517 Strategies to Design Submittals That Aren't Rejected
Rejected submittals delay projects, damage credibility, and create extra work for every stakeholder involved. This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast outlines how to build submittals that meet expectations from the start. Learn how to improve your documentation, streamline reviews, and strengthen relationships with engineers and owners. Topics Covered The role of submittals in BAS and
SBA 516: Creating a PM Schedule For Your Facility
PM programs aren't just about checking boxes—they're the backbone of operational efficiency, cost control, and asset longevity. In this latest episode, we explore the essential steps to building a preventative maintenance schedule that works. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining what you already have, this is your roadmap to reducing downtime and maximizing system performance. Topics C
SBA 515: Designing BACnet-IP Networks
A strong network design isn't just a technical detail—it's the foundation for long-term performance, stability, and scalability in your BAS deployments. This week, we're diving deep into how to design BACnet over IP systems that avoid congestion, play well with IT networks, and remain easy to maintain years after installation. If you're tasked with designing or troubleshooting BAS networks, this e
SBA 514: How to Make a Business Case for Training Your People
Are you justifying the cost of training or watching it drain from your bottom line? When budgets tighten, training is often the first to go. But for those leading in building automation, that is a costly mistake. Our latest episode explores how to make a compelling business case for training. From direct costs to hidden efficiency losses, you'll hear how to frame training as an investment with mea
SBA 513: Strategies for Dealing with Undersized Chilled Water Plants
Undersized chilled water plants aren't just inconvenient—they're a daily operational headache for many facilities teams. If you've ever battled poor tenant comfort, rising energy bills, or emergency equipment failures, this episode is for you. This week, we're diving deep into how to recognize and respond to chilled water systems that can't keep up with building load. Whether you're managing an ag
SBA 512: Understanding Air Handler Sequences for OR's and Clean Rooms
Air handlers in critical spaces are not your everyday systems. When it comes to operating rooms and clean rooms, standard HVAC playbooks don't cut it. If you're working in these environments—or supporting teams who do—understanding the deeper logic behind sequences of operation is essential. This episode is your go-to resource for elevating your knowledge around critical environment control strate
SBA 511: Creating an Effective Alarm Design & Management Strategy for Large Facilities
How many alarms in your BAS require action? If your alarm console feels like chaos, you're not alone. This episode explores how a structured alarm strategy improves operations in large facilities. It focuses on reducing noise, building trust in the system, and ensuring alarms drive the right actions. This episode helps you align your alarms with what matters so your team can respond with clarity a
SBA 510: How to Measure the ROI of Building Automation Training
Training is often the first thing cut when budgets tighten. But what if you could show that training delivers measurable ROI? This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast focuses on how to justify training investments using numbers that matter to leadership. You'll learn how to turn training into a proven profit driver. We cover: Why training is undervalued and how to change that What to t
SBA 509: Vendor Lock-in Vs. Internal Capabilty
Are you truly in control of your building systems, or dependent on your vendor? Vendor lock-in increases costs, slows down repairs, and limits flexibility. But there's a clear way to reduce risk: internal capability. This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast walks through how to shift control back to your team through targeted training and planning. Key topics include: Common signs and
SBA 508: The Definitive Guide to BACnet SC
The industry is shifting and BACnet Secure Connect (BACnet SC) is becoming the new standard for protecting BAS networks from cyber threats. This episode walks you through what it is, why it matters, and how to prepare for the transition while keeping operations running smoothly. We'll explore: • How BACnet SC strengthens cybersecurity for BAS networks • The key differences from BACnet over IP • Pr
SBA 507: Designing an Internal BAS Training Program That Actually Works
If you're responsible for training your building automation team and not seeing the results you need, this episode will challenge how you're approaching it. Most internal training programs fail because they miss the mark on what actually drives job performance. This episode will help you refocus on what matters. We unpack what makes a training program succeed, where most fail, and how to build one
SBA 506: Why Smart Facilities Aren't Always Smart – Bridging the Knowledge Gap
What makes a facility truly "smart"? This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy podcast challenges a common misconception: that automation alone guarantees intelligent facility management. If you've ever invested in advanced building automation systems (BAS) only to find them underutilized or misconfigured, this conversation will hit home. We walk through the often-overlooked human and organizati
SBA 505: 10 Things Building Operators Can Do Right Now To Optimize Their BAS
This episode is for building automation professionals ready to improve performance without waiting for a capital project. It focuses on direct, practical actions you can take to increase efficiency, reduce energy waste, and streamline operations using your current BAS tools. You'll walk away with a checklist of tasks that can be implemented immediately, helping you reduce noise in your system, sha
SBA 504: What Every Manager Should Know in 2025
Facility managers are expected to do more than ever. Your role now includes managing complex systems, reducing risk, and making decisions that impact the entire organization. This episode outlines what you need to understand to stay effective and relevant. Building automation systems are evolving. They are no longer just tools for comfort control. They are critical assets for energy management, co
SBA 503: From Reactive to Strategic Building the Future Ready Facilities Team
If you're tired of constant alarms, short-term fixes, and feeling like you're always behind, this episode is for you. This conversation focuses on helping building automation professionals step out of reactive mode and into a forward-thinking strategy that positions your facilities team as a critical part of business success. You'll hear how teams can stop being viewed as a cost burden and start b
SBA 502: The Art & Science of BAS Estimating Part 2
Estimating in building automation is not just about pricing. It's about influencing how a project performs, how it's delivered, and whether it turns a profit. If you're involved in estimating, bidding, or scoping BAS work, this episode is built for you. Michael Roper expands on the fundamentals from a previous episode and takes a deeper look at how to approach estimating with accuracy and control.
SBA 501: How BAS Contractors Can Win Back Owners
Facility owners are not waiting anymore. Across healthcare, higher education, government, and critical infrastructure, a growing number are building internal teams to self-perform automation work. This shift is not driven by cost, but by frustration, urgency, and the need for consistent, reliable service. In this episode, you'll hear exactly why this trend is accelerating and what it means for you
SBA 500: The History of Smart Buildings Academy
This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast examines the transformation of a side project into one of the most recognized training providers in the building automation industry. It focuses on the strategic shifts, leadership lessons, and systemized processes that shaped Smart Buildings Academy from its inception to its current impact. The story shared in this episode mirrors challenges man
SBA 499: The ROI of BAS Training
If you're leading teams, overseeing projects, or managing budgets in building automation, this episode is for you. Training isn't just a line item. It affects how fast your jobs get done, how often your clients call back, and how long your employees stick around. This conversation challenges how you think about the cost of training by showing what happens when you measure its value the right way.
SBA 498: The True Cost of Band-Aid Fixes in Building Operations
In the latest episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you will uncover what lies beneath temporary fixes that may seem harmless but carry significant hidden costs. If you've ever overridden an alarm to stop complaints or zip-tied a damper and walked away, this episode is for you. This conversation examines the operational, financial, and safety impacts of short-term solutions. It also prom
SBA 497: The Life Cycle of a BAS Project
Explore the full BAS project lifecycle in this episode, from sales and design to installation and service. This episode is for building automation professionals who want a sharper understanding of how BAS projects develop from concept to ongoing service. Whether you focus on sales, design, installation, or support, this discussion outlines what makes a project succeed at every stage. You will walk
SBA 496: Revolutionizing HVAC – The Rise of VRF Systems
Is your HVAC knowledge aligned with today's smart building demands? This episode explores variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems and their growing role in building automation. As building complexity increases and energy efficiency becomes a priority, VRF systems offer a different approach that requires new skills and understanding from BAS professionals. If you work in building automation, this c
SBA 495: Why Most Building Automation Systems Are Underutilized
Many building automation systems are operating far below their potential. If you're only using basic features or managing your system with limited insight, you are likely missing out on performance, energy savings, and operational efficiency. This episode focuses on you - the facility manager, the BAS technician, the energy consultant - and how to unlock the full capabilities of your system. Y
SBA 494: How Trained Operators Reduce Energy Costs & Downtime
This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast focuses on a key factor affecting building performance and operational cost: the building operator. If energy costs remain high despite efficient equipment, or tenant complaints persist after BAS upgrades, the problem may lie in overlooked operational practices. This episode examines how operator actions directly influence energy use, system
SBA 493: Instructor Roundtable
This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast focuses on critical discussions that directly impact building automation professionals. Instructors Matt Scott, Ethan Morris, and Michael Roper explore the evolving relationship between BAS professionals and IT departments, common pitfalls in BAS specifications, and the practical value of trend logging. The conversation is centered on real-worl
SBA 492: Breaking Down ASHRAE 62.1
Good air is about performance, health, and operational excellence. This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast explores the critical role that ASHRAE 62.1 plays in creating environments where people can thrive. Controls technicians, facilities managers, commissioning agents, and mechanical designers will benefit from understanding this essential ventilation standard. Building professio
SBA 491: Breaking Down ASHRAE 90.1
If you've worked on new construction, retrofits, or green building certifications, ASHRAE 90.1 is already familiar. However, using it effectively is another matter. This episode focuses on how ASHRAE 90.1 influences your designs, energy compliance, and system planning. The discussion clarifies how this standard applies across key areas and what it means for your daily responsibilities in building
SBA 490: The Art & Science of BAS Estimating
Estimates shape the success of every building automation project. Knowing how to assess labor, materials, and subcontractor needs can determine your profitability and project outcomes. This episode gives you a practical look at the estimating process, revealing what matters most when preparing accurate and competitive BAS proposals. You'll gain a sharper sense of what to look for, where the risk l
SBA 489: April Roundtable – Industry Insights
In episode 489 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we bring you a roundtable conversation designed specifically for building automation professionals who are hands-on in the field. This episode puts the focus on your day-to-day challenges and opportunities, offering perspectives from our Instructors who know exactly what you're dealing with. This is not about theory. It's about the real de
SBA 488: BAS Channel Enablement 101 with Jonathan Lewis
What if the key to unlocking more profitable and efficient building automation projects was already at your fingertips? In Episode 488, you're invited into a detailed conversation tailored specifically for building automation professionals. This episode explores how OEMs like Johnson Controls are equipping their contractor channels with advanced tools - not just to sell, but to successfully de
SBA #487: Low Refrigerant Application with Don Gillis
The refrigerant landscape is changing fast, and if you're in building automation, facility management, or HVAC, you need to stay ahead of these shifts. In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we dive into the 2025 refrigerant regulations with Don Gillis, senior trainer at Chemours. This isn't just about compliance, it's about making informed decisions that protect your equipmen
SBA 486: Empowering Users of BAS Systems
How well do you or your team really understand your building automation system? More importantly, how much of that knowledge actually sticks? In this episode, we focus on you, the building automation professional, and the real-world impact that training can have on system performance, efficiency, and career growth. Effective training isn't just about delivering information; it's about making s
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