The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology

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 and confidence. In this episode, we explore: What alarms should be and how to distinguish them from notifications The impact of alarm flooding, nuisance alarms, and poor prioritization How to develop a clear alarm philosophy and define actionable thresholds Tactics to standardize, suppress, and escalate alarms effectively The connection between alarms, energy efficiency, and predictive maintenance The right alarm strategy keeps your team focused, your systems efficient, and your tenants comfortable.

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 track before and after training to prove ROI A clear framework to quantify training impact Real-world examples from contractors and facility owner How to position training as a profit engine If you need to defend or grow your training budget, start here.

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 causes of vendor lock-in Financial and operational impacts of relying on one provider How training restores technical and strategic leverage Steps to build and maintain in-house capability When to use vendors and when to manage tasks internally If you want more control and less cost, this episode is for you.

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 • Practical considerations before implementation • Real-world migration strategies and lessons learned • The future of BACnet SC in smart buildings Discover how BACnet SC can help secure your BAS network and set the foundation for future-ready building operations.

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 that aligns with real work in the field. This is a direct, practical look at solving workforce gaps through focused upskilling. In this episode, we’ll explore: The common breakdowns that weaken internal BAS training Core elements that lead to long-term skill retention A step-by-step method for designing a results-driven program How to measure training impact and know if it's working The tools worth using and the ones to avoid If you want your techs producing real outcomes on the job, this episode will give you the clarity to move forward.

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 organizational factors that determine whether your smart building is actually delivering on its promise. This episode is a must-listen for facility managers, technicians, engineers, and IT professionals working in the building automation industry. Explore the hidden pitfalls and practical insights around: The illusion of intelligence in building automation systems  Knowledge gaps that sabotage smart facility operations Real-world consequences of poor system understanding Training and communication strategies to close performance gaps Preparing your teams for future tech like AI and machine learning If your BAS looks great but underperforms, or if your team struggles to keep up with evolving technologies, this episode provides the perspective needed to take meaningful action. Listen now and start reclaiming the true potential of your smart facility.  

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, sharpen team performance, and identify problems before they escalate. Key areas covered in this episode: Auditing your system to spot performance gaps Fine-tuning schedules and setpoints to reflect real usage Cleaning up point databases for better system response Using trends and alarms to find hidden inefficiencies Strengthening internal skills and vendor relationships Every building can run better. Start with these changes today.

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, compliance, cybersecurity, and long-term planning. If your approach hasn't changed, it's time to catch up. Key topics in this episode: How building automation systems have become strategic assets   Common vulnerabilities that expose BAS to cybersecurity threats The growing use of cloud-based systems and what to evaluate before adoption Risks of vendor lock-in and how to maintain system flexibility Using analytics to support planning, upgrades, and performance tracking This episode is for professionals who want to lead building performance, not just maintain it.

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 being seen as a strategic asset. This episode challenges how you approach maintenance, documentation, and performance. It offers a roadmap to help your team work smarter, reduce waste, and align with organizational outcomes. In this episode, we’ll explore: Why reactive maintenance drains time, money, and morale What separates strategic teams from reactive ones How data, analytics, and planning transform operations The impact of leadership on team performance What it takes to build a future-ready facilities team Listen now to learn what’s holding your team back and how to take the next step.

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. The focus is on precision, awareness, and building estimates that hold up in the field. In this episode, you'll explore: How strategic thinking affects estimating outcomes Where complexity hides in pricing and scope Why certain risks get missed during takeoff What separates accurate estimates from guesswork Which tools and internal knowledge help improve margin control If you’ve ever dealt with missed labor, vague specs, or post-award surprises, this episode helps you tighten up the process and build confidence in your numbers

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 your business. Owners are not trying to compete with contractors, but they no longer trust the current model to support their operations. If you're in the contracting or OEM space, this episode is a must-listen. Topics covered include: ·       The sharp rise in owner-led training and self-performance initiatives ·       How inconsistent technician assignments are damaging service relationships ·       Why vague service agreements are no longer acceptable to facility managers ·       The operational risks driving owners to bypass traditional contractors ·       A practical framework to rebuild trust and maintain long-term service relationships If you're ready to understand what owners really need and how to stay ahead of this shift, this episode will point you in the right direction.

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 many building automation professionals face when growing their careers or businesses. It presents a clear view into what it takes to scale, adapt, and lead with purpose. Key topics covered include: Transitioning from individual training sales to enterprise solutions Building internal teams, systems, and culture without external investors  Creating scalable assessment tools that pinpoint skill gaps Adapting to market shifts and identifying long-term growth paths Exploring the next evolution in smart building workforce education Discover what it takes to lead, adapt, and build lasting impact in the smart buildings industry.

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. Instead of guessing, you'll learn how to track real numbers, get better results, and build a stronger team. You’ll hear case studies, practical metrics, and a clear process for capturing what training actually delivers. Key topics include: ·       The full cost of training, including what most companies miss ·       How to measure performance gains before and after training ·       Real-world examples showing the business impact of trained teams ·       Metrics that reveal where your time and money go ·       A step-by-step guide to creating your own training ROI tracker Start making your training dollars work harder. Listen in now.

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 prompts a critical look at what these practices are truly costing your facility. In this episode, you will explore: What qualifies as a "band-aid fix" and why they are widespread The escalating risks created by temporary repairs The financial impact of recurring quick fixes Cultural patterns that support reactive maintenance Practical steps to improve building reliability and performance Listen to rethink what “just keeping it running” means and discover how to shift toward stable and efficient operations.

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 through each phase of a BAS project and learn where common pitfalls emerge. The episode offers insight into aligning teams, improving documentation, and supporting system performance after handoff. Key topics include: ·       Finding risks during scope and specification reviews ·       Creating clear and accurate design documentation ·       Managing installation and subcontractor coordination ·       Improving programming and graphics for user clarity ·       Building long-term service and lifecycle maintenance plans Listen to examine your current project practices and identify where improvements can be made.

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 conversation will help you see where the industry is heading and what it means for your work. Topics covered: Why VRF systems are gaining widespread adoption How VRF components interact to enable precise zone control Challenges with integration and proprietary communication protocols When VRF is the right choice, and when it’s not How AI and remote monitoring are shaping the future of HVAC Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your edge in a changing BAS landscape.

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. You will hear real-world examples that highlight common issues and overlooked opportunities. More importantly, you will gain a new perspective on how to reclaim control and value from your existing system. In this episode, you will explore: What underutilized means in building automation Root causes that limit system performance Overlooked features that can improve efficiency Practical barriers and how to start addressing them Immediate actions to increase system value This episode encourages you to rethink your BAS strategy and start taking steps toward better performance and smarter building management.

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 performance, and downtime. Designed for professionals managing facility systems and operations, the episode highlights what separates underperforming buildings from optimized ones. Topics include: The impact of trained operators on building efficiency and cost savings Core skills operators need beyond system knowledge The role of alarms, overrides, and scheduling in energy waste Common gaps in trend analysis and setpoint management Approaches to developing operator skills and accountability If your building still is not performing the way it should, this episode will help you start asking the right questions.

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-world challenges and strategies for success in modern building projects. The team shares insights based on field experiences, addressing issues that affect system performance, project timelines, and professional collaboration. This episode highlights actionable points for building automation professionals committed to delivering better outcomes. Key Topics Covered: The current state of collaboration between BAS teams and IT departments Why BAS devices are increasingly treated as IT assets Risks of not coordinating with IT during BAS deployments and how to avoid project delays Specification mistakes seen in BAS projects and professional ways to offer feedback The role of trend logs in troubleshooting, compliance, and performance improvement This episode will help you strengthen your BAS practices and stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment.

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 professionals often recognize the importance of indoor air quality but may struggle to achieve it consistently. This episode highlights why simply moving air is not enough and what it takes to deliver clean, safe, and effective ventilation tailored to every space. The discussion provides a deeper appreciation for the nuances of air quality standards and their impact throughout the building lifecycle. Key Topics Explored: The meaning of ventilation and why airflow alone is insufficient How ASHRAE 62.1 sets minimum requirements for indoor air quality in commercial buildings The differences between the three approved ventilation methods and when to apply each The importance of commissioning and maintenance in sustaining healthy air environments How improper system installation and neglect can compromise even well-designed projects ASHRAE 62.1 ensures that buildings protect the health of occupants. Listen to Episode 492 to gain critical insights that can strengthen your projects and professional expertise.