Keeping Current on Building Automation and Controls Systems There are so many areas that BAS impacts from security to integrating renewable energy sources that are invaluable for us to understand.

Paul Ehrlich, Ira Goldschmidt & Angela Lewis Building Intelligence Group As published   September Issue - Column

One of the challenges that we have as design professionals is in continuing to hone our skills.  While this has always been a good idea, it is not required in many states in order to renew your professional registration.  When I think about the challenges in furthering our education there are several things that come to mind:

• Strengthen the Basics:  There are skills that we use every day that we can always do better.  How could we write a stronger specification, or improve existing master specifications?  Are there improved sequences of operation that we should be utilizing?  Often these are both technical in nature as well as business related.  For example, choosing the right option for economizer changeover is a technical issue, while tighter specification language is business related.
  
  
• Follow Product Changes:  It is important to keep up with what is being provided by vendors.  Over the last 10 years we have seen a change to systems that are web based and follow open protocols.  Today we continue to see some changes to HVAC controls but also many new products coming out for lighting control, and energy information systems.  Understanding and trying to select these new solutions is simultaneously one of the most frustrating and fascinating parts of our jobs!
  
  
• Learn New Skills: It is always a good idea to extend our skill set.  For example, if your background is HVAC design, learn about lighting, or better yet about network design.  There are so many areas that BAS impacts from security to integrating renewable energy sources that are invaluable for us to understand. 
  

[an error occurred while processing this directive] The challenge in continuing our education is that there is never time to do it! After all, if you are fortunate enough to be working then it is unlikely that you have much (if any) free time to attend classes, conferences or even online webinars. I find that there are several valuable sources of continuing education.  These include:

• Online Research: There is a tremendous amount of information available on the Internet.  Often I will start a search on a topic of interest and with some careful sorting I am able to find excellent information from vendor materials to research papers from the Department of Energy and others.
  

• Vendor Meetings:  Meeting in person, or by phone with vendors is a great way to keep up with their new products and systems.  It is easiest to get this information from those with whom we have a close working relationship with, but also important to seek out new suppliers.
  

• Conferences and Seminars:  While in person training is time consuming and expensive (event, travel, time, etc.), it is by far the highest quality and the best for networking.  One great event is the annual High Performance Buildings Conference that Engineered Systems puts on which will be in Washington DC from September 11-13, 2012.
  

• Webinars and Local Events:  Finally, there are a number of online events such as webinars and local events including ASHRAE and USGBC meetings.  These are all great resources to both improve existing skills and learn new ones.
  

• Magazines and Blogs:  Of course magazines such as Engineered Systems are also a fantastic source on new information as well as the online versions and associated blogs and newsletters. 
  

As we get ready for “back to school,” this is a good time to think about your own education program for the next 12 months.  What skills need work?  How many CEUs do you need to earn?  What programs, classes or conferences look interesting?  Create your own personal training program and work with your team to make it a reality.

About the Authors

Paul and Ira first worked together on a series of ASHRAE projects including the BACnet committee and Guideline 13 – Specifying DDC Controls. The formation of Building Intelligence Group provided them the ability to work together professionally providing assistance to owners with the planning, design and development of Intelligent Building Systems. Building Intelligence Group provides services for clients worldwide including leading Universities, Corporations, and Developers. More information can be found at www.buildingintelligencegroup.com  We also invite you to contact us directly at Paul@buildingintelligencegroup.com or ira@buildingintelligencegroup.com

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