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 •...
Aug 14, 2025•35 min•Ep. 508
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...
Aug 07, 2025•35 min•Ep. 507
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 ...
Jul 31, 2025•35 min•Ep. 506
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...
Jul 24, 2025•46 min•Ep. 505
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...
Jul 17, 2025•34 min•Ep. 504
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,...
Jul 10, 2025•32 min•Ep. 503
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 epi...
Jul 03, 2025•41 min•Ep. 502
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 ...
Jun 26, 2025•35 min•Ep. 501
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 cle...
Jun 19, 2025•41 min•Ep. 500
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 stronge...
Jun 12, 2025•24 min•Ep. 499
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 wi...
Jun 05, 2025•26 min•Ep. 498
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 insi...
May 29, 2025•31 min•Ep. 497
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 ...
May 22, 2025•45 min•Ep. 496
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 importa...
May 15, 2025•31 min•Ep. 495
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 epis...
May 08, 2025•32 min•Ep. 494
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...
May 01, 2025•35 min•Ep. 493
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. T...
Apr 24, 2025•25 min•Ep. 492
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 automation. For professionals seeking to improve building performance, align with energy codes, or s...
Apr 17, 2025•29 min•Ep. 491
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 lies, and how to improve the quality of your estimates. Topics covered in this episode: · The essenti...
Apr 10, 2025•34 min•Ep. 490
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 decisions you make, the systems you work with, and the outcomes you are expected to deliver. Whether you'r...
Apr 03, 2025•25 min•Ep. 489
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 deliver full BAS solutions from estimation to final commissioning. This episode is about helping you rethi...
Mar 27, 2025•52 min•Ep. 488
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 equipment, your budget, and your long-term operations. If you’re responsible for maintaining or upgrading HVAC s...
Mar 20, 2025•34 min•Ep. 487
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 sure it’s understood, retained, and applied in the field. Whether you're training your internal team or y...
Mar 13, 2025•33 min•Ep. 486
A Roundtable Discussion on the Future of Building Automation In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we’re shaking things up. Join Phil Zito and all of the instructors, Matt Scott, Joe Hulsey, and Michael Roper, for a lively roundtable discussion on some of the hottest topics in building automation today. This episode isn’t just about theories and trends - it’s about how these changes will impact you, the building automation professional. Whether you're a contractor, engineer, or...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 485
Have you ever walked into a building and felt too hot, too cold, or just plain uncomfortable even though the HVAC system is running? If so, the problem might not be the thermostat but the way the system was designed. In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, our instructors, Joe & Matt, break down what HVAC load calculations are, why they matter, and how they impact comfort, efficiency, and cost. Whether you work in building automation, HVAC design, or facility management, unde...
Feb 27, 2025•52 min•Ep. 484
You’ve recruited fresh talent into your building automation business, now what? How do you take green hires and transform them into field-ready technicians who add value fast? The challenge isn't just hiring - it's training, mentoring, and setting them up for success without wasting time or resources. In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we dive into the step-by-step process of turning new recruits into confident, capable techs. You’ll explore different approaches to training,...
Feb 20, 2025•30 min•Ep. 483
Are you struggling to find skilled technicians to keep your HVAC workforce strong? You’re not alone. The labor shortage is real, but the good news is that there are proven ways to keep your pipeline full and your team growing. In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we dive into the workforce challenges in the HVAC industry and explore strategies to help you recruit, train, and retain top talent. If your business has ever faced the frustration of turning down jobs, struggling wit...
Feb 13, 2025•28 min•Ep. 482
When critical equipment in your building automation system is damaged, the decision to repair or replace isn't always straightforward. Making the right call can mean the difference between minimizing downtime and avoiding unnecessary costs—or dealing with ongoing failures and lost efficiency. In this episode, we break down the factors that drive this decision and provide a structured approach to evaluating your options. Join us for a discussion that will help you make smart, informed choices whe...
Feb 06, 2025•26 min•Ep. 481
When disaster strikes, how do you assess the damage to your building’s critical equipment? Whether you're a building owner, facility manager, or insurance adjuster, knowing how to properly inspect damaged equipment can be the difference between a smooth recovery and costly downtime. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we take you inside the equipment inspection process—a crucial step in evaluating damage from fires, floods, lightning, and physical impacts. You'll gain insight into what to look fo...
Jan 30, 2025•17 min•Ep. 480
Join us for Episode 479 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, where we dive into a topic that's rapidly transforming the world of building automation—AI and Machine Learning in HVAC Energy Optimization. Whether you're an HVAC technician, BAS professional, engineer, sales specialist, or building manager, this episode is for you. Discover how AI-driven solutions are redefining the way we approach energy efficiency, predictive maintenance, and system performance—all without the need for complicat...
Jan 23, 2025•19 min•Ep. 479
