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BOC 101 - Introduction and Heating and Cooling Systems

An overview of some of the terminology, energy terms and energy conversion factors is presented. The value of the operators and the systems they are responsible for is discussed and it is made clear that providing safe and comfortable surroundings to allow the occupants to do their job is of highest importance. Heating and cooling plants are then studied with general operation, maintenance and integrating energy efficient practices in the everyday operation of the systems.

BOC 102 - HVAC Systems
After the heating and cooling plants have generated the energy source, it then must be delivered to the customer. The various types of air systems are described and the different components are studied. How they all fit and operate together to provide comfortable and usable space conditions is presented in depth. Codes and good operating practices are reviewed and how to meet them while making wise use of the systems and energy

BOC 103 - Controls
Whether it is a boiler, fan, pump or air handler, all must operated when needed and at the level required of it to do its job. And yet, it should not operated if it is not needed because it will wear itself out and waste resources. The many control systems and types of systems are reviewed and operating and maintenance practices are taught.

BOC 104 -Lighting
The entire day is spent on the basics of lighting and the various light sources and lighting systems. Human needs and requirements are clarified with the best means of meeting them. IES lighting recommendations are reviewed, color rendering, glare, contrast and controls are all clarified.

BOC 105 - Energy Management Techniques
Energy is critical to each and every organization. Our way of life would not be as we now know it if we did not use energy. Rather than just conservation, which is simply reducing energy use, we discuss optimization of energy. This class brings all the others together into a summary of all that has been studied. Old wives tales and false habits are eliminated. A way of thinking is developed that will encourage the operators to do their job better, provide more comfortable spaces and do it with less energy and wear and tear on equipment.
 

Topic 1 - Advanced HVAC
Every efficient operation and maintenance of HVAC systems at a more advanced level toward developing a working knowledge of major components. Concepts and level of thinking to communicating with management about the goals and needs of the maintenance department are presented. Level 2 is designed to go beyond the equipment room to the manager's office.

Topic 2 -Controls and Instrumentation
Operation and maintenance of controls and instruments at a more advanced level. Discussions about why some procedures are important and why others should be changed. How controls interact with one another and how to get the optimum results from the many systems.

Topic 3-Energy Management
More advanced level that deals with analysis of many of the items covered in Level 1 and how to get them implemented. Contracts, specifications, economic analysis, estimating and project management are discussed. The operator's decision making capabilities for taking an active role in the operation of their facilities is developed. How to organize a team to address energy utilization and conservation is presented.
 

BOC training is designed for staff responsible for the maintenance and operation of equipment and systems in commercial and public buildings. A recent report indicates that BOC participants will save, on average, about 55,000 kilowatt-hours a year for their employer.

Our building operator certification program emphasizes the practicality of training for a generally forgotten and overlooked group of people who are very important in the energy management of buildings. At the same time the operations of commercial buildings are becoming more complex, the maintenance staff is being shifted into positions that operate the building. Our courses are designed to translate complex information into practical terms that people can implement on a day-to-day basis.

Certification of operation and maintenance employees is an important component of training. It encourages the student to complete the course work, offers employers a measure of staff competence and recognizes and enhances the credibility of building operators.

The savings realized from operations personnel who understand the interrelationship of building systems and how to efficiently manage their operation will more than pay for the money invested in Building Operator Certification.
 

By completing my Building Operator Certification, I learned to make prudent decisions, resulting in
significant savings for Kootenai County. When I took this position, my budget was $450,470. As a result of BOC training, I changed building operations to utilize a more efficient energy conservation system. Utilities, manpower and subcontractors needed to maintain these facilities were decreased. My annual budget
dropped to $223,940.

Rick Palmer, BOC
Kootenai County Idaho
Building and Grounds Maintenance

The knowledge and practical applications gained from BOC will save us many times the money spent through better use and maintenance of the older equipment we have.

Darrell Buffaloe
Idaho State University
Director of Maintenance

Having the BOC Certification brings a lot of credibility. Now I'm talking to them about facts. If I show them some legitimate reasons to save, they'll do it." Michael Washburn, JVAC technician with Boeing Co who works on energy management and control systems at seven Boeing facilities and is a Certified Building Operator.

I have attended both Level I and Level II. Taking Level I will get you to the point where you can walk the talk. You'll learn so much about facility operations that it will take months for it to percolate. It's amazing; even an old-timer who knows everything can learn something from this course. In fact, the more you know about facilities, the more you take from the class. Following this class your ability to communicate effectively to your staff and vendors will improve exponentially.

Lee Noll
Director, Facility Services
Alameda Unified School District
Alameda, CA
 

For registration and/or more information, please contact: IBOA at 208.345-3072 or e-mail: iboa@intlboa.org For More Information Contact: Connie Searles Executive Director, iboa@intlboa.org

International Building Operators Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the informational and educational needs of people responsible for the operation and maintenance of public and private facilities.