Curriculum

Smart Buildings provides onsite and virtual classes to owners, developers, facilities managers, architects, contractors, associations and trade organizations, or anyone interested in learning more about integrated systems. Our classes include a range of topics such as;

SB101: HVAC Control Systems
The program provides simple, straight forward information on HVAC Control Systems. The major components of an HVAC System are covered including boilers, chillers, air handling units (AHUs), air terminal units (ATUs), and variable air volume equipment (VAV). The program addresses the basic design foundations and management systems associated with a HVAC control system.

SB102: Lighting Control
The program provides simple, straight forward information on Lighting Control Systems. The major components of a Lighting System are covered including daylight, dimmers, scheduling, window coatings and occupancy sensors. The program addresses the basic design foundations and management systems associated with a lighting control system.

SB103: Power Management Systems
The program provides simple, straight forward information on Power Management Systems. The major components of a typical system that will be monitored are addressed in the course, including the power service entrance of a building or campus, switchgear, generators, network protectors, switchboards, panelboards, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and emergency power generation. The program addresses the basic design foundations and management systems associated with a power management system. A case study will be used to illustrate how the power management system operates, how it is controlled and how it integrates with other building systems to create a high performance building. Strategies for improving the system efficiency will be covered as well.

SB104: Fire Alarms
This course provides an overview the components of a fire alarm system, initiating and how fire alarm systems operate. The program also addresses how the fire alarm system is integrated with other building systems and initiates operations for other building automation systems to facilitate evacuation from the building and containment of the fire.

SB105: Video Surveillance
This course addresses video surveillance systems, also known as closed-circuit television systems (CCTV), which are one part of a facility's security plan and deployment. The components of a video surveillance systems will be addressed including cameras, lenses, housings, video transmission, video processing, recording, networked DVRs and video servers.

SB106: Access Control
An access control system is important for security and life safety. This course will cover the components of access control systems and how they integrated into other systems. The basic components of an access control system that will be addressed include a host server, control panels or system controllers connected to the host computer, card readers, door contact, sirens and sensors connected to the control panels and door locks. Access control also integrates with other sub-systems as well as integration with business systems.

SB107: Data Network
Data networks are particularly important for high performance buildings. This is because the basic infrastructures of data networks (standard cable infrastructure and network protocols) are proliferating and are being adopted by other building systems. These basic data networking technologies are the technical core of a high performance building. This course addresses the components of a data network, switches, servers, industry standard operating systems, network and client software applications, peripheral devices, and user devices.

SB108: Telephony
This course covers how telephone systems have evolved to Voice-Over IP (VoIP) technology and essentially have become an application on a data network. In particular the program will address the use of VoIP telephone instruments as a tool to allow users to control some of the building systems, such as HVAC and lighting. Finally the course will review the effects of the convergence of voice and data networks and what it means for the integration of other building systems regarding management, administration, maintenance resources and applications.

SB109: Video Distribution
An emerging use of video distribution in buildings is digital signage, where the video distribution system is conveying information or advertisements through text, video and sound. This course covers the components of a video distribution systems and the programming content for the systems. This will include providing real-time information, such as energy usage, or pre-determined delivery of previously stored data. In addition, the program will cover application such as media retrieval, video conferencing, distance learning and distribution of live feeds.

SB110: Communications Protocols
One of the major foundations of integrating building systems is the use of open communications protocols. This course reviews the use of the IP protocol, and also particular Bacnet, Lonworks and Modbus communication protocols that can be routed via the IP protocol. The course will also address how products are certified or laboratory test to be compliance with protocol standards.

SB111: Information Management
This course addresses the types of systems that can be integrated at the building level and at the business level, and the typical data can be integrated from each system and sub-system including physical devices and points, virtual values and calculated values. It will also cover system and sub-system communications structures and limitations of baud rates and bus scans. A case study of system integration is utilized as an instructive tool.

SB112: The Design and Construction Process
The process of how buildings are designed, constructed and operated is important to the deployment and use of high performance building systems. This course will cover the process of building design, the different delivery methods for constructing a building, and the main operational activities for building management. It will also cover the roles of the design team, the building owner, the contractors and suppliers.

SB113: Commissioning
This course will cover the two basic types of commissioning, total project commissioning and systems and equipment commissioning. The course will examine the role of an independent commissioning agent and the facility manager in ensuring that the facility performs in accordance with the contract documents.

SB114: Facility Management
This course involves the roles and responsibilities of facility management, focusing on the facility manager’s role in project closeout. Topics include operations and maintenance data, demonstrations and training, project record documents, project manual, record drawings, record submittals, startup logs, spare parts and extra stock materials, and post-occupancy evaluation.