Reducing Infiltration and Exfiltration

WINTER/SPRING 2018 Reducing Infiltration and Exfiltration

When air leaks into your facility those entrances subject to high from outside, you have infiltra- wind velocities. tion; when conditioned indoor air leaks out, it’s exfiltration. Infiltration increases as wind Both can occur through cracks velocity increases. In most parts around windows, doors, damp- of the northern hemisphere, ers, and skylights, or whenever northern or western sides of a door or window is opened. a building are exposed to the The amount of infiltration and wind during winter months. exfiltration that occurs is obvi- The average wind velocity in ously affected by the types of winter is 10 to 15 miles per hour. openings your building has In some locations, however, it along with how good your is considerably higher. In high weatherproofing is, but there winds, a negative pressure is are other factors as well. The often created on the side of building’s structure, the direc- a building opposite the wind tion and duration of the wind, (referred to as the leeward side). and pressure differences inside If a building’s northern and and outside the building also western exposures are window- affect air leakage. less and/or tight, this negative is the movement (or loss of) conditioned air EXFILTRATION pressure may force air into the as it leaks out of the building. If the outdoor air is cooler than PRESSURE building through openings in the indoor air, the air that is heated in the building will rise in the If buildings are designed to the leeward side. building. As the heated air rises, a positive pressure (with respect minimize changes in air pres- to the outside) is created high in the building and a negative sure, then the problems and THE STACK EFFECT pressure low in the building. costs associated with infiltration Pressure differences are created and exfiltration are minimized. Stack effect generally refers to the pressure difference created by a building’s air handling sys- For example, an L- or U-shaped by warm air inside a building rising. tem, the wind, and temperature building whose center is orient- Stack effect leakage is driven by: variations. As warm, low-pres- ed away from prevailing wind sure air rises through a build- will experience minimal infiltra- • height of building spaces that are open to each other ing, it tends to draw with it the tion and exfiltration because • thermal stratification in the building cooler, high-pressure air from those winds are not trapped lower levels. This phenomenon, within the building structure. • distribution of leakage area high in the building. called the stack effect, increases The total pressure effects on the building are a combination infiltration and is a significant The building plan also influenc- of all the pressures being applied to the building, including concern when designing heat- es the amount of infiltration and mechanical ventilation. Sealing the building envelope ing systems for tall buildings in exfiltration. Having fewer doors penetrations high in the building is the most effective way cold climates. The height of the and windows reduces infiltra- to control air leakage. building and the penetrability tion, as does using vestibules between floors determine the and wind barriers in front of impact stack effect may have.

In high-rise buildings with operable win- IN THIS ISSUE dows, stack effect can increase infiltration on lower levels of the leeward side and increase Reducing Infiltration and Exfiltration?...... 1-2 exfiltration on upper levels of the windward BOC Grads Making a Difference...... 3-4 side when high winds and low temperatures Instructor & Sponsor Interview Q&A ...... 4-6 occur. Even in pressurized buildings with sealed windows and revolving doors, stack BOC Training, Announcements, Certification and Conferences/Symposiums...... 6-8 effect may cause heat loss or heat gain Technical Highlights...... 8-9 through elevator shafts or stair towers. Tech Quiz: Diagnosing Building Air Leaks (Credit Quiz) ...... 10 (Continued on page 2, see REDUCING.) Contact BOC & Sponsors...... 11 BOC FEATURE

REDUCING (Continued from page 2) In tall buildings, the stack effect resulting from indoor and outdoor temperature differences also causes air to leak through cracks and openings. Stack effect is always a potential problem for vertical spaces such as service shafts, elevator shafts, and staircases. The density difference between the warm air in the shaft and cold outdoor air causes air to leak into the bottom of the shaft and out the top.

Implement the following procedures to reduce infiltration due to stack effect: • In winter, reduce temperatures in stair- wells. If necessary, protect piping from freezing. • Seal elevator shafts at the top and bot- INFILTRATION. The above examples are of Infiltration. Graphic courtesy of Building Science Corpora- tom. Be sure that penthouse machine tion. wwwbuildingscience.com room doors are weather-stripped and kept closed. • Inspect all automatic doors to ensure • Seal vertical service shafts at the top that they are functioning properly. You can earn 1.0 maintenance and bottom and, in tall buildings, on Consider adjusting doors to close faster. points towards your BOC every sixth floor. • Inspect gasket on garage and other credential renewal by taking • Weather-strip doors to basement and overhead doors. Repair, replace, or a quiz on the material in this rooftop equipment rooms when they install gaskets as necessary. Feature Article and the are connected by a vertical shaft that Technical Article on page 10. serves the building, and keep the Exterior Surfaces doors closed. • Caulk, weather-strip, or install gaskets on • Comply with building code venting all exterior joints, such as those between requirements. Check the fire-resistance wall and foundation or wall and roof, as rating of materials used. Skylights or well as those between wall panels. smoke relief vents may be required. • Caulk, weather-strip, or install gaskets on all openings used for electrical conduits, INSPECTION GUIDELINES piping, through-the-wall cooling, out- Use the following guidelines when inspect- door air louvers, and the like. ing doors, windows, skylights, and other exterior surfaces for infiltration and exfiltration. • Where practical, cover window air condi- tioners and through-the-wall cooling units Windows and skylights when not in use. Specially designed covers can be obtained at relatively low cost. • Replace broken or cracked window- panes. This article is adapted from the BOMI Inter- national course Energy Management and • Weather-strip the operable sash if cracks Controls. Visit BOMI International’s website, are evident. www.bomi.org. • Caulk around window frames (exterior and interior) if cracks are evident. BOC and BOMI are engaged in a partnership which enables building engineers and • Repair windows. Be certain that all maintenance technicians to earn competen- windows have sealing gaskets and cam cy credit between NEEC’s Building Operator latches that are in proper wor king order. Certification (BOC®) and BOMI Internation- • Rehang misaligned windows. al’s Systems Maintenance Technician (SMT®) designation. Doors For more information: http://www.theboc. • Install weather stripping if none has info/about/press-media/bomi-international- been installed. and-northwest-energy-efficiency-council- • Replace any worn or broken weather neec-partner-to-offer-building-engineers- stripping. and-maintenance-technicians-additional- • Rehang misaligned door frames. education-opportunities/

BUILDING OPERATOR CERTIFICATION NEWSLETTER 2 WINTER/SPRING 2018 BOC GRADS BOC Grads Making a Difference

Ted Brokaw Energy-Saving Projects Gary Schimmel BOC LEVEL I Certificate In the City Hall building, which was con- BOC LEVEL I & II Certificates City of International Falls structed in 1939, they had a low-pressure Kelso School District Minnesota steam system with air-actuated control and Facilities and Maintenance Supervisor the original piping and nighttime/daytime Ted Brokaw, now Why did you take the BOC I & II the Street/Water setbacks. Ted converted the system to hot water heating with DDC controls. They also training? Does your company require Commissioner for it? Encourage it? the City of Interna- removed over 400 T-12 light fixtures in vari- tional Falls, MN ous city buildings and installed LED fixtures Gary Schimmel first attended BOC in in their place. The city reported significant heard about the BOC 2014 while he was energy savings from these changes. Ted’s I and II training working as the team is currently working on entering data through WAMOA Head of Building and Grounds for the city. from this building into B3 Benchmarking so (Washington Between 2001 and 2011, his fleet of build- they can track energy savings over a four- Association of ings grew from three to 12, and he sought year period. Maintenance and out training through Minnesota Power that Operation Adminis- In addition to energy savings, Ted’s team has trators) which advertised would help him learn his buildings in and also noticed non-energy benefits from the out. Ted has learned firsthand that under- information on discounts for NEEC training. changes they’ve made. During the shoulder Although the BOC training is not required standing every aspect of a building seasons, they used to receive complaints is essential. by the Kelso School District, Gary had posi- about overheating, but this problem has tive feedback from other students on the Ted's Background in Building Operations been resolved after they converted the BOC training so he decided to sign up. system and upgraded their outdoor reset Ted attended Hibbing Technical College for and controls. They’ve also noticed that after Building and Grounds Maintenance, where What is your work background? switching their lighting to LED fixtures, they Years in the field? he learned the basics of heating and air con- have lower maintenance needs and more ditioning. He then worked for a local HVAC favorable lighting levels. Ted told us that Gary has been with the Kelso School District contractor before starting a position with the while they were planning on upgrading the for 17 years and he is the Facilities and City of International Falls as a Meter Reader heating system before he took BOC, the Maintenance Supervisor. in 1996. In 2001, he started in the Building knowledge he gained helped him trouble- and Grounds Department and remained in shoot several issues that they would not Project details? that role until 2016. have been able to solve independently in Several projects have been completed. Motivation to Take BOC the past. The main projects include lighting retrofits, controls work - control schedules, confirming When his fleet of buildings increased from when machines are on to verify and reset if three to 12, Ted found himself trying to get necessary, incorporating low flow flushers, up to speed with evolving technology. While installing aerators at sinks. Adjusted tem- some of his buildings had steam boilers perature settings and narrowed operating and air actuated controls, others were LEED hours started about 6 years ago. certified with advanced building automa- tion systems. He needed the knowledge A pool cover was installed over the pool. and resources to manage both old and new When the pool cover is deployed, the HVAC systems efficiently. control system reduces the ventilation and Impact of BOC Training pump speeds. “BOC gave me an opportunity to learn with What is the overall square footage other people with varied backgrounds on all of your facility? aspects of building efficiency,” Ted said. He What’s Next for International Falls? explained that learning more about energy Once the City of International Falls finishes Gary Schimmel is responsible for 12 cam- efficiency and working with his LEED build- benchmarking all their properties, they plan puses of schools and non-school facilities. ings has changed his overall approach to to use their baseline to track energy savings. Approximately 697,000 sq ft building management from being reactive Other facility projects in the pipeline include to proactive. The gained knowledge has upgrading the library heating system and Were you able to work with your given him a passion for energy efficiency converting the cooling system for their ice utility company on any rebates? and proper building operation. Additionally, arena plant. They are also implementing an Yes, Cowlitz PUD (Rob Salberg) and Cascade he mentioned that BOC helped him develop asset management program and utilizing a Natural Gas. He did work with Ameresco, an his career since it allowed him to become maintenance management program. ESCO, to find applicable utility rebates. more involved with long-term improvement of his buildings. (Continued on page 4, see BOC GRADS.)

BUILDING OPERATOR CERTIFICATION NEWSLETTER 3 WINTER/SPRING 2018 BOC GRADS Q&A – BOC INSTRUCTOR

BOC GRADS (Continued from page 3) Asmaa Abdel-Azi – BOC Is there anything “Training facility How did your BOC training help? Instructor for Midwest you have How did the BOC training influence Energy Efficiency Alliance learned managers to the decision to do the energy from your take a strategic efficiency project? students? How did you approach to Gary was asked to reduce $70,000 from the become involved The interac- consider all annual Kelso School District utility budget so with the build- tive setup of he pursued best practices. Once he learned costs and accu- ing operations BOC allows best practices from the BOC training, he was rately energy and maintenance me to engage aware of facility changes that could be made management profession? the students when budget became available. Initially, he in conversa- is the solutions started out with smaller projects and more I have a Bachelor’s of tion to share to overcoming ideas came to light. Whenever budget and Science in Biosys- their different opportunity is available, he plans to pursue tems engineering budget perspectives further projects. with a focus on inte- restraints.“ Asmaa Abdel-Azi and experi- grating engineering ences in class. design and envi- – Asmaa Abdel-Azi Any particular observations about This provides ronmental science. Throughout my profes- the program or the difference it for a constant sional career, I have worked on various utility made in a) your working environ- feedback loop that helps me improve my energy efficiency rebate programs that are ment, and b) your professional lessons from class to class, as well as provide designed to encourage customers to imple- career, c) what changes facility insight into all the different implementations ment energy efficiency measures. While occupants see? of the materials by each student. working with utilities, it became evident The training program provides extensive that promoting energy efficiency requires info. Training is lengthy and unfortunately, Do you have any Building O&M tips a fundamental understanding of building he doesn’t have a large training budget. He you’d like to share? operations and maintenance. was able to send one other individual with a From my experience, the more organiza- mechanical and electrical background who When and how did you hear about tions invest in their facility managers, in came back to work with additional ideas for BOC? ways such as training, the more the facility efficiency and conservation. He intends to managers are invested in their job and day send more to the BOC training when budget One of the utility programs that I had to day tasks. This yields better operations is available. worked on early in my career incentivized and maintenance of facilities and ultimately its customers to attend BOC training. results in greater energy efficiency. At first, energy efficiency wasn’t appreciated I attended the BOC training and completed training as part of the program. but he took advantage of the budget crisis What keeps you coming back? to make changes which resulted in a positive difference. Some occupants didn’t like the What do you see as the challenges to I enjoy sharing the knowledge that helped changes but significant savings were realized facilities management in your particu- me establish my career to help expand the and continuous improvement is pursued. lar field? To facilities management in careers of the students. general? Any planned energy savings project One of the biggest challenges in facilities for the future? management is controlling cost and deal- Projects related to operations and changes ing with budget restraints. It has become to behavior have made progress. Focus on increasingly evident that facilities managers ongoing and future energy savings will be are continuously being asked to do more related primarily to changing equipment. with less budget available to them. For example, replacement of an old heater with a heat pump is in the works, and plans Training facility managers to take a strategic for the future include changing an electric approach to consider all costs and accurately ventilation system to more efficient and manage energy solutions to overcoming money saving equipment, and upgrading to budget restraints. LED lighting when LED prices go down. Are there any surprises for you when you teach BOC classes? Being a minority female in the engineering sector, sometimes I face challenges of having to prove I am qualified. I’m always pleasantly surprised when we have female students in our classes, because I hope to showcase that there are opportunities through BOC certification that allow for any qualified individual, regardless of ethnicity or gender, to rise and succeed.

BUILDING OPERATOR CERTIFICATION NEWSLETTER 4 WINTER/SPRING 2018 Q&A – BOC SPONSOR

Q&A With BOC Sponsor Hawai‘i Energy We spoke with members of Hawai‘i Energy‘s Program Delivery and Market Transformation teams for this interview.

How did you become campaigns, newsletters, a involved with energy Professional Development efficiency initiatives? subsectionof our website for energy professionals, Hawai‘i Energy helps and through our in-house educate island families staff of specialized Energy and businesses about Advisors, who offer spe- the many lasting benefits cialized trainings to of energy efficiency and a variety of sectors. conservation. Hawai‘i Energy encourages and What benefits does rewards smart energy BOC provide for your choices which will allow our customers? state to reach 100% clean The BOC training pro- energy faster and cheaper. vides valuable, practical To date, Hawai‘i Energy tools and information has collectively saved the that benefit participants people of Hawai‘i more Shaka time with the Hawai'i Energy Program Delivery and Market Transformation Team. whether they are relatively than a billion dollars off new to the field or have their energy bills. By College began offering the BOC course in decades of experience managing and oper- implementing programs that increase energy 2009, with support from federal stimulus ating facilities. They learn how to benchmark efficiency and reduce electricity consumption package funds. SLIM’s coordinator recog- energy performance, identify opportunities and demand, we’re leading the charge of de- nized the synergy and the potential to make for energy efficiency and indoor air quality creasing Hawai‘i’s dependence on imported an impact for commercial buildings and improvements, and are exposed to leading- fossil fuels. reached out to our company about the edge practices and technologies that add In 2016, our program possibility of expanding this program to their professional skills and knowledge. delivered 141 million and targeting facilities management Due to our unique tropical climate (i.e., high kWh in first year sav- professionals. humidity, low demand for heating), instruc- ings and 1.76 billion tors with local knowledge are able to adapt kWh in lifetime energy The partnership with SLIM began in 2013. the BOC content to make it more relevant savings. It expanded later that year to University of for building operators. The end result is cus- Hawaii at Mãnoa on O‘ahu and has been tomers who are empowered to save money Our program’s primary a success ever since. focus is on business and residential incen- and energy at their facilities and improve the tives and rebates for energy efficient lighting, How do you go about promoting indoor environment for all users. HVAC, appliances and other applications. the training to your commercial and What would you say is the sector Efforts also include transforming the market institutional customers? for energy efficiency through consumer out- breakdown for BOC training Every BOC training is made possible by a reach and energy literacy education, green participants? strong partnership between Hawai‘i Energy workforce development, technical training Hawai‘i’s economy is strongly tied to our and an educational or workforce develop- and collaborative cross-sectoral partnerships. hospitality and tourism industry. Accordingly, ment entity such as the University of Hawai‘i The program is currently in its ninth year of over half of the participants in each Building at Mãnoa Outreach College which offers operations and its fifth year of partnering Operator Certification training usually come noncredit and professional development with local educational institutions to offer the from the hotel and tourism sector. Other courses to working adults year-round. We BOC program at a significantly reduced cost well-represented sectors include the electric have worked with the UH Maui College’s to professionals in the field. It has proven utility, consulting and engineering firms, Sustainable Living Institute of Maui (SLIM) to be a popular offering which empowers health care systems, large commercial and each year since 2013 to offer BOC train- our community’s energy professionals with industrial facilities, government agencies ing, sometimes remotely to better serve cutting edge knowledge and tools. Over 210 and the military. rural, hard to reach communities or working people have participated in BOC training professionals. with a Hawai‘i Energy tuition subsidy since What type of feedback do you get on the training? 2013. This creates a chain reaction that posi- Hawai‘i Energy is also fortunate to have a tively impacts the countless facilities where robust community of customers, trade allies The feedback has been overwhelmingly these individuals are employed. and professionals in the field of energy ef- positive and participants seem to be pleased ficiency who work together to achieve the full with the content of the course and the cali- How did you and your company first economic, social and environmental benefits ber of the instructors, who are all seasoned hear about the BOC program? of clean energy. We promote the BOC train- working professionals from our community. The Sustainable Living Institute of Maui ing and the Hawai‘i Energy tuition subsidy In a recent class, when asked how likely they (SLIM) at the University of Hawai‘i (UH) Maui through this network, including via email (Continued on page 6, see HAWAI‘I ENERGY.)

BUILDING OPERATOR CERTIFICATION NEWSLETTER 5 WINTER/SPRING 2018 BOC TRAINING, ANNOUNCEMENTS & CONTINUING EDUCATION

HAWAI‘I ENERGY (Continued from page 5) Exam Preparation Materials Check out BOC’s 2018 are to apply energy efficient practices and Now Available Technical Webinar Series! make more efficient purchases in the future, all respondents replied positively, with 75% The BOC program offers a variety of resources The BOC program offers saying this was “very likely.” Here are some to help you prepare for the Certification Exam webinars, both live and sample comments: and achieve the designation of Certified recorded, to keep you Building Operator. Visit our website for the full informed on the dynamic Thank you for the opportunity complement of resources, including resource field of facilities manage- to“ take this class. I have learned guides, a test taking tips webcast, and infor- ment. Learn practical an abundance about the position mation on purchasing updated class materi- solutions to reduce your als. We also offer a series of four recorded building’s energy use and increase your I have held for 3 years that I did webinars to help you prepare for the BOC not previously know. The teachers equipment longevity from leading industry Certification Exam.Each session focuses experts, covering topics such as building had knowledge they were eager on a critical work function from the exam retuning, addressing air handler issues, and to share. Because of this program blueprint. the latest in lighting. Register at the BOC I was able to present an action • Maintain Energy Using Building web site (www.theBOC.info) and receive a plan for energy savings to my Systems, Equipment & Envelope to link with log-in and password information. superiors that I believe will pass. Minimize Energy Use. Overview of Successful completion of each webinar and I will recommend this class to all materials related to performing preven- its accompanying quiz earns you 1.5 points persons that are in the energy tive & predictive maintenance; trouble- towards maintaining your BOC credential saving/maintenance business. shooting system & equipment problems and .15 IACET CEU’s towards the renewal ” & performing diagnostic testing; docu- of industry certifications, certificates, and menting equipment maintenance. licenses including but not limited to AIA, • Operate Energy Using Systems PE, LEED, IFMA, ASHRAE, and AEE. The BOC program helped for High Performance. Learn more strengthen“ my critical ability in about what the exam covers related to BOC Technical Webinar Schedule maintenance and troubleshooting equipment settings & system control • February 22, 2018: solving problems and advanced points; measuring & monitoring energy My Facility is Too Humid – How can performance; and sustaining energy I solve this problem? diagnostics on electrical and performance. HVAC systems. I am using all the • March 15, 2018 knowledge I acquired through • Perform Technical and Administrative Duties. Brush up on what you will need The Autonomous Driving Building: the program presented by top to know about maintaining records & What’s in the Future for Building Controls. qualified local professionals. reports, communicating with manage- ” ment, co-workers and occupants, and • April 19, 2018 understanding building codes. Top 5 Strategies for Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency. • Maintain Indoor Environmental I enjoyed every moment of this Quality to Standards. This session will • May 22, 2018 training,“ which was interesting, review information related to: measuring Lighting Controls – Top 5 things to Know. educational, challenging some- and monitoring IEQ parameters; IEQ times – and I had the opportunity issues; and developing and implement- • September 20, 2018 ing an IEQ plan. to network with others from the Occupant engagement – Getting Buy-in industry. The BOC program is the from Building Occupants to Save Energy. ideal training choice for those like • October 2018 (TBA) me in the facilities management Cash Incentives for your Energy Projects. industry. ” Live webinars are held from 2pm to 3pm EST and once held are available online Is there anything else you’d like at our webinar library. Check out the BOC to add? web site for details. And remember, BOC graduates who maintain their credential Hawai‘i Energy is grateful to our educational receive a 20% discount on the BOC partners for their operational support and to webinars series. the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council for developing programs, like the BOC, which advance market opportunities for energy BOC Webcasts efficiency. We are excited that people are • Thursday, Feb 15th & Aug 23rd interested in furthering their education in the energy field and look toward the future with 8:30 PST / 11:30 EST. confidence in our state’s projected environ- Learn more about the BOC program, mental position to make substantial gains in credential structure, and how the reaching our 100% clean energy goal. program can benefit your career and organization.

BUILDING OPERATOR CERTIFICATION NEWSLETTER 6 WINTER/SPRING 2018 BOC TRAINING, ANNOUNCEMENTS & CONTINUING EDUCATION

It's Time to Renew Your Are you a Current Building Engineers Credential! Credential Holder? Association Walks the Talk The BOC’s credential maintenance season WIN FREE STUFF! is happening now. We have notified our active graduates of their options to renew Twice a year, current credential-holders may credentials, so check your mailbox for enter a drawing to win merchandise such as information! You can also refer to the BOC gear from our Shop, diagnostic tools, BOC website to renew your credential or reference manuals. Our next drawing for a in just a few easy steps. BOC hat, mug or shirt is April 2nd, 2018 BOC would like to acknowledge the San Diego Building Engineers Association Congratulations to the winner of our Octo- To maintain your BOC credential, graduates ber drawing, Amber Saxby, of Seattle City (SDBEA) for their dedication to professional must accumulate maintenance points each Light in Seattle, WA. training and credentialing for building year following a full calendar year after operators. SDBEA provided scholarships they’ve earned their credential. Level I ENTER TO WIN HERE: to 53 building engineers in San Diego maintenance requires five points each year https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ County in 2016 and 2017, equivalent to and Level II requires ten. If you have earned bocapril18 $30,000 of tuition support. And if this wasn’t your Certification, it auto renews when you enough, the association took an active role maintain your training certificate. Points in San Diego Gas & Electric’s first BOC may be earned as follows: Credential Maintenance Fair on October 10 by organizing a panel presentation on • Continued employment in building “Advancing Yourself in the Building operations – 2 points/year Engineering Profession” • Continuing education in building operations – 1 point per hour of The panel was comprised of three experi- classroom time enced chief engineers who offered career Another Benefit for BOC tips to participants. Special thanks to Ray • Energy efficiency projects completed Credentialed Operators Trent, president SDBEA, Bob Jones, Irvine at your facility – Up to 11 points/year BOC graduates who maintain their credential Company, and Shawn Wisham, BM Realty/ • Membership in a building operations receive a 20% DISCOUNT on the BOC San Diego Science Center. SDBEA’s mission association – 1 point/year webinar series. Check out the webinar is to provide education and a network for schedule and library at: building engineers to share information • Offices held in membership associations (www.sdbea.org). Thank you for walking http://www.theboc.info/continuing-educa- – 2 points/year the talk! tion/webinars/ • Awards received for efficient building operations – 2 points/award

• BOC newsletter tech article or blog quiz (see page two for details) – 1 point/ passed quiz

• Completion of an energy consumption benchmark for the previous twelve- month period using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager or alternative energy accounting tool – 3 points/year

• Enrollment in a BOC webinar and completion of its quiz (See webinar announcement details on page 6) – 1.5 points/passed quiz

• Attendance at a facilities trade show – 1 point/year

Use our HELP Desk (1-877-850-4793), whose knowledgeable staff can address questions and assist with the maintenance Annual Meeting application. The deadline for application The BOC program acknowledges our network of national partners who make the program available in submission is March 31, 2018. over 37 states and Canada. Pictured above are BOC partners at our annual meeting in November. Pictured from center are Valerie Begin, CIET; Ken Hellberg, PCT; Cher Brister, Gwinnett Technical College; Haley Keegan, MEEA; Liz John, SPEER; Molly Graham, MEEA; Russell Paez, NEEC; Elizabeth Grimes, ADECA; Anna Siebenborn, S&W Enterprises; Mark Milby, MEEA; Ashley Blackwell, SEEA; Erik Westerholm, NWEEI; Melanie Danuser, NEEC.

BUILDING OPERATOR CERTIFICATION NEWSLETTER 7 WINTER/SPRING 2018 ANNOUNCEMENTS & TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Welcome Kentucky! NEW YEAR, NEW FEDERAL STANDARDS: NEEC and MEEA are pleased to announce the expansion of the BOC program to the What 2018 Has in Store for state of Kentucky. In 2017, MEEA and the Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center (KPPC) the Fluorescent Lamp at the University of Louisville were awarded a grant from the Kentucky Department for DOE’s Rules Impact Millions of 32-Watt T8 Lamps Sold in the U.S. Energy Development and Independence (DEDI) to purchase the state license, recruit New U.S. Department of Energy standards are energy-efficient and boast lower several local instructors, and hold two tuition-discounted training series in 2018. require that all General Service Fluores- maintenance costs, all while providing the Beyond holding these first training events, cent Lamps (GSFL) manufactured after same comfort and light quality occupants MEEA’s goal is to build long-term partner- Jan. 26 meet increased standards for are used to. ships and program infrastructure across the efficacy, or lumens per watt, state for successful trainings well after the to encourage the adoption “Graybar is excited to initiate end of the project period. of high-efficiency lighting “Graybar is conversations and engage products. excited to initiate with our customers on con- conversations verting to the low wattage T8 This change will have signifi- options that will help them cant impact on the 32-watt and engage save energy and money,” linear fluorescent T8 lamp, with our commented Graybar Lighting which is among the most customers on Business Development Man- common fixtures found in converting to ager Davis Chastain. Gray- commercial buildings across the low wattage bar Electrical Supply is one the U.S. In 2017, an esti- T8 options that of North America’s largest mated 112 million 32-watt will help them employee-owned companies lamps were sold, and nearly save energy specializing in electrical sup- Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center (KPPC) at 70 percent of these are non- plies, communications and the University of Louisville compliant. and money,“ data products, components and related services, with The first training series will be held in – Davis Chastain While commercial lighting locations in 49 states and Louisville starting on March 28th. More customers will need to take information can be found at www.boccen- Puerto Rico. tral.org/training/kentucky. stock of their go-to light- Thanks to grant ing products in the wake of these new With millions of T8s sold in the last year funding, tuition standards, there are cost-saving options alone, manufacturers, distributors and is only $575 for those not yet ready to make the switch lighting customers will need to re-evaluate for a to LEDs. In 2017, more than 15 million low their default lighting replacement prod- limited wattage 28- and 25-watt lamps were sold ucts. Low watt T8s represent a simple, time. across the country – and 100 percent of energy-efficient path to compliance in them are compliant with the new federal 2018. For more information on low-watt The mission of DEDI is to improve the quality standards. T8s visit: http://bit.ly/2EdB2ae. You and security of life for all Kentuckians by can also visit the DOE’s website to learn creating efficient, sustainable energy In fact, these low wattage lamps represent more on the new federal standards. solutions and strategies. KPPC, part of the the simplest solution to the standards J.B. Speed School of Engineering, provides the resources, expertise and experienced change. They comply with new standards, engineering and technical staff to help Kentucky’s businesses, industries and other organizations stay environmentally sustainable and competitive. MEEA currently coordinates BOC in ten other Midwestern states.

BUILDING OPERATOR CERTIFICATIO NEWSLETTER 8 WINTER/SPRING 2018 TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS Thermal Comfort Starts at the Bottom

Oh no, here comes Celsius can reduce the dreaded “Hot/ building-energy Cold” call. One consumption by building occupant 5-15%.” is too hot, and another person Office workers feel nearby is too cold. either heat or cold Why can’t there be around their heads a solution for these and feet. Provid- pesky situations? ing cooling to the Researchers at The face, and heat for Center for the Built the feet is the most Environment in effective way to Berkley have come provide personal up with a solution: comfort. A Personal Comfort A Personal Comfort System (PCS) or The Comfort Chair. This chair puts thermal comfort in the hands of the System (PCS) or The occupant. Laboratory testing Comfort Chair. This with a thermal chair puts thermal comfort in the hands of “Our field studies have confirmed the dummy, as well as actual testing of proto- the occupant. potential energy savings of PCS by expand- type chairs gave researchers valuable data ing temperature setpoints while maintaining through sensors in the chairs as well as sub- Joyce Kim, Student Member of ASHRAE and or improving occupant comfort,” Kim said. jects filling out daily user surveys. The chair a PhD Candidate at UC Berkley, presented That is the beauty of these systems. uses low-energy fans, a reflective exterior, the findings of the data at the 2017 ASHRAE small heating elements, and an occupancy Annual Conference in Long Beach, CA, from The Center received a $1.6 million research sensor to save energy when not in use. a field study that tested how to use Personal grant from the California Energy Com- Comfort Systems and occupants’ behavior mission’s Public Interest Energy Research The Center does not yet know how much to predict a person’s thermal preference. Buildings Program in September 2013. The energy savings the PCS chairs could pro- According to the article written by Mary purpose of the study was to optimize the duce because some of the products are not Kate McGowan, Associate Editor, News and efficiency and demonstrate the practical ap- yet available for purchase and have not been published in the ASHRAE Journal newslet- plicability of Personal Comfort Systems (PCS) tested commercially. The CBE had a licens- ter, “The study’s 40 participants reported for improved thermal comfort and energy ing partner that manufactured 75 chairs 96% thermal acceptability and savings in office environments. that were installed at The Rocky Mountain 99% satisfaction with the PCS Their goal was to reduce any Institute’s Net Zero Building in Colorado, chairs — battery-powered, “Surveys show barriers to furniture makers and the center is now engaged in additional mesh-type office chairs with that most work- adoption of low-energy thermal commercialization activities. The initial study fans and heating strips embed- ergonomics through product ended in March 2017. ded in the chair’s seat and back ers find their design, laboratory testing, and panels — at thermal environ- field research. www.cbe.berkeley.edu/research/personal- the end of the field study. ment uncom- comfort-systems.htm The real-world data set helps fortable, even “Surveys show that most work- researchers and designers though commer- ers find their thermal environ- Information on the field study is at better understand people’s ment uncomfortable, even http://cbe.berkeley.edu/centerline/ thermal control behavior and cial buildings though commercial buildings changing-the-rules/ comfort preferences,” Kim said. expend enor- expend enormous amounts of mous amounts energy on heating, cooling and https://www.ashrae.org/resources- Yes, an office chair that is pres- of energy on ventilation”, according to the publications/periodicals/enewsletters/ ent in millions of spaces could abstract of the report from the ashrae-journal-newsletter/personal- be the answer to reducing the heating, cooling CBE. comfort-systems-study-collects-data- number of complaints received and ventilation.“ to-better-predict-occupant-thermal- by building operators each It goes on to say, “Building comfort – year. This battery powered PCS Joyce Kim simulations show that allowing uses a maximum 15W to either the indoor ambient tem- heat or cool personal spaces perature to vary by even a few that cause Hot/Cold calls to facilities. It gives degrees can result in large energy savings the power to the user, easily accomplished because the building is conditioned less by the arm located controls, to meet their intensely and less often, and can more often individual comfort needs over a wider range use outside air for conditioning (econo- of surrounding temperatures without affect- mizer mode). While savings vary by climate, ing surrounding office mates. widening the dead-band by one degree

BUILDING OPERATOR CERTIFICATION NEWSLETTER 9 WINTER/SPRING 2018 TECH QUIZ Diagnosing Building Air Leaks Please read this article and Reducing Infiltration and Exfiltration on page 1 and take the quiz at the link listed at the end of the article to earn 1.5 maintenance points toward renewal of your BOC credential.

Uncontrolled air leakage in buildings can pascals pressure differential. The Air Barrier increase energy use and negatively affect Association of America has developed de- occupant comfort. Common leakage tailed standards, methods and procedures areas include penetrations in the thermal for measuring air leakage rates in buildings. envelope by windows, doors, and structural Visit their website for more information at members as well as HVAC penetrations that http://www.airbarrier.org/. are not tightly sealed when the system is off. How can you diagnose excessive air leakage FINDING AIR LEAKS in your building? What kind of diagnostic During a blower test when the building is tools can be used to identify and quantify under pressurization, the simplest method air leakage? of identifying air leaks is with a smoke pencil or smoke generator. Tracing the smoke MEASURING AIR LEAKAGE pencil around penetrations in the building Thermal image showing location of air leakage at Blower door testing to determine air leak- envelope such as windows, doors, utility the parapet and window sills. age rate has been around for many years penetrations, duct penetrations, louvers, Photo courtesy of the BOC Certification program and has most commonly been applied to etc. will locate air leaks. residential buildings. Recognizing the impor- Finding and sealing air leaks in your building tance of controlling air leakage in commer- If there is a 20 degrees F or greater can be a low cost way of reducing energy cial buildings, building construction codes temperature difference between the indoor consumption and improving occupant com- are increasingly requiring air leakage testing and outdoor temperatures, then a thermal fort. You do not need an expensive blower in new construction and these methods can imaging camera can also be used to find door test unless you want to quantify the also be applied to existing buildings. air leaks. From the inside of the building air rate of air leakage. Use you HVAC system to leakage will show up as hot or cold spots generate the pressure differential and let the depending on the conditions. During the air leak finding and sealing begin. pressurization test you can see the hot or cold spots from outside the building. 1 2015 International Energy Conservation Code Section C402.5 Another method of creating a pressure differential to identify air leakage is using This article was written by Duane Lewellen-BOC instructor and Senior Project Manager-Tool Lend- the building’s HVAC system. To positively ing Library at the Smart Buildings Center. pressurize the building, override the system to economizer mode but keep the relief dampers and/or relief fans closed or off. To negatively pressurize the building turn TAKE THE QUIZ! on all the exhaust/relief fans and keep the Multi-fan air leakage test on a commercial building. supply fans off and the outside air intakes You can earn 1.0 maintenance Photo courtesy of Retrotec closed. You can then use a smoke pencil or points towards your BOC thermal imaging camera to find air leaks. credentialElectronic renewal Psychrometer by taking Blower doors use single or multiple variable a quiz on the material in this speed fans to generate an air pressure Technical Article and the differential between the interior and exterior Feature Article (page 1) at: of the building. Fan speed is adjusted until a specific pressure differential is maintained http://www.theboc.info/con- as determined by a digital manometer. For tinuing-education/newsletter- commercial buildings the test pressure quizzes/quiz-air-leaks/ differential is typically 75 pascals or 0.3 inches water column. The blower door controller calculates the cubic feet per minute (CFM) air leakage rate at the specified pressure and fan speed. To determine the average leakage rate the CFM reading is divided by the total gross area of the building’s air barrier Visual image of a pressurized building on a cold (exterior walls, windows, doors, roofs, floors winter day. over parking or crawlspaces) to determine Image courtesy of the BOC Certification program the cfm/ft2 surface area. A “tight” building has a leakage rate of 0.4 cfm/ft2 at 75

BUILDING OPERATOR CERTIFICATION NEWSLETTER 10 WINTER/SPRING 2018 BOC CONTACT & SPONSORS

WEBSITE: BOC PHONE: BOC FAX: www.theBOC.info 1-877-850-4793 206-292-4125

EMAIL: FACEBOOK [email protected] www.facebook.com/thebocprogram

BOC, PROUD MEMBER OF

CHANGE FOR THE BETTER WITH ENERGY STAR

BOC PARTNERS

Partners in the BOC program include: Canadian Institute for Training, Greenville Technical College, Gwinnett Technical College, Intermountain Building Operators Association, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, National Sustainable Structures Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology, New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, Northwest Water & Energy Education Institute, Northwest Energy Efficiency Council, Santa Fe Community College, South Carolina Community College System BOC Consortium, South-Central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource, Southwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, S&W Enterprises, LLC, University of Hawaii – Maui College, and University of Hawaii – Manoa.

THANK YOU TO THESE SPONSORS OF THE BUILDING OPERATOR CERTIFICATION ACROSS THE COUNTRY:

FOUNDING SPONSOR AB Tech • Alliant Energy Corporation • Ameren Illinois • Ameren UE • American Electric Power – Ohio • Applied Energy Group Atlanta Gas Light • Avista Utilities • Bay State Gas • Berkshire Gas • Black Hills Energy • Cape Light Compact • Cedar Falls Utilities City Utilities of Springfield • Clark County PUD • Columbia Water & Light • ComEd • Consumers Energy • Cowlitz County PUD DTE Energy • Efficiency Maine • Efficiency Vermont • Empire District Electric Company • Energy Trust of Oregon • Eversource Connecticut • Focus on Energy, in partnership with participating Wisconsin utilities • Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) Heartland Community College • Idaho Power • Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) • Iowa Energy Center • Kansas City Power & Light Company • Kansas Electric Cooperatives • Kansas Energy Division of the Kansas Corporation Commission • Kansas Municipal Utilities • KeySpan • Laclede Gas Company • Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance • Lincoln Land Community College • Michigan Economic Development Corporation-Michigan Energy Office • M.C. Dean, Inc. • MidAmerican Energy Company • Midwest Energy • Minnesota Department of Commerce • Minnesota Energy Resources Minnesota Power • Missouri Department of Natural Resources • National Grid • Nicor Gas • Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance • NorthWestern Energy North Carolina State Energy Office • North Shore Gas • Ohio Department of Development, Office of Energy Efficiency • Ohio Public Facilities Maintenance Association • Ontario Power Authority • Otter Tail Power Company • Pacific Gas & Electric Company • Pacific Power Peoples Gas • Progress Energy • Puget Sound Energy • Rocky Mountain Power • San Diego Gas & Electric • Seattle City Light Snohomish County PUD • Southern California Edison • Southern California Gas • Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency Tacoma Power • U.S. Dept. of Energy, Federal Energy Management Program • United Illuminating • Unitil • Washington State Dept of Enterprise Services • Waste Reduction Partners • Westar Energy • Wilbur Wright College Graphic Design: ThomHarrisDesign.com

BUILDING OPERATOR CERTIFICATION NEWSLETTER 11 WINTER/SPRING 2018