The Commissioning Process in New and Existing Buildings

This introductory course focuses on how the building commissioning process can be applied cost-effectively to new construction and to existing facilities, with a strong emphasis on existing facilities applications. In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of the commissioning process through each step of a new construction project from predesign to occupancy and operations. You will also learn how the application of the commissioning process in existing facilities differs from new construction. Learn about the benefits of commissioning and gain an appreciation for how the process can improve the built environment, reduce environmental impacts through responsible resource utilization, improve the quality of design and construction, and raise the professional reputation of the entire commissioning team. We will discuss commissioning documentation, including an overview of commissioning specifications for new construction. You will take away compelling information and case studies that demonstrate the value of investing in the commissioning process. Each attendee receives a copy of ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005, The Commissioning Process.

Complying with ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007

This seminar is targeted at design professionals, code officials and building owners. ASHRAE Standards 90.1-1989, 90.1-1999, and 90.1-2001 have been the benchmarks for commercial building energy codes in the United States and a key basis for standards in more than 15 countries around the world. The 2004 version of Standard 90.1 included significant changes from the previous versions, such as reducing the number of climate zones from 26 to 8, refining a number of HVAC provisions, improving stringency of lighting power requirements, and adding an appendix with new, more flexible rules when using 90.1 for LEED certification. This course presents an overview of the 2004 standard, the addenda that are added in the 2007 version, the Standard’s requirements, and methods for compliance. In addition to the course manual, attendees receive a discount toward the purchase of Standard 90.1-2007 and the Standard 90.1 User's Manual.

Complying with ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004

Standard 90.1-1989, 90.1-1999 and 90.1-2001 have been the benchmarks for commercial building energy codes in the United States and a key basis for standards in over 15 countries around the world. The new 90.1-2004 version has significant changes from the previous versions, such as reducing the number of climate zones from 26 to 8, refining a number of HVAC provisions, improving stringency of lighting power requirements, and adding an appendix with new, more flexible rules when using 90.1 for LEED certification. States are already in the process of adopting elements of the 2004 standard and the US Department of Energy is reviewing it in preparation for adoption as the new benchmark for state energy codes. Design professionals, code officials and building owners will benefit from this course, which presents an overview of the revised standard, the requirements and the methods of compliance. In addition to the course manual, attendees will receive the publications Standard 90.1-2004 and the Standard 90.1 User's Manual.

Complying with ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2001

ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1989-Energy Efficient Design of New Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings is the benchmark for commercial building energy codes in the United States and in countries around the world. Design professionals, code officials and building owners benefit from this seminar, which presents an overview of the revised standard, the requirements and the methods of compliance. In addition to the seminar manual, attendees receive the publications, Standard 90.1-2001-Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings and the Standard 90.1-2001 User's Manual.

Designing HVAC Systems to Control Noise and Vibration

Controlling noise and vibration is critical to ensuring the long-term, proper operation of any HVAC system. Proper system design can prevent many noise/vibration problems. This seminar emphasizes the important design information in ASHRAE's Practical Guide to Noise and Vibration Control for HVAC Systems. Beginning with a fundamental discussion of acoustics, the seminar focuses on the proper design and selection of HVAC equipment. Special attention is given to fans and air distribution systems. Also discussed are noise/vibration problems associated with central plant equipment, piping systems, and outdoor equipment. Class exercises and case studies will be presented to reinforce the course information.

Determining Energy Savings from Performance Contracting Projects: Measurement and Verification

This seminar provides an overview of measurement and verification (M&V) procedures and methods for determining savings from energy efficiency projects. Four brief case studies will be presented to illustrate concepts and issues associated with M&V: a lighting project (using both estimates and long-term metering), a VSD project (using long-term metering), a billing analysis and a calibrated simulation.

Development and Analysis of Piping Systems

This seminar covers development analysis of piping system for commercial and other building types demonstrating piping selection, fitting and valve pressure drop analysis to provide design flow to meet building HVAC&R loads. Develop requirements for pumping and balancing to provide design flow over range of building heating and cooling loads.

Direct Digital Control (DDC) Retrofits: From Project Planning Through Performance Verification

This seminar outlines a specific procedure for planning and implementation of DDC retrofits and demonstrates the concepts through case study examples. Specific topics include: Benefits of upgrading to DDC from pneumatic controls or aging DDC systems; developing the scope of DDC retrofits—determining what should you keep and what should you replace; interoperability standard and issues; DDC specification considerations; sample control algorithms for improved comfort and energy performance; what to look for in submittal reviews; and tools and techniques for DDC system performance verification. The seminar builds on and refers to resources in ASHRAE Guideline 13-2000, specifying Direct Digital Control Systems.

Economic Analysis of Engineering Projects: Life Cycle Costing (LCC)

Beginning with a review of basic economic definitions, this seminar will focus on the "nuts and bolts" of how to perform a proper life cycle cost analysis. Multiple techniques for further evaluation are covered, with special treatment of uncertainty and how it can be minimized. Students will complete a series of exercises and class problems that demonstrate the methods presented. Also included is a demonstration of the NIST Building Life Cycle Cost software program.

Exceeding the Requirements of Standard 90.1-2007

This course is targeted at design professionals and building owners. Appendix G, a new informative appendix in 90.1 since 2004, provides specific guidance on the rules and procedures to use to simulation building energy use when the objective is to substantially exceed the requirements of 90.1. Appendix G is especially useful for energy simulations connected with LEED credits and with energy tax credits. This course presents an overview of Appendix G and explains its use through a number of examples using eQUEST. In addition to the course manual, attendees receive a discount toward the purchase of Standard 90.1-2007 and the Standard 90.1-2007 User's Manual.

Facility and HVAC Terrorism Threat and Vulnerability Assessment

This course provides facility managers, HVAC designers, architects and emergency managers with an overview of what a threat assessment is and the basics of how to perform such an assessment for a facility. The course introduces publicly available information and resources pertaining to terrorism threat assessments that are available through various local, state and federal agencies. Course material is drawn from the latest available version of sources with verified public availability. Course attendance is not restricted, so only citable, open sources of information are used. Proprietary information will be avoided.

Healthcare Facilities: Best Practices for Design & Application

Based on a portion of the ASHRAE book HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics, this course will introduce many unique and up-to-date healthcare design considerations and applications. The course will cover chapters 1-4, 6-11, and 13-16. During the first half of the course, common medical terminology is introduced and how some terms have very different meanings between the medical and engineering communities will be explained. Infection particles and their transport mechanisms are covered followed by infection control methods. A major emphasis is on the necessary considerations for various diagnostic and treatment and support areas. The second half of the course focuses on air distribution designs for surgical and patient rooms. Various control and energy efficiency techniques for cooling and heating plants are presented along with O&M and other commissioning topics. Lastly, smoke control and life safety best practices and application issues finish the course.

Humidity Control: Principles & Applications

In commercial buildings, excess humidity and moisture problems have caused difficulties with mold, mildew and uncomfortable conditions for occupants. This course, based on ASHRAE’s new Design Guide for Humidity Control, will help the designer achieve true control of humidity rather than just its moderation. The course will cover how to remove moisture loads with equipment dedicated to that purpose alone, rather than relying on the occasional dehumidification effect of a building’s cooling system. Attendees will learn what equipment is used for this purpose, how it works and how to apply it quickly, economically and reliably. Additionally, the material includes an in-depth discussion of moisture load calculations and how humidity control can be added to HVAC designs for seven different types of commercial buildings. The course also covers the effects of different humidity levels on thermal comfort, corrosion, mold growth and airborne microorganisms-information which helps the owner and designer define the humidity control level that will be optimal for each application. If you need to understand the effects of humidity control as well as how to accomplish it, this course puts you on the fast track to such understanding. Attendees will receive a discount toward the purchase of the Design Guide for Humidity Control.

Leadership Skills for Engineering Leaders: Situational Leadership^®

This course provides the engineering leader with proven leadership skills and competencies that will help him or her be more effective back on the job. Taught by an engineer who has led and managed more than 100 engineering projects, the course is based on proven, practical leadership skills that lead to success in an engineering environment. A confidential leadership style assessment will be provided to each participant to help him or her apply the most effective leadership style in typical work situations.

Mechanical Insulation Training

This course addresses the critical role an insulation system plays in equipment and system performance, as well as its role in energy conservation, fuel cost savings and environmental emission reductions. Attendees learn system design conditions, gain a better understanding of the different types of insulation materials, their temperature ranges and their properties, and are able to select appropriate insulation materials (including attachment materials, insulation materials, jackets and coverings, systems, finishing materials and accessories.) Attendees gain a better understanding of the criteria needed for selecting the "right insulation system for the job," increase his or her skill in communicating the requirements in a specification, and gain experience at determining the right insulation thickness for long-term performance.

Optimizing the Design and Control of Chilled Water Plants

This seminar presents innovative techniques for the design and control of energy-efficient and life-cycle cost optimized chilled water plants. The seminar covers the design of chiller plants from equipment selection through the evaluation of the controls. Topics include: selection and specification of chilled water plant equipment including chillers, pumps and cooling towers; application and design of chilled water distribution systems; methods to mitigate low-delta-T syndrome; life-cycle cost optimized selection of chilled and condenser water set points and temperature ranges; selection of cooling tower fan controls; performance based specifications for chillers and cooling towers; and optimization of chilled water plant controls.

Complying with Requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007

ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, contained many changes from its previous versions. The newest version of the standard was published in June 2007. This course provides an overview of the requirements of the new standard with emphasis on changes from the previous version. Practice in use of an available spreadsheet will be included as a closing exercise. Attendees receive a discount toward the purchase of ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007.

Complying with Requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004

Complying with ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007, HVAC/Mechanical

This course presents the mechanical requirements from Standard 90.1-2007. Design professionals, code officials and building owners will benefit from this course, which presents the HVAC requirements and methods of compliance. Attendees will receive a discount toward the purchase of Standard 90.1 and the 90.1 User’s Manual.

Complying with ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2001 and 2004

Complying with ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2001 and 2004 are also available.

Complying with ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007, Envelope/Lighting/HVAC

This course provides an overview of the entire Standard and emphasizes the envelope, lighting, and HVAC topics. To learn the latest developments in Standard 90.1, be sure to attend this seminar, which is presented by subject matter experts who are involved in the 2007 revision of Standard 90.1. Course topics include: envelope compliance; HVAC/SWH compliance; lighting compliance; power and other equipment compliance; and ECB compliance.

Design of Commercial Ground-Source Heat Pumps

This course will provide a detailed overview of the design issues relevant to commercial and institutional ground-source heat pump systems, including ground-coupled systems and ground water source systems. Students will learn about the different types of systems and their advantages and disadvantages, as well as building loads, zoning and equipment selection. Attendees will also learn about site characterization, heat exchangers, piping, pumping, water-related issues, ventilation air requirements, cost containment and hybrid ground-coupled heat pumps.

Designing Residential Ventilation Systems to Meet ASHRAE Standard 62.2

This course provides an overview of fundamental ventilation and IAQ principles as applicable to low-rise residential buildings, including such topics as infiltration, natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation, and source control. It also includes a detailed description of the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007 and adopted addenda. Additionally, several whole building ventilation examples are presented in depth, with different system types in different U.S. climates. Local exhaust design examples include intermittent and continuous situations for kitchens and bathrooms. Attendees receive a discount on the purchase of ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings.

Emerging Dehumidification Enhancements for DX Cooling Systems

This course provides an introduction to the emerging best practices for enhancing dehumidification performance while maximizing energy efficiency of small tonnage, packaged air-conditioning systems. Equipment descriptions are provided and performance comparisons made of the latest single-path, mixed-air, all-electric cooling system offerings available in the marketplace. The systems discussed encompass conventional direct expansion (DX) systems, without and with condenser reheat, along with three enhanced dehumidification DX system packages, all of them based on augmenting the DX cooling coil with one of the following enhanced dehumidification components: 1) wraparound heat pipe heat exchanger; 2) "wraparound" rotary desiccant dehumidifier; and 3) rotary desiccant dehumidifier downstream of the cooling coil (with separate desiccant dehumidifier regeneration air stream using desuperheater/condenser waste heat).

Energy Management in Existing Buildings

This course reviews the energy management principles prescribed by ASHRAE Standard 100. Working through that standard, the instructor makes a point-by-point review of the organizational hurdles that building operators are likely to face. The discussion suggests strategies for making sure that energy management efforts don’t fall short of their potential. Attendees can think of the workshop contents as “tools” needed to get the front office support they need to make their facilities sustainable through energy management.

Engine-Driven Chillers: Installation, Maintenance, Service, and Operating Costs

Engine-driven chillers, fueled by natural gas, are an alternative to standard electric equipment for buildings in areas with high electric rates. This equipment can be utilized in both stand-alone central cooling plants and in hybrid configurations as a base load machine or peak shaver to reduce electric demand charges. In this course, you will learn the basics of engine-driven chillers including standard product design, features and benefits, equipment performance, installation and maintenance requirements, operating economics and application issues.

Evaluating and Designing Exhaust Systems to Avoid Fume Re-entry

This course provides general information regarding the need for good exhaust system design and discusses issues that should be considered when designing exhaust stacks and intakes such as applicable standards, analytical methods, plume rise, architectural screens, hidden/visible intakes, and entrained air exhaust stacks. The course will provide a general understanding of air flow around buildings; qualitative information to judge whether stack designs are acceptable; information to help develop health and odor concentration design criteria; and knowledge about how concentration levels due to building exhausts are estimated at air intakes and other sensitive locations. This course will also provide the attendee information so they can spot potential air quality problems at a facility and know what methods are available to assess and solve noted problems. Attendees will also develop basic skills in performing simple calculations of the air quality impact at air intakes.

Exceeding the Requirements of Standard 90.1-2007

This course is targeted at design professionals and building owners. Appendix G, a new informative appendix in 90.1 since 2004, provides specific guidance on the rules and procedures to use to simulation building energy use when the objective is to substantially exceed the requirements of 90.1. Appendix G is especially useful for energy simulations connected with LEED credits and with energy tax credits. This course presents an overview of Appendix G and explains its use through a number of examples using eQUEST. In addition to the course manual, attendees receive a discount toward the purchase of Standard 90.1-2007 and the Standard 90.1-2007 User's Manual.

Fundamentals of Panel Heating & Cooling

This course covers fundamentals of panel heating and cooling. Performance, design, applications, limitations, and installation for systems will be presented. The architectural/mechanical/human interface will also be discussed within the principals behind ASHRAE Comfort Standard 55 and Indoor Air Quality Standard 62. Attendees of this course will receive a discount toward the purchase of Standard 55 and Standard 62.

Healthcare Facilities: Best Practice HVAC Design Considerations & Criteria

Based on ASHRAE’s HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics, this course introduces many unique and up-to-date design considerations. The course covers chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 11 and 13 of the design manual. Common medical terminology is introduced, and it will be explained how some terms have very different meanings between the medical and engineering communities. Infection particles and their transport mechanisms are covered followed by infection control methods. A major emphasis is on the necessary considerations for various diagnostic and treatment and support areas. Lastly, how to deal with existing facilities, smoke and life-safety design issues complete the course. Attend the ASHRAE Short Course, "Healthcare Facilities - Best Practice Applications of HVAC Systems" for additional information that is also covered in this best-selling ASHRAE publication. Attendees receive a discount on the purchase of HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics.

Healthcare Facilities: Best Practice Applications of HVAC Systems

Based on ASHRAE’s publication HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics, this course introduces best practice HVAC designs in healthcare applications. The course covers topics found in Chapters 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, and 16. Air distribution designs for surgical and patient rooms are a major focus. Various control and energy efficiency techniques for cooling and heating plants are presented along O&M and other commissioning topics. Smoke control and life safety best practices and application issues finish the course. Attend the Short Course, Healthcare Facilities - Best Practice HVAC Design Considerations and Criteria, for additional information that is also covered in this ASHRAE publication. Attendees receive a discount on the purchase of the HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics.

HVAC System Selection

To ensure successful HVAC system operation, designers must first define what the system is to accomplish, evaluate alternative ways to meet that goal, and then select the appropriate system. They should then document the basis of design and the reasons behind the system selections. These steps form the core of this course, which describes the factors to be considered in the HVAC system selection process. Specifically, students will learn system selection criteria; selection goals; constraints on system options; and various systems including all-air systems, air-and-water systems and unitary systems. Students will also learn what information to include in system selection reports.

Introduction to BACnet ^®

This course helps students understand some of the elements required to successfully plan for BACnet ^® and some of the complex issues that must be addressed to achieve interoperability. Students learn that interoperability covers a wide range of possible options, and how to simplify interoperability by defining specific areas where interoperability is required. Also discussed is the basic components of any multi-vendor or multi-discipline BACnet ^® control system, how different systems can be merged together using BACnet ^®, and how BACnet ^® facilitates the integration of older systems with BACnet ^®-based systems. The course does not discuss specific manufacturers, or alternatives to BACnet® or BACnet ^® specification writing. Attendees receive a discount toward the purchase of Standard 135-2001 - BACnet ^® and the BACnet ^® CD-ROM.

Introduction to Commercial Desiccant Dehumidification Systems

Desiccant systems for dehumidification in commercial buildings have been upgraded to increase reliability and reduce costs. These new systems are described in this course, which also reviews the fundamentals of desiccant technology. In addition, students will learn about equipment performance from computer modeling and practical, field-based perspectives; how to calculate moisture loads; how to select the proper instrumentation and controls; and how to commission and maintain equipment.

Introduction to Green Buildings & Sustainable Design and Construction

This course presents the basic principles related to sustainable construction and green buildings. Included is a review of the integrated approach to buildings and systems necessary to achieve green/sustainable buildings, developments and projects. Key elements for success in achieving green projects are covered, including the requirements of LEED. The course details what is green and what motivates green projects in today's market, and includes a review of case studies from a wide array of green building projects. These include a residential development, dormitory, supermarket, warehouse and office buildings. Attendees receive a discount toward the purchase of the ASHRAE GreenGuide, 2nd Edition.

Introduction to Thermal Energy Storage Systems for Air Conditioning

This course will demonstrate how thermal energy storage can cost-effectively address the issues of the phase-out of chlorofluorocarbon-based (CFC) refrigerants, and continued utility deregulations coupled with growing uncertainty in energy pricing. Attendees will learn why systems incorporating chilled water storage or ice storage (sometimes combined with cold air distribution) are being installed today with lower first costs, lower operating costs, improved indoor air quality, enhanced occupant comfort and lowest environment impact when compared with non-storage systems. Attendees are encouraged to bring hand-held calculators and/or laptop computers for use during this course. Attendees will receive a discount toward the purchase of Design Guide for Cool Thermal Storage, Cold Air Distribution System Design Guide, and Successful Cool Storage Projects: From Planning to Operation.

Leadership Skills for Engineering Leaders: People Skills

This course will help the engineering leader unleash the power of effective leadership, communication, cooperation and teamwork within the organization. It will help you understand your own personality type as well as recognize the personality types of others, including your project team members, your peers and your customers. A confidential personality instrument, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator ^® (MBTI ^®), will be provided to each participant to help determine and understand his or her own personality type. The course will be highly experiential in nature - participants will learn how to use knowledge of type in typical leadership and communication situations. Taught by an MBTI-certified engineer who has managed more than 100 engineering projects, the course is designed to help you be successful with people in an engineering environment. At the completion of this course, participants not only will know what they need to do back on the job to be more effective, they will also know how to do it.

Leadership Skills for Engineering Leaders: Situational Leadership

This course provides the engineering leader with proven leadership skills and competencies that will help him or her be more effective back on the job. Taught by an engineer who has led and managed more than 100 engineering projects, the course is based on proven, practical leadership skills that lead to success in an engineering environment. A confidential leadership style assessment will be provided to each participant to help him or her apply the most effective leadership style in typical work situations.

Life Cycle Costing (LCC) Analysis

This course provides building professionals with the tools needed to compare and choose the best economic alternative when evaluating project alternatives with different first-costs and long-term operating costs. This course will describe life-cycle cost analysis methods, review discounting of cash flows, and discuss the effects of inflation and the use of supplemental economic indicators. The new Windows-based Building Life-Cycle Cost (BLCC-5) analysis software developed by the NIST will be demonstrated. Other analysis tools will also be discussed.

MasterFormat ™ 2004 for HVAC Specifications

This course is produced by the Construction Specifications Institute and is the master list of numbers and titles classified by work results or construction practices that the construction industry relies on to organize project manuals, to organize detailed cost information, and to relate drawing notations to specification. This course explores the structure and numbering changes in MasterFormat™ from the 1995 to the 2004 version, shows where HVAC-related specification content should be located, explores how customization can be applied, and discusses provisions for future standard updates and maintenance.

Mechanical Insulation Training

This course addresses the critical role an insulation system plays in equipment and system performance, as well as its role in energy conservation, fuel cost savings and environmental emission reductions. Attendees learn system design conditions, gain a better understanding of the different types of insulation materials, their temperature ranges and their properties, and are able to select appropriate insulation materials (including attachment materials, insulation materials, jackets and coverings, systems, finishing materials and accessories.) Attendees gain a better understanding of the criteria needed for selecting the "right insulation system for the job," increase his or her skill in communicating the requirements in a specification, and gain experience at determining the right insulation thickness for long-term performance.

Natural Ventilation

This course explains the various methods by which natural ventilation can be achieved, including successful examples. The course describes the calculation techniques with worked examples, ranging from simple manual calculations, spreadsheets, through to more sophisticated techniques, such as computational fluid dynamics, salt bath modeling and physical (scale) model testing. Options for hybrid solutions are described, including recent innovative schemes which have used the natural ventilation strategy throughout the year with added cooling in summer. The course follows the CIBSE Applications Manual AM10, Natural Ventilation in Non-Domestic Buildings. Attendees receive a discount on the purchase of this publication.

Successful Solar Applications

This course is designed to introduce the HVAC community (including engineers, architects, building owners and managers) to sustainable design principles and provide the knowledge necessary to evaluate and implement cost-effective solar applications for commercial and industrial (C&I) facilities. The purpose is to provide attendees with the knowledge and skills required for the development, evaluation, procurement and installation of commercial and industrial solar projects. The technical focus is on cost-effective solar water heating and photovoltaic applications for C&I facilities. However, a wide variety of solar applications, including site-built process water and air heating, is discussed. The objective is to enable the participants to economically evaluate, procure and monitor the design and installation of a wide variety of cost-effective solar applications.

Understanding & Designing Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS)

This course will define DOAS and current mutations, discuss the parallel terminal systems available, identify the inherent problems with VAV systems, present DOAS equipment choices with psychrometrics, illustrate the design steps via an example, address DOAS automatic control design and operational issues in a campus building, review the energy savings potential of the top HVAC technologies, review the engineering design score sheet for a DOAS project, address over 30 frequently ask questions, and draw conclusions.