From energy audits to humidity control and data center efficiency, ASHRAE’s new Learning Institute fall online class series has something for everyone. With some coursework under your belt, you’re on the fast track to becoming an energy champion at your site.
Given the tremendous growth in energy efficiency at existing buildings, private markets are looking for cost-effective implementation, and classes on best practices are an ideal route to take.
“As we work to identify investment opportunities in commercial buildings, we want to ensure that any recommendations are cost effective, technically feasible, and result in significant energy savings,” says Jim Kelsey, course instructor. “Providing the best audits that we can will help move the industry forward to net-zero buildings, so one course focuses on how to conduct good audits.”
The two-part course on commercial building audits includes a summary of materials essential for ASHRAE Level 1, 2, and 3 audits; time-saving tips for auditors; how to hire an auditor and what to ask for in a comprehensive report; how to build a successful retrofit team; tools to make analysis of billing data and savings faster and more accurate; and tools to perform diagnostics using measured data.
“Engineers don’t usually make the best salesmen,” Kelsey says. “Yet promoting energy efficiency projects in buildings require energy auditors to promote projects and sell their ideas with means that are more effective than simple cost-effectiveness.”
The 13 available courses begin in late September. Participants earn continuing education credits and qualify for professional development hours. Some of the other course topics include Standard 90.1-2010 compliance, energy management best practices, IAQ, and data centers.
More details can be found at www.ashrae.org/onlinecourses.
