Introduction

The Building Operator Certification (BOC) is a nationally recognized credential that provides building operators, facility managers, and maintenance professionals with essential knowledge and skills to improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance building performance. This training covers HVAC systems, electrical efficiency, water conservation, preventive maintenance, and sustainable facility operations, ensuring participants are equipped to optimize facility operations and reduce environmental impact.

As smart buildings, sustainability goals, and energy management become more critical, BOC-certified professionals play a vital role in reducing energy consumption, increasing occupant comfort, and improving operational efficiency.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand building systems, energy efficiency strategies, and facility operations.
• Apply preventive maintenance and equipment troubleshooting techniques.
• Reduce energy and water waste while improving occupant comfort.
• Optimize HVAC, lighting, electrical, and plumbing systems for efficiency.
• Utilize Building Automation Systems (BAS) and smart technology for better control.
• Develop action plans for sustainable building operations.
• Prepare for the BOC certification assessment and earn a recognized credential.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Building engineers, operators, and maintenance personnel.
• Facility managers, energy managers, and sustainability coordinators.
• Property managers and operations professionals responsible for energy performance.
• Electricians, HVAC technicians, and mechanical system operators.
• Environmental health & safety (EHS) officers overseeing building operations.

Day 1: Fundamentals of Building Operations & Energy Efficiency

Introduction to the BOC Certification

• Overview of BOC levels, certification process, and exam structure.
• Benefits of BOC certification for career growth and building performance.

Building Systems & Energy Efficiency Overview

• Understanding HVAC, electrical, and water systems in commercial buildings.
• Identifying energy inefficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.
• Introduction to energy management best practices.

Energy Auditing & Benchmarking

• Conducting an energy audit to assess facility performance.
• Using benchmarking tools like ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
• Identifying high-energy consumption areas and improvement strategies.

Day 2: HVAC Optimization & Smart Building Technologies

HVAC System Operations & Maintenance

• Fundamentals of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
• Preventive maintenance strategies to improve efficiency and lifespan.
• Troubleshooting common HVAC issues and performance problems.

Smart Building Technologies & Automation Systems

• Introduction to Building Automation Systems (BAS) and IoT in FM.
• Leveraging smart sensors, AI-driven analytics, and real-time monitoring.
• Case studies of successful smart building energy management.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) & Occupant Comfort

• Maintaining healthy indoor air quality standards.
• Air filtration, humidity control, and ventilation best practices.
• Balancing energy efficiency with occupant comfort.

Day 3: Electrical Systems, Lighting, and Water Conservation

Optimizing Electrical & Lighting Systems

• Understanding electrical distribution, power loads, and circuit management.
• LED lighting upgrades, daylight harvesting, and motion sensors for efficiency.
• Reducing phantom loads and implementing energy-efficient controls.

Water Conservation & Sustainable Plumbing

• Strategies for reducing water waste in commercial facilities.
• Leak detection, greywater reuse, and low-flow fixtures.
• Water quality management and compliance with sustainability standards.

Emergency Power & Backup Systems

• Understanding generator and UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems.
• Preparing for power outages and emergency energy management.
• Battery storage and integration with renewable energy sources.

Day 4: Preventive Maintenance, Safety & Sustainability in FM

Preventive & Predictive Maintenance Strategies

• Developing a maintenance plan for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Condition-based monitoring vs. traditional preventive maintenance.
• Leveraging predictive analytics and IoT sensors for proactive maintenance.

Safety & Risk Management in Building Operations

• OSHA & NFPA safety regulations for building operators.
• Best practices in fire prevention, electrical safety, and hazardous material handling.
• Workplace ergonomics and safety protocols.

Sustainability & Green Building Practices

• LEED, WELL, and BREEAM certification criteria for facility managers.
• Reducing carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions in operations.
• Implementing sustainable procurement and waste reduction strategies.

Day 5: Review, BOC Exam Preparation & Case Studies

Comprehensive Review of Key BOC Topics

• Recap of HVAC, electrical, lighting, and water efficiency strategies.
• Troubleshooting common operational inefficiencies.
• Addressing participant questions and knowledge gaps.

Practice Exam & BOC Certification Readiness

• Sample BOC-style test questions and practice scenarios.
• Time management strategies for exam success.
• Understanding the BOC exam scoring system and retake policies.

Real-World Case Studies & Best Practices

• Case studies on high-efficiency building operations.
• Group discussions on real-world maintenance and energy challenges.
• Developing personalized energy efficiency and maintenance action plans.

Course Methodology

• Instructor-Led Training: Delivered by experienced building operations professionals.
• Hands-On Exercises: Real-world facility scenarios and troubleshooting activities.
• Practice Exams & Simulations: Mock tests to prepare for BOC certification.
• Interactive Learning Tools: Online resources, energy calculators, and maintenance checklists.