Building Operator Training

Printable Version of Pamphlet (PDF)

What is Building Operator Training (BOT)?

Building Operator Training introduces custodians, maintenance personnel and building operators to energy conservation principles, new technologies and facility retrofits that will save energy and money. Topics covered include lighting, electrical equipment, heating ventilation and cooling, water and solid waste. The topics reinforce the concept that building operators/facility personnel play an integral role in energy conservation at their facilities.

Who Can Participate?

Open to all custodians, building operators and maintenance personnel in a facility (whether it be health care buildings, offices, schools, etc.)

Note: BOT is designed for those individuals who provide a generalized service to their organizations, such as individuals who operate an entire facility.

What does it involve?

BOT is a series of four half day seminars (or two full days), with on-site presentations comprising of 5 different modules. All participants receive a reference manual of helpful information to refer to at work. The modules can be tailored to the specific needs of the group, adding or recombining topics as needed. The training sessions can also serve as an opportunity for technical staff in a district to solve problems that may be specific to their facilities.

What are the costs?

BOT costs $600 per half day, or $900 per full day, plus any associated travel costs.  In addition, there is a charge of $30.00 per person attending (for manuals).

Bulk rates are available.

More Details on what Building Operator Training Covers

LIGHTING MODULE TOPICS

• Advantages and benefits of energy efficient lighting
• Discussion of proposed retrofit and how it will affect building occupants (where applicable)
• Fluorescent lighting issues - ballasts, reflectors, mixing lamp types
• Other lamp and fixture types - incandescent, quartz halogen, CF, HID, full spectrum
• Lighting devices - LED exit lights, photocells, time clocks, occupancy sensors
• Energy and power
• Common mythology about light switching
• Other energy savings tips
• Maintenance issues - PCB ballasts, hazardous waste, cleaning, safety, replacement

“I know now from this session I have learned a lot about energy savings that will be useful in helping our school save money or to be used in other areas” -attendee, Rosetown

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT MODULE TOPICS

Advantages and benefits of electrical equipment efficiency Energy savings measures for electrical equipment Office equipment - computers, printers, photocopiers Refrigerators and freezer Electric kilns and load scheduling Electrical equipment with digital panels Vending machines - refrigerated and non-refrigerated Car plug controls Electric heaters Drinking water coolers Energuide ratings

HVAC MODULE TOPICS

Advantages and benefits of energy efficient HVAC systems Expectations of comfort Thermostats - use, mythology, portables Ventilation systems - fans, free cooling, night purge, HOA switches System overrides, time clocks Building automation systems Discussion of proposed retrofit and how it will affect building occupants (where applicable) Description of existing HVAC system Indoor air quality - influences, checklist Energy savings tips Maintenance issues - boiler temperature and pressure records, reporting

WASTE MODULE TOPICS

• The 3 R's - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• The Facts About Recycling
• Composting
• Waste Management and Greenhouse Gases
• Waste Stream
• Plastic Labelling - What do the Numbers Mean?
• Recycling Symbols
• Saskatchewan's Product Stewardship Progams
• Hazardous Waste

WATER CONSERVATION MODULE TOPICS

• Advantages and benefits of efficient water use
• Water metering and billing
• Discussion of proposed retrofit and how it will affect building occupants (where applicable)
• Showers, toilets, faucets and other fixtures
• Common mythologies about water conserving fixtures
• Water saving control devices and strategies
• Domestic hot water systems
• Fuel conversion for water heaters
• Water-cooled equipment
• Irrigation and landscaping - sprinklers, maintenance, landscaping alternatives
• Water savings tips

If you are interested in the program, or have any questions, do not hesitate to contact:

Angie Bugg, Energy Conservation Projects Coordinator
Saskatchewan Environmental Society
angieb@environmentalsociety.ca
(306) 665-1915