Spring Webinars are HERE!
Webinars are free for members. Non-members can purchase webinars for the low price of $150.
March 17, 2025, 10:00 AM PT
Clearing the Confusion & Smoke with Smoke Controls Systems Commissioning
David LeBlanc, P.E., FSFPE
JENSEN HUGHES
Smoke Control Systems under the International Building Code (IBC) require a smoke control special inspection (smoke control commissioning provider) per code. This inspection requires more than the traditional HVAC commissioning. The IBC also requires NFPA 4 integrated testing of fire protection and life safety systems for all high-rise buildings and all smoke control systems. The 2021 Edition of NFPA4, Standard for Integrated Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, provides the process, methods, and documents for integrated testing of fire protection and life safety systems. The speaker focuses on adopting NFPA 4 in building and fire codes when NFPA 4 is required and the IBC requirements for commissioning and integrated testing of smoke control systems. Learn about the fire safety roles of the Integrated Testing Agent (ITA), who is responsible for reviewing, documenting, and testing the needed integration/ interfacing between fire protection and life safety systems across various systems. What are their qualifications and responsibilities? The speaker provides an overview of smoke control systems and discusses often missed technical code requirements with smoke control systems, common problem areas to avoid, including common code deficiencies, and UL listing problem areas with using BAS/BMS systems as the controls for the smoke control systems.
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April 21, 2025, 10:00 AM PT
Benchmarking, Calculating Energy Usage & Potential Savings
Kevin Thurston, P. Eng., CEM, CMVP, CCP
Thurston Engineering
Existing building commissioning projects, energy audits and other energy investigations of existing facilities require detailed estimates of baseline conditions and estimated energy savings from potential Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), especially when energy rebate programs are involved. In this presentation, we will address how to baseline a facility using utility bills and methods to estimate the consumption of various systems (boilers, chillers, lights, fans, pumps, and other HVAC components). Next the presenter will provide examples from actual audits highlighting no-cost, low-cost, and high-cost ECMs. These will include VFDs, boiler replacement, chiller replacement, % outdoor air adjustments, filter replacement, heating/cooling coil cleaning, heat recovery systems, and more. This presentation intends to provide an overview of how you would approach these calculations, the applicable formulas to use, and how various climate zones affect what ECMs should be targeted.
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May 19, 2025, 10:00 AM PT
Electrical Cx for Mission Critical Projects
Russel Feery
Clayco
Commissioning mission-critical electrical systems can be challenging, especially given the limited formal training. To ensure the safe startup and thorough testing of electrical equipment, this webinar aims to introduce participants to the fundamentals of mission-critical electrical commissioning. This session will compare the Level 0-6 testing process and the BCxA Best Practices. Attendees will gain insights into various topics, including:
- Medium and low voltage designs
- Redundancy
- Short Circuit Coordination Studies
- ARC Flash labeling
- Foreign Object and Debris (FOD) management
- Best practices for tamper sealing and energization processes.
We will detail the necessary procedures, including:
- Method of Procedures (MOPs)
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) processes
- Required safety gear
- ARC Flash boundaries and limited approach
- Proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Paperwork and pre-testing requirements.
Additionally, the webinar will cover how to partially energize the controls section of electrical equipment to begin the verification process and interface with Energy and Power Management Systems (EPMS). Key topics include NETA testing, Megger, continuity documentation, and ensuring equipment cleanliness before energizing. Furthermore, we will discuss the coordination required for owner-furnished/contractor-installed equipment (OFCI) to effectively manage the scheduling and duration of tasks within the project timeline. Finally, we will explore what occurs once Level 3 (L3) is completed and ready for Level 4 (L4) Functional Testing (component testing) and Level 5 (L5) Integrated Testing (system-level testing). This includes reviewing load bank plans, arrangements, and support necessary for verifying design loads for both mechanical and electrical systems.
June 16, 2025, 10:00 AM PT
Data Center Commissioning
Harry Koons III, LEED AP, CxA
Precis Commissioning
Recently Recorded Webinars
To see all the recordings of past webinars, follow this link.
2024 Webinars
Hope is not a plan.
Rethinking Pre-Commissioning from the Contractor Perspective
Finish with Confidence - How to leverage automated testing and remote monitoring technologies to close out projects.
Exploring the Benefits of Monitoring-Based Commissioning
Commissioning Humidifiers
Building Codes and Commissioning
ASHRAE Guideline 36: Best in Class HVAC Control Sequences
Commissioning Built-Up Air Handlers
2023 Webinars
Electrical System Commissioning
Decarbonization in the Built Environment
Commissioning Net Zero Energy Schools
The Art and Science of Building Enclosure Design Reviews
Air Aware: Commissioning for Optimal Indoor Air Quality
Working with your local AHJ
Working with the Owner to develop the OPR and use it throughout the life of the Building
How to work with the Stakeholders in the Cx process
2022 Fall Webinar Series
Post COVID Recovery
Collaborating with Building Enclosure Commissioning
Leveraging the Cx Process to Improve the O&M Turnover Process
Building Performance Audits and EBCx
2022 Spring Webinar Series
Ongoing Commissioning: Contracting for Implementation
Ongoing Commissioning: Getting the most from your building data through analytics
Level of Confidence and Risk Mitigation: Level of Confidence Concept and Risk Mitigation, Related Contractual Language – Part 1
Level of Confidence and Risk Mitigation: Insurance Coverage, Defining Level of Confidence in the Cx Scope – Part 2
Recorded Webinars
Sometimes, it’s just not convenient to attend a live webinar. If you cannot participate at the scheduled time, as a member, you can view it at a convenient time. Non-members can purchase recorded webinars at any time. Newly recorded webinars are added 72 after each scheduled session. Your purchased webinar will be available for three years after the live event. Continuing education credits are available after completing a 10-question quiz before signing off. To purchase a webinar, you’ll need to register with a new profile just once time, and after that, you’ll always get login instructions and expedited purchase information, and your continuing education credits certificates will be saved for download at your convenience.
Review recorded webinars available for purchase.
Questions?
Contact BCxA at 1.877.666.2292 or sadams@bcxa.org