The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology

The industry is shifting and BACnet Secure Connect (BACnet SC) is becoming the new standard for protecting BAS networks from cyber threats. This episode walks you through what it is, why it matters, and how to prepare for the transition while keeping operations running smoothly.

We’ll explore:
• How BACnet SC strengthens cybersecurity for BAS networks

If you're responsible for training your building automation team and not seeing the results you need, this episode will challenge how you're approaching it. Most internal training programs fail because they miss the mark on what actually drives job performance. This episode will help you refocus on what matters.

We unpack what makes a training program succeed, where most fail, and how to build one...

What makes a facility truly "smart"? This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy podcast challenges a common misconception: that automation alone guarantees intelligent facility management. If you've ever invested in advanced building automation systems (BAS) only to find them underutilized or misconfigured, this conversation will hit home.

We walk through the often-overlooked human and organizati...

This episode is for building automation professionals ready to improve performance without waiting for a capital project. It focuses on direct, practical actions you can take to increase efficiency, reduce energy waste, and streamline operations using your current BAS tools.

You'll walk away with a checklist of tasks that can be implemented immediately, helping you reduce noise in your system, sha...

Facility managers are expected to do more than ever. Your role now includes managing complex systems, reducing risk, and making decisions that impact the entire organization. This episode outlines what you need to understand to stay effective and relevant.

Building automation systems are evolving. They are no longer just tools for comfort control. They are critical assets for energy management, co...

If you're tired of constant alarms, short-term fixes, and feeling like you're always behind, this episode is for you.

This conversation focuses on helping building automation professionals step out of reactive mode and into a forward-thinking strategy that positions your facilities team as a critical part of business success. You’ll hear how teams can stop being viewed as a cost burden and start b...

Estimating in building automation is not just about pricing. It's about influencing how a project performs, how it's delivered, and whether it turns a profit. If you're involved in estimating, bidding, or scoping BAS work, this episode is built for you.

Michael Roper expands on the fundamentals from a previous episode and takes a deeper look at how to approach estimating with accuracy and control....

Facility owners are not waiting anymore. Across healthcare, higher education, government, and critical infrastructure, a growing number are building internal teams to self-perform automation work. This shift is not driven by cost, but by frustration, urgency, and the need for consistent, reliable service.

In this episode, you'll hear exactly why this trend is accelerating and what it means for you...

This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast examines the transformation of a side project into one of the most recognized training providers in the building automation industry. It focuses on the strategic shifts, leadership lessons, and systemized processes that shaped Smart Buildings Academy from its inception to its current impact.

The story shared in this episode mirrors challenges man...

If you're leading teams, overseeing projects, or managing budgets in building automation, this episode is for you. Training isn't just a line item. It affects how fast your jobs get done, how often your clients call back, and how long your employees stick around. This conversation challenges how you think about the cost of training by showing what happens when you measure its value the right way.

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In the latest episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you will uncover what lies beneath temporary fixes that may seem harmless but carry significant hidden costs. If you've ever overridden an alarm to stop complaints or zip-tied a damper and walked away, this episode is for you.

This conversation examines the operational, financial, and safety impacts of short-term solutions. It also prom...

Explore the full BAS project lifecycle in this episode, from sales and design to installation and service.

This episode is for building automation professionals who want a sharper understanding of how BAS projects develop from concept to ongoing service. Whether you focus on sales, design, installation, or support, this discussion outlines what makes a project succeed at every stage.

You will walk...

Is your HVAC knowledge aligned with today’s smart building demands?

This episode explores variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems and their growing role in building automation. As building complexity increases and energy efficiency becomes a priority, VRF systems offer a different approach that requires new skills and understanding from BAS prof...

Many building automation systems are operating far below their potential. If you're only using basic features or managing your system with limited insight, you are likely missing out on ...

This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast focuses on a key factor affecting building performance and operational cost: the building operator.

This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast focuses on critical discussions that directly impact building automation professionals. Instructors Matt Scott, Ethan Morris, and Mich...

Good air is about performance, health, and operational excellence. This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast explores the critical role that ASHRAE 62.1 plays in creating envir...

If you've worked on new construction, retrofits, or green building certifications, ASHRAE 90.1 is already familiar. However, using it effectively is another matter.

This episode focuses on how ASHRAE 90.1 influences your designs, ene...

Estimates shape the success of every building automation project. Knowing how to assess labor, materials, and subcontractor needs can determine your profitability and project outcomes.

This episode gives you a practical look at the estimating process, revealing what matters most when preparing accurate and competitive BAS proposals. You’ll gain a sharper sense of what to look for, where the risk l...