Building Performance
Smart Buildings
Smart Building Applications
3 hours
to complete
Last updated 05/2025
About this course
This training explores cutting-edge smart building technologies and their practical applications in today's rapidly evolving building management landscape. You'll gain in-depth knowledge of Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings (GEBs), whole-building energy modeling fundamentals, and real-world smart building applications through three specialized modules.
The course combines theoretical foundations with practical implementation strategies, featuring case studies of leading platforms like Nantum AI, InSite, and Coppertree Analytics' Kaizen to demonstrate advanced capabilities in model predictive control, fault detection, and building operation optimization. Industry professionals will develop essential skills to navigate implementation challenges, understand stakeholder roles in smart building projects, and stay ahead of emerging trends that are reshaping how we design, operate, and maintain high-performance buildings. You will be equipped with the knowledge to leverage smart building technologies for enhanced energy efficiency, reduced operational costs, and improved occupant comfort in commercial and institutional buildings.
The course combines theoretical foundations with practical implementation strategies, featuring case studies of leading platforms like Nantum AI, InSite, and Coppertree Analytics' Kaizen to demonstrate advanced capabilities in model predictive control, fault detection, and building operation optimization. Industry professionals will develop essential skills to navigate implementation challenges, understand stakeholder roles in smart building projects, and stay ahead of emerging trends that are reshaping how we design, operate, and maintain high-performance buildings. You will be equipped with the knowledge to leverage smart building technologies for enhanced energy efficiency, reduced operational costs, and improved occupant comfort in commercial and institutional buildings.
This course is included in this bundle
Course outline
4 modules
3 hours to complete
2:28 hours
of video lectures
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Grid-interactive efficient buildings and connected communities
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Grid-interactive efficient buildings and connected communities
This session introduces the concept of Grid-interactive Efficient Building (GEB), and GEB characteristics and its control platform architecture. Next, a GEB pilot test case utilizing an open-source VOLTTRON platform is presented to illustrate its key features and capabilities. Later in the session, several DOE-connected communities program projects are highlighted, and a detailed example of the connected communities project led by Slipstream is given to illustrate the GEB implementation process and challenges encountered.
- Grid-interactive efficient buildings and connected communities (53:21 minutes)
- Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 2 • 2 assignments
Review of whole-building simulation programs
Module 2 • 2 assignments
Review of whole-building simulation programs
This session covers whole-building energy modeling. More specifically, it begins by covering the fundamentals of building energy modeling. The module then goes into detail about how building energy modeling informs building design, codes, and smart building operations. The module concludes by discussing some common BEM software tools and future trends.
- Review of whole-building simulation programs (37:20 minutes)
- Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 3 • 2 assignments
Smart building application examples
Module 3 • 2 assignments
Smart building application examples
This session begins with an overview of smart building technology fundamentals discussed in the previous videos, then discusses how to find smart building technology provider information. For the majority of this session, three smart building application examples are presented: Nantum from Nantum AI, InSite from InSite, and Kaizen from Coppertree Analytics. Nantum uses machine learning and hierarchical model optimization to create and select the best model and model predictive control (MPC) for ASO, peak load management, ADM, ADR, and DER management. InSite uses a rules engine for AFDD and optimizing building operations. The Kaizen platform unified Energy Management and Information System (EMIS) functions FDD, EIS, ASO, and ACx under a single platform. Towards the end of session, smart building project process, stakeholder roles, and implementation challenges and future trends are discussed.
- Smart building application examples (58:10 minutes)
- Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Conclusion • 2 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 2 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate (members only)
Authors
Slipstream creates, tests, delivers, and scales the next generation of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that move us farther, faster toward a clean energy economy. Slipstream partners with utilities, local and state governments, regulatory agencies and other organizations to inspire new solutions to big energy challenges. With decades of experience...
Joe Zhou, PhD, PE, CEM
Director of Research and Innovation, Slipstream
Xiaohui “Joe” Zhou is a Director of Research and Innovation at Slipstream, headquartered in Madison, WI. Joe has 30+ years of experience in commercial building controls and his current areas of research focus on emerging technology field testing and verification. Before joining Slipstream, he worked for several organizations, including Iowa Energy Center and Johnson...
Scott Schuetter, PE
Principal Engineerg, Slipstream
Scott Schuetter is a Principal Engineer at Slipstream with 13 years' experience leading research projects that focus on emerging technology performance in the built environment. His commercial building experience encompasses field measurement and modeling of emerging technology performance for energy efficiency, electrification, load shift, load shed and continuous...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll.
How long do I have access to the materials?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Certificates of completion are only provided to HeatSpring Membership subscribers. This course has not been approved by any credentialing organizations (NABCEP, AIA, USGBC etc) for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). This course is for self education purposes only and completion does not indicate a level of professional expertise or credential.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your team.
