This is a bundle of these 5 courses

Building Performance

Introduction to Smart Building Technologies

The session then discusses how smart buildings work, including smart building elements, various building systems that are commonly a part of smart buildings, sensors and IOT devices, individual and smart building controls, and smart building design.
Slipstream Continuing Education and 1 other
Free
Solar Heat Pumps Building Performance

Smart Building Systems

This course provides the technical foundation needed to implement, manage, and optimize smart building systems that enhance operational efficiency, occupant comfort, and energy performance in today's interconnected building environments.
Slipstream Continuing Education and 4 others
Free
Building Performance

Sensors and IoT Devices for Smart Buildings

Gain practical insights into selecting, implementing, and optimizing various sensor types and IoT devices specifically for HVAC control systems and other building automation applications.
Slipstream Continuing Education and 1 other
Free
Building Performance

Smart Building Controls

This course covers advanced monitoring systems, smart building architecture, cybersecurity protocols, and occupancy-centric controls—providing you with practical knowledge to implement intelligent solutions in your facilities.
Slipstream Continuing Education and 3 others
Free
Building Performance

Smart Building Applications

See real-world smart building applications and explore smart building technologies and their practical applications in today's building management landscape.
Slipstream Continuing Education and 2 others
Free

About this course

Smart building technologies are a new suite of resources that improve building energy efficiency and resilience, reduce carbon emissions, and provide load flexibility to the grid.

However, in both college curricula and building professionals' continuing education, there is a lack of systematic instruction on smart building technologies–topics that include smart building concepts, key components, smart building controls, "Internet of Things" (IoT) devices, and how to integrate multiple energy systems including distributed energy resources (DER). This major gap in smart building education prevents stakeholders from understanding and adopting smart building technologies in building design and operations.

Slipstream led a project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and in partnership with Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, Society of Building Science Educators, and National Institute of Building Sciences, to develop a semester-long smart building curriculum for college students and adapted the content into 16 training videos for building professionals and the general public.

This free training includes 16 in-depth sessions targeting building professionals (videos range in timing from around 35 minutes to a little over an hour). The education and training cover the drivers and benefits of smart building technologies, key building energy systems, the latest sensor technologies and IoT devices, and focus on topics related to smart building controls (i.e., energy management information systems, smart building control platforms, cybersecurity, grid-interactive-efficient buildings (GEBs), smart building control methods, and occupant-centric control.

Who should view this series?
  • Building professionals
  • Smart building software developers
  • General public
This work is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy under Award # DE-EE0009703. Funding came from the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.

Subjects covered

Solar Heat Pumps Building Performance HVAC Design Smart Buildings

Bundle outline

5 courses
16 hours to complete
Course 1 • 1 modules
Introduction to Smart Building Technologies
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Introduction to Smart Building Technologies

  • Introduction to Smart Building Technologies (49:51 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
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)
Course 2 • 5 modules
Smart Building Systems
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Basic HVAC Systems

This session introduces basic HVAC systems and controls to serve as a foundation for learning about smart buildings. Simple HVAC systems introduced include unit heaters, split systems, packaged rooftop units (RTUs), and simple boiler systems. The session also discusses basic control logic and control loops, which are the building blocks for advanced controls and eventually smart controls. The session then covers the controls for simple HVAC systems and ends with an explanation of a more complicated economizer control sequence to show how these control devices work together.

  • Building HVAC - Basic Systems (37:21 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 2 • 2 assignments
Building HVAC - complex systems, Building Automation System

This session continues introducing building HVAC systems and moves into more complex systems, with emphasis on Variable Air Volume (VAV) air systems. The session also introduces decentralized air HVAC systems and the components of larger hydronic systems. The session then reviews more complicated BAS control loops focused around VAV system controls, and introduces demand-controlled ventilation controls. Next, the Building Automation System (BAS) and its components are discussed. The session concludes by introducing upcoming trends for smart building systems that will be covered in the next sessions.

  • Building HVAC - Complex Systems, Building Automation System (48:44 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 3 • 2 assignments
Networked lighting controls and HVAC integration

This session covers networked lighting controls and HVAC integration. More specifically, the session begins with interior lighting types and controls, then segues into networked lighting controls, their capabilities, architecture and a version known as luminaire level lighting controls. The session concludes with a discussion of the integration of networked lighting controls with HVAC controls, the benefits, basics, control sequences, and lessons learned from several demonstrations.

  • Networked lighting controls and HVAC integration (57:44 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 4 • 2 assignments
Solar PV, BESS, and EV charging

Distributed Energy Resources (DER) are essential systems with a Grid-interactive Efficient Building (GEB). This session introduces DERs, their interconnection, common codes and standards, and typical communication. The following DERs are covered in more detail: Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems, and Managed EV charging. Finally, GEBs are introduced and discussed for deeper exploration in future sessions.

  • Solar PV, BESS, and EV charging (44:02 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 5 • 2 assignments
Smart window, automated shades, thermal energy storage, phase change material, and plug loads

This session will cover smart technology related to other building systems outside of HVAC and lighting. In particular, new technologies related to the envelope and plug loads are discussed. The session then covers emerging smart window technologies with the ability to automatically tint the window, allowing for privacy, reduced glare, or prevention of solar radiation into the building. Automated window shades are discussed, followed by thermal energy storage (TES) and phase change material (PCM) that can shift thermal energy in the building. Finally, the session covers smart plug technologies that can automatically limit or turn off receptacle equipment in a building.

  • Smart window, automated shades, thermal energy storage, phase change material, and plug loads (46:04 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
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)
Course 3 • 2 modules
Sensors and IoT Devices for Smart Buildings
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Sensors

This session gives an overview of common sensor types used in smart building applications, especially for building HVAC control applications. Purposes of these sensors and theories of sensing principles or operations are discussed. Sensor types covered include temperature and humidity sensors, air velocity sensors, water flow meters, light level sensors, indoor air quality sensors (CO2, VOC, PM), and occupancy sensors. Toward the end of the session, the IoT sensor concept will be introduced, and several IoT sensor examples will be given to illustrate their capabilities and advantage over traditional sensors.

  • Sensors (44:47 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 2 • 2 assignments
IoT Devices

In this session, IoT devices for building applications are first defined and compared to IoT sensors. After briefly introducing the key features of smart thermostats, the discussion focuses on two examples of how IoT devices for commercial building application work: smart motors and smart valves. Smart motors are a motor system that consists of a high rotor switched reluctance motor (HR-SRM), motor controller, and remote monitoring kit. Smart motors save energy through more energy-efficient motors and the capability to convert constant-speed RTU to variable-speed RTU through intelligent motor speed control. Smart valves are pressure independent control valves (PICV) with on-board electronics that can accurately and stably control air handling unit (AHU) supply air temperature (SAT) via superior variable flow control. Field studies are included in both examples. At the end of the session, two other IoT devices are briefly discussed: smart pumps and smart vents.

  • IoT Devices for Smart Buildings (40:52 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Course 4 • 5 modules
Smart Building Controls
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Advanced building monitoring and controls

This session introduces using Energy Management and Information System (EMIS) software for advanced building monitoring and controls. The benefits of EMIS and differences between EMIS and traditional Building Automation System (BAS) will be presented. Among the four key EMIS capabilities - data analytics, Energy Information System (EIS), Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD), and Automated System Optimization (ASO) - FDD and ASO will be discussed in depth, including different methods used and some examples. Towards the end, the Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx) process, which often uses EMIS software to assist facility and O&M staff in efficient building operations and maintenance, will be presented.

  • Advanced building monitoring and controls (47:35 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 2 • 2 assignments
Smart building control platform

This session introduces the general smart building control platform architecture and three layers: system (or device) layer, integration layer, and application layer. In the system layer section, building controls, networked lighting controls, and battery and EV charging controls are explained at a high level. In the integration layer section, “independent data layer” and data modeling concepts are introduced, and the use of Haystack, Brick Schema, and ASHRAE 223 P to help make smart building application development and implementation more scalable is explained. A few smart building application examples are illustrated in the application layer section. Finally, the pros and cons of Open Source vs. Proprietary Platforms are discussed.

  • Smart building control platform (48:42 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 3 • 2 assignments
Smart building control platform cybersecurity

This session provides an overview of cybersecurity as it relates to building automation control systems. The module covers market trends, identifying physical and logical risks, and methods to assess building owner requirements. Various cybersecurity approaches are discussed with reference work done by ASHRAE, NIST, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the Instrumentation Society of America. The module also provides a foundational background of control network architectures and technologies and methods for providing a comprehensive “fit-for-purpose" cybersecurity plan.

  • Smart building control platform cybersecurity (01:07:48 hours)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 4 • 2 assignments
Smart building control methods

  • Smart building control methods (01:06:57 hours)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 5 • 2 assignments
Occupant-centric control

With the rapid development of sensing technology, occupancy-centric control (OCC) has demonstrated great energy-saving potential while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. By leveraging advanced sensing technologies, OCC can adjust temperature and ventilation settings based on real-time occupancy information, thereby addressing the energy wastage issue caused by discrepancies between actual occupancy and pre-defined schedules. This seminar introduces the background and concept of OCC, presents current state-of-the-art occupant sensing technology, describes occupancy- centric temperature and ventilation control logic, and discusses four OCC case studies.

  • Occupant-centric control (45:01 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
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)
Course 5 • 3 modules
Smart Building Applications
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

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

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

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 Continuing Education

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...

Kevin Frost, PE

Senior Energy Engineer, Slipstream

Kevin Frost brings his experience in designing heating and cooling systems and HVAC controls programming to Slipstream’s Research and Innovation team. He advises Slipstream’s building consulting clients on how to ascertain their energy and sustainability goals and how best to achieve those goals. He recommends energy efficiency measures and builds energy models for the...

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...

Rob Kline, PE, MBA

Senior Energy Engineer, Slipstream

Rob Kline is a Professional Engineer who has led renewable energy product development startups, providing engineering leadership and subject matter expertise, creating and managing technical writing organizations, and leading product and project management end-to-end lifecycles. Rob earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from UW-Madison. He is...

Ron Bernstein

CEO, RBCG Consulting

Ron Bernstein is CEO and Principal Engineer of RBCG Consulting, providing consulting, engineering, research, and educational services to organizations needing help navigating their energy and automation strategy. RBCG works with end users, owners, specifiers, suppliers, and integrators to develop IoT, interoperability, and open systems approaches to building automation,...

Dr. Bing Dong

Associate Professor, Syracuse University

Dr. Bing Dong is an Associate Professor at Syracuse University in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He is also the Associate Director of the Syracuse Center of Excellence in Energy and Environmental Systems, and the lead of BESTlab. He has more than 20 years’ experience and contributions in research and education, including 1) occupant behavior...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
This bundle of courses is delivered entirely online. After you enroll, the courses will be added to your Account. There's a recommended progression to follow, but you have the flexibility to access the materials in whatever order you prefer. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. The courses are 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.

Free

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