You can learn about lowering facility energy costs and improving building comfort from a nationally recognized training program offered at a discounted cost from your local electric cooperative.

Registration is open for the Building Operator Certification (BOC) program, a nationally recognized training and certification program that focuses on energy efficient building operations and preventative maintenance procedures to save energy, lower energy bills, and improve facility comfort. BOC courses are designed for business facility operators with at least two years of experience in building operation and maintenance who want to broaden their knowledge of total building systems. These classes will be offered virtually this year and feature:

• Live, instructor-led presentations using Zoom to deliver the training materials

• A moderator is also in each session to help with logistics, technical issues, student questions, and to assist the instructor

• Breakout rooms for students to interact in small groups and complete in-class activities, simulating the in-class experience

• Shorter sessions – each BOC class is now broken into two 3-hour sessions either in the morning or afternoon

• Frequently asked questions (FAQ) guides for students and instructors to help with technical issues

• Physical copies of the training handbooks and project workbooks will be mailed to each student before the first class and digital copies will also be accessible throughout the entire cohort

• Recordings of classes to make up any missed sessions, also the option to join another live session

The class will feature an online learning management system (LMS) to house digital copies of all training handbooks, project workbooks, and class tests. Enrolled students will automatically get login credentials to the LMS where they will complete homework assignments and tests on their own time. Tests will be automatically graded for immediate feedback, and students can get multiple attempts if needed to take the tests.

Those qualifying participants in the online classes will be fully reimbursed from Power Moves upon successful completion of the program. To be eligible for the rebate, the participant’s employer must be served by a WVPA member electric cooperative and receive prior written approval confirming rebate eligibility by emailing info@powermoves.com before the program starts. The program offers 7.4 continuing education credits (CEUs) in building systems operation and maintenance.

“The BOC program is popular because it has been so successful in providing businesses with significant long-term returns on their investment,” said Laura Matney, Energy Efficiency Programs Manager for Wabash Valley Power. “Every commercial and industrial facility has unique needs and challenges. Program graduates have consistently been able to help their businesses save money and improve their buildings’ comfort, which helps with overall employee morale and productivity.”

Each class will offer sessions on different aspects to building facilities, including heating and cooling (HVAC) systems, efficient lighting fundamentals, indoor environmental quality, and measuring and benchmarking energy performance. The total class is estimated to be 74 hours of training and project work. Program graduates have implemented changes to their business facilities to save an average of 100,500 kilowatt-hours per year, the BOC program reported.

More information and registration can be found at www.boccentral.org/training/indiana.