Episode Description:
This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast focuses on a key factor affecting building performance and operational cost: the building operator.
If energy costs remain high despite efficient equipment, or tenant complaints persist after BAS upgrades, the problem may lie in overlooked operational practices. This episode examines how operator actions directly influence energy use, system performance, and downtime.
Designed for professionals managing facility systems and operations, the episode highlights what separates underperforming buildings from optimized ones.
Topics include:
- The impact of trained operators on building efficiency and cost savings
- Core skills operators need beyond system knowledge
- The role of alarms, overrides, and scheduling in energy waste
- Common gaps in trend analysis and setpoint management
- Approaches to developing operator skills and accountability
If your building still is not performing the way it should, this episode will help you start asking the right questions.
Click here to download or listen to this episode now.Podcast Video
Why Trained Building Operators Are Essential for Energy Efficiency and System Uptime
Smart Buildings Academy Podcast #494 delivers a detailed look into a frequently underestimated factor in building performance: the building operator. While building automation systems (BAS) and mechanical equipment are often the focus of energy-saving discussions, this episode highlights the human element that keeps those systems functioning as intended.
The Hidden Cost of Untrained Operation
Even the most advanced BAS cannot perform optimally without a knowledgeable operator. Poorly trained staff can override system capabilities, waste energy, and contribute to increased tenant complaints. Operators are the human layer in any building automation strategy. They must not only understand the technology but must also manage and sustain system performance.
The Role of the Operator in Efficiency and Reliability
Operators influence system performance through their ability to:
- Interpret sequences of operation across HVAC, lighting, security, and fire systems
- Manage key performance indicators such as energy consumption, temperature ranges, and equipment run hours
- Analyze alarms instead of dismissing them, helping to uncover deeper issues
- Adjust control strategies to align with seasonal or occupancy-based changes
- Maintain schedules that reflect real-time tenant usage
An experienced operator can recognize misapplied overrides, outdated schedules, and system imbalances that increase utility bills and reduce comfort. They also understand how to use tools like trend logs and energy dashboards to uncover inefficiencies before they become expensive problems.
The Impact on Downtime
Downtime affects more than comfort. It can compromise health, damage sensitive materials, and increase operational risk. Trained operators reduce downtime by recognizing early warning signs, performing routine preventative maintenance, and handling system alarms with intention. Their understanding of both upstream and downstream impacts helps them isolate issues quickly and take corrective action before they escalate.
Developing Skilled Operators
Training is not optional. It must be continuous and tailored to the systems in use. Operators should have access to practical environments where they can test strategies without risk. Shadowing experienced technicians, participating in recommissioning efforts, and gaining familiarity with new technologies such as AI-enabled diagnostics are all part of modern operator development.
Empowering operators also involves giving them access to system tools and encouraging analytical thinking. Asking "why" rather than "what" promotes a deeper understanding and long-term improvement in operations.
Conclusion
A trained operator is not a luxury. They are a foundational element of an efficient, reliable, and safe building. As the complexity of building systems increases, the need for skilled operators becomes more urgent. Investing in their development pays off in reduced energy costs, increased occupant satisfaction, and minimized downtime.
For building owners, facility managers, and automation professionals, the message is clear: your building is only as effective as the person managing it.
For a deeper discussion and insights from the field, listen to this episode on the Smart Buildings Academy podcast
