Value & Benefits of BOC
Running a building isn’t the job it used to be. The complexities and interdependencies of a facility’s systems – HVAC, electric, lighting, etc. – require an understanding of the big picture so that they work together optimally to promote energy efficiency.
The Building Operator Certification program trains facilities personnel to understand how these systems work together, and how to bring them to their most efficient level of operation. Level I training provides an overview of critical building systems. Level II emphasizes preventative maintenance and more targeted training.
Consistently, BOC Program graduates and their employers recognize the positive results of BOC training and the value those results bring. Graduates come away with improved job skills and a career-enhancing certification. Employers appreciate the bottom line cost savings that result from increased energy efficiency. Additionally, building occupants benefit from a more comfortable environment due to improvements made to air and ventilation systems.
How do companies benefit from BOC?
Investing in education of facility staff reduces energy costs while increasing occupant comfort. A variety of building management technologies are covered, but the emphasis in BOC training is to recognize practical, no-cost/low-cost solutions, working with existing building systems, to improve energy performance. Also explained are the how-to’s of developing a preventive maintenance program that improves the building environment and prolongs equipment life.
BOC certification is also a way for employers to identify and recruit qualified building personnel. Their training and subsequent certification signifies that they offer knowledge and experience in energy-efficient building practices. Graduates utilize their new skills to implement cost-effective strategies to produce practical payback numbers. The BOC Bulletin has a number of stories detailing the savings achieved by students after their training.
"BOC is the type of program that produces real benefits for our communities. City staff who go through this training and certification are well-prepared to improve operational efficiencies in municipal facilities"
— Jane Cummins, Senior Staff Associate, League of Oregon Cities
How does BOC benefit a facility department?
BOC Graduates receive cross training in building systems, allowing for increased responsiveness to tenant issues. BOC Training encourages communication with building occupants to improve comfort while maximizing the efficiency of the facility. This increased interaction raises the profile of the maintenance department within an organization.
"These classes have provided me with the information and means to gather data so that I can present the information to my management in a professional and concise manner. Utilizing the material presented during the lighting systems class, I was able to present a case for occupancy controls. I have identified four types of areas at our plant where I feel occupancy controls can be utilized with minimal implementation expense."
— Lang Smith, Plant & Programs Manager,
Crane Aerospace/Electronics (ELDEC), Lynnwood, WA
What are the benefits to BOC students?
BOC certification provides operators with a means of distinguishing themselves to employers through improved job skills. Certification not only establishes a professional credential for the operators, but also illustrates their commitment to the profession and promotes opportunity for advancement in the workplace. Over 50% of BOC graduates report increases both in job responsibilities and compensation after receiving the certification.
Upon successful completion of BOC training, operators receive a BOC certificate and identification card, a letter of achievement sent to their employer, a national registration of their certification, and a newsletter offering technical articles and continuing education opportunities.
"After I took the training several years ago, I interviewed for a position with three other qualified candidates. The only difference between us was my BOC certification. I'm not saying the BOC was solely responsible for me getting the job but it was a very significant factor in me being chosen over the other two candidates. At my current position with Granby Public Schools, I had my lead mechanic take the course."
— Santi Camarotti, Director of Facilities, Granby Public Schools, Granby, Connecticut
Does BOC save energy and money?
Independent evaluation research consistently shows that BOC certified operators are saving money and energy in their facilities. BOC operators apply concepts learned in training and undertake measures such as large energy conservation projects and IAQ improvements. Average annual per participant energy savings are estimated by this research to be 172,000 kWh per year, equivalent to $12,000 annually at national electricity rates. Numerous examples of savings are noted in case studies from BOC grads of the past decade.
"We believe commissioning validates a building was properly designed and constructed for efficiency. Appropriately-trained and skilled operators of these complex and critical systems ensures continued efficiency throughout the life of the building."
—Daniel Lea, Washington Association of Maintenance and Operations Administrators
Updated 8-24-2010