Raffy Espiritu, FMP

Join me for a deep dive into energy management with Lee Raspberry, CTSBO, BEAP, AEM, the Director of Construction and Planning for Bastrop Independent School District. In this episode, Lee shares his insights on integrating AI and machine learning into building automation systems. We discuss how it's advancing energy efficiency and creating optimal learning environments for students in the K-12 space. Some key takeaways from our discussion: -Strategic conservation and sustainability initiatives create substantial cost savings for districts. -Artificial intelligence and machine learning will significantly enhance HVAC controls, energy efficiency, and overall building operations, paving the way for smarter, more adaptive facilities management. -Certifications and professional development programs are critical for those in the FM sector to implement successful initiatives in their districts. Check out the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/g_CnHe9h #k12facilitiesmanagement, #k12, #cmms

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ICYMI: Have you read the cover story of the June 2024 ASHRAE Journal, 'Is Your Building Operating at Net Zero Energy or Zero Carbon?' co-authored by New Buildings Institute's Jim Edelson? The article explores how the new ASHRAE Standard 228 sets a methodology for evaluating Net Zero buildings,  leverages carbon emissions data for building policy, and interacts with other carbon-related ASHRAE standards. Check out Jim's article in the ASHRAE Journal: https://hubs.li/Q02J4-1P0

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#K12 #facilitiesmanagers are emphasizing #efficiency and cost #savings as they stare down the twin challenges of #aginginfrastructure and #budget constraints, according to a new survey by Incident IQ, a workflow #management solution provider. https://lnkd.in/ea-UBgw7

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Great article by Dave Marshall-George in a recent issue of Energy in Buildings & Industry (EiBI), on how to reduce a building's cooling energy use by combining evaporative humidifiers and energy recovery systems. This proven technique can offer up to 10°C of very low energy cooling but is much underused in the UK. Have you employed this strategy? Learn more on this link - https://lnkd.in/erCdU--j

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🚨 ASHRAE's Bold Step for a Sustainable Future! 🌍🏠 ASHRAE has just released the latest edition of ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.2, setting new benchmarks for Residential Energy Performance. This update is a game-changer, focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and improving Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) to ensure healthier, more sustainable living spaces. 🟢 What's New? 📏 Expanded Scope – Now applies to multifamily residential buildings of any height. 🔧 Retrofit Enhancements – New standards to improve energy efficiency in renovations. 💡 Tailored Requirements – Customized guidelines for different spaces, including lighting controls and thermal envelopes. 🌿 Stricter Energy Efficiency Limits – Introducing lower Energy Rating Index (ERI) thresholds and a new CO2e Rating Index (CRI). 🏠 Improved Air Leakage Standards – Strengthened measures for better building efficiency. According to ASHRAE President M. Dennis Knight: “This edition is a critical shift towards prioritizing energy performance and occupant health. It's not just about reducing emissions, it's about creating a healthier environment for everyone." Let’s lead the way in sustainable residential building practices! 🌱🏗 👉 Ready to dive in? Learn more and purchase the standard here: ashrae.org/bookstore #MyASHRAE #Sustainability #EnergyEfficiency #GreenBuilding #ASHRAENordic #GHGReduction #IEQ #NetZero #ClimateAction ASHRAE

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❗ Are You Using Your ESSER Funds?❗ Do you know how ESSER funds can benefit your school? The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for better indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools. While many districts upgraded their HVAC systems using ESSER funds, continuous IAQ monitoring remains crucial. Poor air quality can severely impact students' focus, learning abilities, and overall health. With ESSER funds still available until the end of September, now is the perfect time to invest in IAQ monitors. These devices monitor pollutants like pollen, mold, VOCs, and particulate matter, providing real-time data to administrators, teachers, and even students! 🛠️ Why Invest in IAQ Monitoring? ▪️ Reduces health risks associated with poor air quality. ▪️ Supports better focus, communication, and learning for students. ▪️ Promotes sustainability and lowers utility costs. Attune offers customizable, enterprise-grade IAQ monitors, delivering precise, real-time data on your school's air quality. 🌱 Special Offer: Schedule a demo with us this week, and we’ll plant a tree in your name! 📥 Download our infographic to learn more about the impact of IAQ on student health and how you can make the most of your remaining ESSER funds! 🔗 https://bit.ly/3VzXxzc 🔄 Share this post or infographic with other educators who need extra funds for their schools!

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In a recent podcast episode, our guest Dean Fung-A-Wing delved into some crucial insights for ensuring success in the multifamily industry. Here are some key takeaways: ✅ HVAC System Management: It's essential to monitor and maintain HVAC systems to prevent issues like water overflow and organic growth. Regular cleaning of condensate pans and lines is crucial. ✅ Immediate Notification: Implement sensors that notify you immediately when there's water in the condensate pan, preventing problems before they arise. ✅ Resident Education: Educate residents on the importance of keeping the air conditioning on to maintain filtering and moisture removal. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and mildew. ✅ Proper System Sizing: Ensure HVAC systems are correctly sized for the property to optimize runtime, remove moisture, and achieve the desired temperature without creating humidity issues. ✅ Humidity Control: Monitor and control humidity levels to prevent organic growth. Humidity over 65% for more than 48 hours can lead to significant problems. By focusing on these elements, multifamily operators can prevent issues, ensure healthier living environments, and avoid costly repairs. https://lnkd.in/ez5TzCzs For links to the full episode, check out the comments below.

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Ever Wondered What a HERS Rater Does? 🌱🏠 A HERS Rater (Home Energy Rating System) is a certified expert responsible for assessing and verifying a home's energy efficiency in compliance with California’s Title 24 Energy Code. Why consider becoming a HERS Rater? 🔧 High-demand skills: With many HVAC system replacements and residential new construction projects requiring independent inspections, the demand for certified HERS Raters is growing. 📈 Career growth: Becoming a HERS Rater opens doors to further certifications, such as ENERGY STAR® or WaterSense, enhancing your expertise and positioning yourself for advanced roles in the building industry. Want to learn more? Enroll in our Introduction to the HERS Rater Industry course to explore the field, and dive into our HERS Rater Certification 101: Navigating the Certification Process course to understand the steps to certification. Start learning now: https://lnkd.in/gTZTiEUj #Sustainability #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingScience #HERS #CareerGrowth #GreenBuilding

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Boost your #HVAC efficiency and enjoy year-round comfort while saving on energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint! 🌍💡 Check out these 5 actionable strategies for the Bay Area: https://bit.ly/45xCrnh

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Smart buildings aren't coming—they're already here. And they're expected to grow exponentially over the next few years. See how designers implement digitalization in new smart buildings to become more sustainable, efficient, and resilient. #smartbuildings #digitalization #sustainablebuildings https://lnkd.in/ghs8SF2f

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Exciting Industry News! 💡🎉 Earlier this year, ASHRAE took a significant step forward in promoting commercial building energy efficiency by updating their energy auditing best practices to include existing buildings. These updates are crucial for enhancing sustainability efforts nationwide. 🌍 At EPCO, we proudly follow ASHRAE's "gold standard" protocols for building energy audits. This latest edition emphasizes the untapped potential of older buildings to accelerate decarbonization efforts. As ASHRAE President Ginger Scoggins highlighted, the demand for reduced energy use and carbon emissions in existing buildings is driving interest in these updated standards. For more details on the updated protocols, visit ASHRAE Standard 100-2024:  https://lnkd.in/ebiggFDt #EPCO #IndustryNews #EnergyEfficiency #ASHRAE #BuildingSustainability #EnergyAudits #Decarbonization #SustainableFuture #CustomEnergySolutions #BrightIdeas #EnergySavings #EnergyPlanning #ohio #ASHRAE #costsavings #LowerEnergyBills #OhioSchools #EcoFriendlyUpgrade #SavingMoney

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Hey Everyone! In the latest episode of Beyond Buildings, I sat down with Jeff Lettau, Director of Facilities Operations at Richland School District. With over 40 years of experience, Jeff shares his insights on training, mentoring, and effective leadership in the maintenance industry. Some key takeaways: Mentoring and training replacements have long-term value and can create success for leaders even when they're not present It's critical to guide and motivate your team without employing scare tactics As a leader, it's empowering and effective for your team to say, "I don't know" Hiring the right people is essential and should be the result of a comprehensive interview process where managers learn more about their personalities Real intelligence is important when trying to solve maintenance challenges Tune in to hear more about the importance of patience and thoroughness in building a successful team! #k12facilities #leadership #maintenancemangement https://lnkd.in/gyZt2smB

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*ASHRAE call for nominations! * 📢 *Memphis, lets represent! * Nominate yourself and others to serve ASHRAE in the 2025-2026 Society Year!   ASHRAE President-Elect, Bill McQuade, and Nominating Committee Chair, Farooq Mehboob, request assistance from ASHRAE members in identifying qualified members to serve ASHRAE.   Nominations are requested for Officers and Directors on the ASHRAE Board, appointed committee members, and members of councils and Board-elected standing committees for the 2025–2026 Society year. The deadlines for each group are noted below.   Please follow the links below for more information and to make a nomination.   If you are interested in volunteering to serve on a standing committee - or if you know of someone else who may be interested – your nominations are welcome!   Submit Nominations for 2025-2026 Board-Elected Positions https://lnkd.in/eckb4fY6 Note: The deadline for nominations using this form is September 20, 2024   Submit Nominations for 2025-2026 Board Officers and Directors https://lnkd.in/eDZeqU-P Note: The deadline for nominations using this form is September 20, 2024   Submit Nominations for 2025-2026 Board-Appointed Positions https://lnkd.in/eCi4fBZ8 Note: The deadline for nominations using this form is February 14, 2025   Thank you for nominating yourself and/or others to help shape tomorrow’s-built environment today!   Questions regarding nominations may be directed to [email protected]. #myashrae #ASHRAE

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Did you know that recent legislation directs the EPA to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs to just 15% of their baseline levels by 2036? This is a big deal because, though it aims to reduce emissions, it puts consumers of those refrigerants, like HVAC companies like DMC, in a bind: "It's been harder to find refrigerants that people can use going forward based on the rules. The AIM Act is phasing out the production and consumption of those refrigerants (HFCs). You won't be able to get them as much." Plus, as supply drops, costs will skyrocket, and currently operable equipment will be impacted as well. As stated in this piece, "I'm just not sure whether this rule is going to come in too fast for technology to catch up with it." While sustainability efforts may benefit us in the long term, how can we avoid hurting consumers and businesses in the short term? #Sustainability #HFCs #SmallBusinesses #HVAC #Refrigerants

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Dive into the latest insights on the Building Safety Act and its game-changing implications for contractors and MEP providers! This comprehensive article from Quora Group breaks down what you need to know about the regulations, compliance requirements, and how to stay ahead in the industry.

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