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Pathway: Energy Efficiency , Building Operations

Building Energy Basics

In this educational training course, participants will begin to explore the three main ways buildings use the energy that contributes to their energy bills. Participants will learn about these load types and get an introduction to the systems and machines that make a modern building function. This course also introduces basic thermodynamic concepts and discusses several real-world situations where energy conservation goals and building function collided. Participants will explore common building energy usages and will hear about various measurement practices and best practices for evaluating loads to enhance energy efficiency.

Basic/Intermediate No prior experience needed

Mon, Sep 21st, 2026

1:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Virtual

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the main ways in which a building uses energy, how various systems operate, and low-cost ways to optimize them. 
  • Explain the basic systems that make a site function. 
  • Discuss at a high-level what energy users need when it comes to energy management at the facility / operational / maintenance level. 

Course Details

  1. Energy Used in Buildings 
  2. Lighting Loads: What, Why, How, Maximize Efficiency, Improve Maintenance 
  3. Lighting Output versus Illuminating 
  4. Color Rating Index (CRI) 
  5. Measuring Lighting Loads to save energy 
  6. Building Lighting Control Systems 
  7. HVAC Basics 
  8. Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning 
  9. Cooling Basics 
  10. Building Balance & Law of Thermodynamics 
  11. Air Handler Basics (AHU) 
  12. Measuring HVAC Energy Use & Why We should Care 
  13. Buildings HVAC Utilize 30-40% Energy Use 
  14. Sustainability Factors 
  15. Process Loads Defined
Provider:

PBJ Media Holdings, LLC

Instructor:

Andrew Vaillencourt

Course Type:

Virtual, Live Instruction

Course Dates:

September 21, 2026 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm 

Registration Deadline:

September 21, 2026 at 12:50pm (15-person capacity) 

Time Commitment:

4 hours

Course Materials:

Handouts will be given out ahead of course

CEU:

4 PDH | .4 CEU

Record of Completion:

Certificate of Completion

All training and certification courses are offered at no cost to participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the time commitment, registrants may not sign up for conflicting courses unless the conflicting course is self-paced. This course is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional, financial, tax, or legal advice. Participation in this course does not establish a professional relationship with the instructor or the DCSEU. Course content is subject to change, and we do not guarantee that it will perfectly match descriptions on our website or social media. We are not responsible for students' access to course materials, required products, or their ability to complete the course due to skill level, commitment, or other factors. No guarantees are made regarding earnings, success, or specific outcomes. Course participants are solely responsible for complying with all applicable laws, and the DCSEU and presenters disclaims any liability for penalties or damages incurred due to non-compliance.

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