Estimating in building automation is not just about pricing. It's about influencing how a project performs, how it's delivered, and whether it turns a profit. If you're involved in estimating, bidding, or scoping BAS work, this episode is built for you.

Michael Roper expands on the fundamentals from a previous episode and takes a deeper look at how to approach estimating with accuracy and control. The focus is on precision, awareness, and building estimates that hold up in the field.

In this episode, you'll explore:

• How strategic thinking affects estimating outcomes
• Where complexity hides in pricing and scope
• Why certain risks get missed during takeoff
• What separates accurate estimates from guesswork
• Which tools and internal knowledge help improve margin control

If you’ve ever dealt with missed labor, vague specs, or post-award surprises, this episode helps you tighten up the process and build confidence in your numbers

Facility owners are not waiting anymore. Across healthcare, higher education, government, and critical infrastructure, a growing number are building internal teams to self-perform automation work. This shift is not driven by cost, but by frustration, urgency, and the need for consistent, reliable service.

In this episode, you'll hear exactly why this trend is accelerating and what it means for your business. Owners are not trying to compete with contractors, but they no longer trust the current model to support their operations. If you're in the contracting or OEM space, this episode is a must-listen.

Topics covered include:

·       The sharp rise in owner-led training and self-performance initiatives

·       How inconsistent technician assignments are damaging service relationships

·       Why vague service agreements are no longer acceptable to facility managers

·       The operational risks driving owners to bypass traditional contractors

·       A practical framework to rebuild trust and maintain long-term service relationships

If you're ready to understand what owners really need and how to stay ahead of this shift, this episode will point you in the right direction.

This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast examines the transformation of a side project into one of the most recognized training providers in the building automation industry. It focuses on the strategic shifts, leadership lessons, and systemized processes that shaped Smart Buildings Academy from its inception to its current impact.

The story shared in this episode mirrors challenges many building automation professionals face when growing their careers or businesses. It presents a clear view into what it takes to scale, adapt, and lead with purpose.

Key topics covered include:

• Transitioning from individual training sales to enterprise solutions
• Building internal teams, systems, and culture without external investors
•  Creating scalable assessment tools that pinpoint skill gaps
• Adapting to market shifts and identifying long-term growth paths
• Exploring the next evolution in smart building workforce education

Discover what it takes to lead, adapt, and build lasting impact in the smart buildings industry.

If you're leading teams, overseeing projects, or managing budgets in building automation, this episode is for you. Training isn't just a line item. It affects how fast your jobs get done, how often your clients call back, and how long your employees stick around. This conversation challenges how you think about the cost of training by showing what happens when you measure its value the right way.

Instead of guessing, you'll learn how to track real numbers, get better results, and build a stronger team. You’ll hear case studies, practical metrics, and a clear process for capturing what training actually delivers.

Key topics include:

·       The full cost of training, including what most companies miss

·       How to measure performance gains before and after training

·       Real-world examples showing the business impact of trained teams

·       Metrics that reveal where your time and money go

·       A step-by-step guide to creating your own training ROI tracker

Start making your training dollars work harder. Listen in now.

In the latest episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you will uncover what lies beneath temporary fixes that may seem harmless but carry significant hidden costs. If you've ever overridden an alarm to stop complaints or zip-tied a damper and walked away, this episode is for you.

This conversation examines the operational, financial, and safety impacts of short-term solutions. It also prompts a critical look at what these practices are truly costing your facility.

In this episode, you will explore:

• What qualifies as a "band-aid fix" and why they are widespread
• The escalating risks created by temporary repairs
• The financial impact of recurring quick fixes
• Cultural patterns that support reactive maintenance
• Practical steps to improve building reliability and performance

Listen to rethink what “just keeping it running” means and discover how to shift toward stable and efficient operations.

Explore the full BAS project lifecycle in this episode, from sales and design to installation and service.

This episode is for building automation professionals who want a sharper understanding of how BAS projects develop from concept to ongoing service. Whether you focus on sales, design, installation, or support, this discussion outlines what makes a project succeed at every stage.

You will walk through each phase of a BAS project and learn where common pitfalls emerge. The episode offers insight into aligning teams, improving documentation, and supporting system performance after handoff.

Key topics include:

·       Finding risks during scope and specification reviews

·       Creating clear and accurate design documentation

·       Managing installation and subcontractor coordination

·       Improving programming and graphics for user clarity

·       Building long-term service and lifecycle maintenance plans

Listen to examine your current project practices and identify where improvements can be made.

Is your HVAC knowledge aligned with today’s smart building demands?

This episode explores variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems and their growing role in building automation. As building complexity increases and energy efficiency becomes a priority, VRF systems offer a different approach that requires new skills and understanding from BAS professionals.

If you work in building automation, this conversation will help you see where the industry is heading and what it means for your work.

Topics covered:

• Why VRF systems are gaining widespread adoption

• How VRF components interact to enable precise zone control

• Challenges with integration and proprietary communication protocols

• When VRF is the right choice, and when it’s not

• How AI and remote monitoring are shaping the future of HVAC

Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your edge in a changing BAS landscape.

Many building automation systems are operating far below their potential. If you're only using basic features or managing your system with limited insight, you are likely missing out on performance, energy savings, and operational efficiency.

This episode focuses on you - the facility manager, the BAS technician, the energy consultant - and how to unlock the full capabilities of your system. You will hear real-world examples that highlight common issues and overlooked opportunities. More importantly, you will gain a new perspective on how to reclaim control and value from your existing system.

In this episode, you will explore:

• What underutilized means in building automation
• Root causes that limit system performance
• Overlooked features that can improve efficiency
• Practical barriers and how to start addressing them
• Immediate actions to increase system value

This episode encourages you to rethink your BAS strategy and start taking steps toward better performance and smarter building management.

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.

This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast focuses on critical discussions that directly impact building automation professionals. Instructors Matt Scott, Ethan Morris, and Michael Roper explore the evolving relationship between BAS professionals and IT departments, common pitfalls in BAS specifications, and the practical value of trend logging. The conversation is centered on real-world challenges and strategies for success in modern building projects.

The team shares insights based on field experiences, addressing issues that affect system performance, project timelines, and professional collaboration. This episode highlights actionable points for building automation professionals committed to delivering better outcomes.

Key Topics Covered:

• The current state of collaboration between BAS teams and IT departments
• Why BAS devices are increasingly treated as IT assets
• Risks of not coordinating with IT during BAS deployments and how to avoid project delays
• Specification mistakes seen in BAS projects and professional ways to offer feedback
• The role of trend logs in troubleshooting, compliance, and performance improvement

This episode will help you strengthen your BAS practices and stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment.