BOC Grads Make a Difference - Winter/Spring 2020
Anna Siebenborn
Steve Faldet, Maintenance Supervisor.
What is your name and title and can you tell us when you attended BOC and a little about your work?
I took the BOC classes in 2008. I currently work for Clearwater County, Minnesota and have previously worked at a garbage incinerator where we supplied steam to three dehydrating plants.
Where do you work currently and what is your favorite thing about your job?
I started working for Clearwater County September 10, 2007 as Maintenance Supervisor. We take care of the Courthouse, Jail, Nursing Service, and Human Service. At the time, I had experience operating boilers but not much with HVAC systems so I went searching for classes to help me. I came across BOC training and decided it would benefit me and complete my skill set.
What energy saving project have you completed since you completed the BOC training?
I worked on an HVAC project at our Courthouse and Jail which consist of one building made up of 40,0000 square feet. The company that installed our HVAC system recommended we run our boilers year-round, which didn’t make sense to me, so when spring time came around, we shut them down. They are located in the basement and the heat that was let off from them would rise throughout our 3-story building. Our air conditioning would have to come on at 35% to keep the building comfortable. After shutting down the boiler, the chiller didn’t have to kick in until it reached 55 degrees.
We also installed CO2 sensors in our air handlers. We were able to cut down the amount of outside air by a huge amount.
How did the BOC training influence the decision to do an energy efficient project?
BOC training has opened my eyes regarding how one saves money on heating and cooling within a building and makes the building more comfortable. It would be a good idea to have mandatory BOC sessions for buildings equal to or greater than 20,0000 square feet. The cost of the training pays for itself and then some.
Mike Durham, Maintenance Mechanic
I attended BOC 1 in 2018. I was owner and mechanic of a car repair shop for 30 years giving me a good background in general mechanics and machines. After closing my business I wanted to find another career in a new field and found my opportunity at Edmonds Community College.
Where do you work currently and what is your favorite thing about your job?
Currently, I work for Edmonds Community College in Edmonds, WA in the Maintenance Department. I enjoying working with my team, and facing a wide variety of challenges throughout nearly 700,000 sq ft and numerous buildings old and new.
What energy saving project have you completed since you completed the BOC training?
I'm overseeing HVAC upgrades including VAV boxes and controls in an older building (1972) with ACM abatement involved. These upgrades with new equipment will make the system more energy-efficient and improve comfort levels in rooms. I look forward to seeing improved quality and consistency of heating and cooling in this building for the comfort of students and staff who use this space.
Why have you chosen this project?
I chose this project to be able to work with multiple contractors, meetings, walk- throughs, and time lines as this project needs to be finished over winter break. I'm interested in HVAC work and wanted the experience of seeing a project from planning to completion.
When was your project started and completed?
My involvement in the project started in October and is expected to be complete in December, 2019.
Did your employer encourage BOC training?
My supervisor Rich Hust encourages continued education and training for all of his staff. BOC is highly encouraged as a way to gain further knowledge and understanding of building operations. Edmonds Community College in the past and now is very proactive in energy efficiency.
How did the BOC training influence the decision to do an energy efficient project?
In class I saw examples of energy efficient systems and wanted to apply what I learned at work. Also caring about managing resources in a responsible manner, I wanted to help ensure this project considered efficiency as part of the plan.