The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology

SBA 538: BAS Fundamentals for HVAC Mechanics

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you work in HVAC, you already troubleshoot complex mechanical systems every day. But what happens when the problem shows up on a BAS screen instead...

SBA 537: Proper Mentoring for Field Leaders

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you lead field teams in building automation, you already know the challenge. Technical skills alone do not create strong field leaders. Many teams ...

SBA 536: Power Monitoring and Management

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Power monitoring is no longer just an electrical concern. It directly impacts how your HVAC systems perform, how stable your BAS is, and how much your...

SBA 535: VAV Box Control Theory

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you work with commercial HVAC systems, you touch VAV boxes every day. But are they working with your air handler or quietly fighting it? In episode...

SBA 534: IP Networking in BAS

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you are working in building automation and still treating networking like an IT problem, this episode is for you. When devices stop communicating, ...

SBA 533: BACnet-SC Overview

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

BACnet over SC is starting to show up in specs, submittals, and IT conversations more often. If you touch BAS networks, this episode helps you underst...

SBA 532: MSTP Wiring Strategies

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How solid is your MSTP wiring strategy? MSTP communication issues can derail even the most well-planned BAS projects. If you've ever chased phantom co...

SBA 531: IP Addressing Fundamentals

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

IP addressing issues are one of the top causes of system downtime, failed discovery, and data loss in building automation systems. In this episode of ...

SBA 530: Fundamentals of Electricity and How It Applies to Building Automation Systems

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What's really causing your building automation issues? In episode 530, we dig deep into the fundamentals of electricity and how they impact everything...

SBA 529: Proper P2P Checkout Techniques

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A single missed point in a BAS checkout can snowball into expensive callbacks, downtime, and frustrated clients. In this episode, you'll walk away wit...

SBA 528: The Future of BAS - Trends Every Facility and Service Team Should Watch

01 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The role of a BAS tech is changing. Are you ready? The future of building automation is not coming; it's already unfolding. With less manual intervent...

SBA 527: Beyond Alarms - How to Use Your BAS Data to Prevent Failures

25 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You know the alerts. The flashing messages. The alarms that go off after the damage is already done. But what if you could see the failure before it b...

SBA 526: From Lead to Loyalty - The BAS Sales Cycle Explained

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Selling to owners is different and more powerful. In episode 526 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we dive deep into the owner-direct BAS sales ...

SBA 525: Optimizing Operator Workflows - Daily BAS Tasks that Drive Facility Performance

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Daily decisions can make or break facility performance. In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we take a deep dive into the BAS opera...

SBA 524: Commissioning Like a Pro - Field-Tested Strategies for Reliable BAS Startups

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Commissioning can make or break the success of your BAS projects. But it's more than just a checklist. This episode challenges how you approach commis...

SBA 523: Spec Smarts - What Every BAS Salesperson Should Know About Project Specs and Submittals

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Spec Smarts: What Every BAS Salesperson Should Know If you're in BAS sales, your relationship with specifications and submittals can make or break you...

SBA 522: Troubleshooting Common HVAC Control Failures

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When comfort complaints roll in, it's easy to assume mechanical failure. But the real culprit? Controls. In this episode, we walk through how to ident...

SBA 521: Top 5 strategies to improve your facility operations today using building automation systems

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Facility operations teams face growing pressure to improve performance and reduce costs. But too often, the building automation system is underutilize...

SBA 520: How to Line Out Your Electrical Subs

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lining Out Electrical Subcontractors: Why It's Critical for BAS Success Ever had a BAS project go sideways due to wiring issues, unclear expectations,...

SBA 519: How to Correctly Perform Point to Point Checkouts

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Performing a point-to-point checkout may seem routine, but it's the difference between a reliable BAS and one that fails under pressure. In this week'...

SBA 518: How to Create Career Plans to Grow and Retain Your Employees

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Struggling to retain your building automation talent?  In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we dive into how building automatio...

SBA-517 Strategies to Design Submittals That Aren't Rejected

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rejected submittals delay projects, damage credibility, and create extra work for every stakeholder involved. This episode of the Smart Buildings Acad...

SBA 516: Creating a PM Schedule For Your Facility

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

PM programs aren't just about checking boxes—they're the backbone of operational efficiency, cost control, and asset longevity. In this latest episo...

SBA 515: Designing BACnet-IP Networks

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A strong network design isn't just a technical detail—it's the foundation for long-term performance, stability, and scalability in your BAS deployme...

SBA 514: How to Make a Business Case for Training Your People

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you justifying the cost of training or watching it drain from your bottom line? When budgets tighten, training is often the first to go. But for t...

SBA 513: Strategies for Dealing with Undersized Chilled Water Plants

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Undersized chilled water plants aren't just inconvenient—they're a daily operational headache for many facilities teams. If you've ever battled poor...

SBA 512: Understanding Air Handler Sequences for OR's and Clean Rooms

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Air handlers in critical spaces are not your everyday systems. When it comes to operating rooms and clean rooms, standard HVAC playbooks don't cut it....

SBA 511: Creating an Effective Alarm Design & Management Strategy for Large Facilities

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How many alarms in your BAS require action? If your alarm console feels like chaos, you're not alone. This episode explores how a structured alarm str...

SBA 510: How to Measure the ROI of Building Automation Training

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Training is often the first thing cut when budgets tighten. But what if you could show that training delivers measurable ROI? This episode of the Smar...

SBA 509: Vendor Lock-in Vs. Internal Capabilty

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you truly in control of your building systems, or dependent on your vendor? Vendor lock-in increases costs, slows down repairs, and limits flexibi...

SBA 508: The Definitive Guide to BACnet SC

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The industry is shifting and BACnet Secure Connect (BACnet SC) is becoming the new standard for protecting BAS networks from cyber threats. This episo...

SBA 507: Designing an Internal BAS Training Program That Actually Works

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're responsible for training your building automation team and not seeing the results you need, this episode will challenge how you're approachi...

SBA 506: Why Smart Facilities Aren't Always Smart – Bridging the Knowledge Gap

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What makes a facility truly "smart"? This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy podcast challenges a common misconception: that automation alone guar...

SBA 505: 10 Things Building Operators Can Do Right Now To Optimize Their BAS

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is for building automation professionals ready to improve performance without waiting for a capital project. It focuses on direct, practi...

SBA 504: What Every Manager Should Know in 2025

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Facility managers are expected to do more than ever. Your role now includes managing complex systems, reducing risk, and making decisions that impact ...

SBA 503: From Reactive to Strategic Building the Future Ready Facilities Team

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're tired of constant alarms, short-term fixes, and feeling like you're always behind, this episode is for you. This conversation focuses on hel...

SBA 502: The Art & Science of BAS Estimating Part 2

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

SBA 501: How BAS Contractors Can Win Back Owners

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Facility owners are not waiting anymore. Across healthcare, higher education, government, and critical infrastructure, a growing number are building i...

SBA 500: The History of Smart Buildings Academy

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast examines the transformation of a side project into one of the most recognized training providers i...

SBA 499: The ROI of BAS Training

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

SBA 498: The True Cost of Band-Aid Fixes in Building Operations

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you will uncover what lies beneath temporary fixes that may seem harmless but carry sign...

SBA 497: The Life Cycle of a BAS Project

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Explore the full BAS project lifecycle in this episode, from sales and design to installation and service. This episode is for building automation pro...

SBA 496: Revolutionizing HVAC – The Rise of VRF Systems

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is your HVAC knowledge aligned with today's smart building demands? This episode explores variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems and their growing ro...

SBA 495: Why Most Building Automation Systems Are Underutilized

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many building automation systems are operating far below their potential. If you're only using basic features or managing your system with limited i...

SBA 494: How Trained Operators Reduce Energy Costs & Downtime

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast focuses on a key factor affecting building performance and operational cost: the building operat...

SBA 493: Instructor Roundtable

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast focuses on critical discussions that directly impact building automation professionals. Instruct...

SBA 492: Breaking Down ASHRAE 62.1

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Good air is about performance, health, and operational excellence. This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast explores the critical role th...

SBA 491: Breaking Down ASHRAE 90.1

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you've worked on new construction, retrofits, or green building certifications, ASHRAE 90.1 is already familiar. However, using it effectively is a...

SBA 490: The Art & Science of BAS Estimating

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Estimates shape the success of every building automation project. Knowing how to assess labor, materials, and subcontractor needs can determine your p...

SBA 489: April Roundtable – Industry Insights

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 489 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we bring you a roundtable conversation designed specifically for building automation professi...

SBA 488: BAS Channel Enablement 101 with Jonathan Lewis

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if the key to unlocking more profitable and efficient building automation projects was already at your fingertips? In Episode 488, you're inv...

SBA #487: Low Refrigerant Application with Don Gillis

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The refrigerant landscape is changing fast, and if you're in building automation, facility management, or HVAC, you need to stay ahead of these shif...

SBA 486: Empowering Users of BAS Systems

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How well do you or your team really understand your building automation system? More importantly, how much of that knowledge actually sticks? In thi...

SBA 485: BAS News Roundtable

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Roundtable Discussion on the Future of Building Automation In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we're shaking things up. Join...

SBA 484: Breaking Down HVAC Load Calculations

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever walked into a building and felt too hot, too cold, or just plain uncomfortable even though the HVAC system is running? If so, the prob...

SBA 483: From A Recruit To The Battlefield

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You've recruited fresh talent into your building automation business, now what? How do you take green hires and transform them into field-ready tech...

SBA 482: Recruiting Your HVAC Workforce

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to find skilled technicians to keep your HVAC workforce strong? You're not alone. The labor shortage is real, but the good news is ...

SBA 481: Equipment Damage - Part 2: Repair vs Replace

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When critical equipment in your building automation system is damaged, the decision to repair or replace isn't always straightforward. Making the righ...

SBA 480: Equipment Damage 101 – Part 1: Equipment Inspections

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When disaster strikes, how do you assess the damage to your building's critical equipment? Whether you're a building owner, facility manager, or ins...

SBA 479: Role of AI and Machine Learning in HVAC Energy Optimization

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for Episode 479 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, where we dive into a topic that's rapidly transforming the world of building automatio...

SBA 478: Controlling Pumping and Piping Systems

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Building automation professionals, it's time to master the final piece of the HVAC puzzle! In Episode 478 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we c...

SBA 477: HVAC Secrets - Optimizing Water-Cooled Systems for Peak Performance

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Attention building automation professionals! Are you ready to deepen your expertise in hydronic systems? Episode 477 of the Smart Buildings Academy Po...

SBA 476: Mastering Chilled Water Systems Air-Cooled vs. Water-Cooled Insights

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Calling all building automation professionals! Are you ready to unlock deeper insights into chilled water systems and elevate your expertise? In this ...

SBA 475: Demystifying Hot Water Systems for Building Automation

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 475 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we take a comprehensive look at the vital role of hot water systems in building automation. Whe...

SBA 474: Mastering 100% Outdoor Air Units: HVAC Control Secrets Revealed

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 474 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we delve deep into the intricacies of 100% outdoor air units (OAUs). For building automation pr...

SBA 473: HVAC Control Sequences Part 3

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Podcast Summary for SBA 473: HVAC Control Sequences Part 3 Unlock the secrets to mastering HVAC control sequences in this engaging episode of the Smar...

SBA 472: HVAC Control Sequences Part 2

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

SBA 472: HVAC Control Sequences Part 2 Struggling with airside systems? Whether it's fan coil units, rooftop units, or handling building pressurizatio...

SBA 471: HVAC Control Sequences Part 1

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are HVAC control sequences leaving you puzzled? Whether you're a technician, programmer, or designer in the building automation industry, this episode...

SBA 470: How to Get Hired in Building Automation

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you trying to break into the building automation field or help someone who is? Episode 470 of SBA offers a roadmap for landing your first job in t...

SBA 469: How To Grow Your Service Business

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to elevate your service business and tap into new revenue streams? In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy podcast, we dive into key ...

SBA 468: Guideline 36 Part 1

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Episode Description: Episode 468 explores advanced airside HVAC sequences, offering building automation professionals an in-depth look at ASHRAE's Gui...

SBA 467: BACnet BTL Deepdive

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 467 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you'll dive deep into BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) and how understanding BTL listings can ...

SBA 466: How to Find, Develop, and Retain Your Building Operators

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 466: How to Find, Develop, and Retain Your Building Operators addresses one of the most pressing challenges in the building automation indust...

SBA 465: Robots in the Skilled Trades

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 465 dives into the emerging presence of robots and collaborative robots (Cobots) in the construction industry and their potential impact on bu...

SBA 464: ChatGPT Use Cases for BAS

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 464 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you'll explore the game-changing ways ChatGPT can enhance your work as a building automation pr...

SBA 463: 5 Strategies to Improve Your Facility's Operations

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 463 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you'll discover how to transform your facility's operations using actionable strategies designe...

SBA 462: 5 Strategies to Reduce Your Facility's Energy Consumption

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, Phil Zito discusses five practical strategies to help facility managers reduce their facility'...

SBA 461: BAS Output Types

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 461 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, Phil Zito dives into the essential types of outputs used in building automation systems (BAS) a...

SBA 460: BAS Input Types

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Episode Description: Join Phil Zito in Episode 460 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast as he continues the technician onboarding series, focusing o...

SBA 459: BAS Operational Structures

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Episode Description: Dive into the intricacies of Building Automation System (BAS) operational structures with Phil Zito in Episode 459 of the Smart B...

SBA 458: Introduction to BAS

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Episode Description: In this foundational episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, Phil Zito launches a vital series dedicated to teaching buil...

SBA 457: Mentoring BAS Employees

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Episode Description: Join Phil Zito in Episode 457 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast as he delves into the critical role of mentoring in developi...

SBA 456: T1L Deepdive

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join Phil Zito in Episode 456 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast for an enlightening deep dive into T1L, an emerging Ethernet standard poised to r...

SBA 455: The Pillars of BAS Business Management

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Explore the journey of BAS management and ownership with Phil Zito in Episode 455 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. This episode kicks off a ser...

SBA 454: The BAS Project Management Process

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join Phil Zito in Episode 454 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast as we delve into the intricacies of Building Automation System (BAS) Project Mana...

SBA 453: Exploring BBMDs and BACnet/IP

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dive into the complexities of BACnet IP with Phil Zito in Episode 453 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. This episode provides a thorough examina...

SBA 452: Non-Techie's BAS IT Guide

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unravel the mysteries of IT for Building Automation Systems (BAS) with Phil Zito in Episode 452 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. Geared towards...

SBA 451: BACnet Integrations

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Uncover the essentials of BACnet integration in Episode 451 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast with Phil Zito. This episode is an invaluable resou...

SBA 450: BAS Site Audits

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 450 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, Phil Zito dives deep into the process of conducting site audits for building automation systems...

SBA 449: BAS Point Objects 101

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dive into the world of Building Automation System (BAS) point objects with Phil Zito in Episode 449 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. This episo...

SBA 448: Becoming a Self-Sufficient Technician

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 448 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast as he delves into the essential strategies for developing self-sufficient technicians in the bui...

SBA 447: How to Program a BAS

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Episode Description: Dive into the intricacies of building automation programming with Phil Zito in Episode 447 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast...

SBA 446: Why BAS

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast with your host, Phil Zito, in Episode 446. After a brief hiatus, Phil dives back into the world of...

SBA 445: Building a Future, The Evolution of Smart Buildings Academy with Phil Zito

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this insightful episode of the Smart Buildings Academy podcast, Chief Talent Officer Rachel Zito sits down with the Academy's visionary founder and...

SBA 444: Should You Create Your Own Training?

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this enlightening episode of the Smart Buildings Academy podcast, we were joined by Phil Zito, CEO of Smart Buildings Academy. Together, we explore...

SBA 443: Building A remote Operations Center

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this insightful episode of SBA 443, we dive deep into the intricacies of building and managing a Remote Operations Center (ROC) specifically design...

SBA 442: Ask Me Anything

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

🎧 Dive into the dynamic world of building automation with Phil Zito in our latest podcast episode "SBA 442: Ask Me Anything"! Phil, an acclaimed ex...

SBA 441: Balancing Growth & Culture: An Insightful Chat with Derek Wright of D&L Controls

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode SBA 441, we're joined by Derek Wright from D&L Controls, who offers an intimate look into the journey of his organization. From its humble ...

SBA 440: What if They Stay

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of SBA440, delve deep into the intricacies of talent management in the building automation industry. From understanding the profound i...

SBA 439: Energizing UHAT - Nathan Miller on Facility Excellence and Future Concerns

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dive into the world of energy management with Nathan Miller, the driving force behind UHAT's facility initiatives. In this episode, we journey through...