Growth in registrations driven by easy access to on-demand information and availability of Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
The BACnet Institute (TBI), the online learning environment offering on-demand courses, multimedia resources and a community forum, is celebrating its sixth anniversary, having launched during the AHR Expo 2017. Currently there are over 6,000 registered users from 80 countries worldwide. The platform is a central, comprehensive source that offers globally relevant information and education related to BACnet building automation system (BAS) implementation.
In 2020, BACnet International gained IACET accreditation and was able to start issuing CEUs for the courses offered through The BACnet Institute. Professional Development Hour (PDH) credits are also available. Courses currently available on The BACnet Institute include the introductory BACnet Basics, The Facility Manager’s Guide to Building Automation Systems which provides valuable insight on how to implement a BACnet-based BAS effectively and efficiently, and BACnet Device Profiles which introduces learners to the various BACnet device profiles and explains the role of each in building automation.
Along with the on-demand courses, TBI provides a library of articles, white papers and recorded conference sessions in its Resources section. There are now over 150 materials which include a mix of curated industry information as well as articles specifically commissioned to meet the evolving needs of the BACnet community. Past BACnet International AHR Expo education sessions have been recorded and are available on the site.
A community forum is the third piece of TBI. The forum is an interactive environment that offers knowledge-sharing and provides an opportunity for users to submit BACnet-related questions to be answered by a panel of experts. Answers to submitted questions are posted in the forum, which can then be searched by all registered users.
“We’re pleased to offer an independent source for accessible BACnet information and education and are delighted to see so many taking advantage of this resource,” stated Andy McMillan, president and managing director of BACnet International. “We are continuously adding new content and strive to keep the site relevant and an easy path to BACnet information and learning for everyone involved with BACnet systems.”
Although access to the resources on The BACnet Institute is free, registration is required. Interested users can sign up at thebacnetinstitute.org.
About The BACnet Institute
The BACnet Institute (TBI) is an online resource providing access to BACnet information and education. It is designed to serve as a central resource with eLearning courses, a curated library and a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. TBI is intended to serve the needs of the whole BACnet community including building owners and operators, system integrators, consultants, facility management professionals and product developers. It provides opportunities for participants to learn about and share innovative strategies, research, and best practices from anywhere around the world, at any time of the day. The BACnet Institute operates under the auspices of BACnet International in collaboration with other BACnet industry groups.
About BACnet International
BACnet International is an industry association that facilitates the successful use of the BACnet protocol in building automation and control systems through interoperability testing, educational programs and promotional activities. BACnet International oversees operation of the BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) and maintains a global listing of tested products database. The BACnet standard was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and has been made publicly available so that manufacturers can create interoperable systems of products. BACnet International complements the work of the ASHRAE standards committee and BACnet-related interest groups around the world. BACnet International members include building owners, consulting engineers and facility managers, as well as companies involved in the design, manufacture, installation, commission and maintenance of control equipment that use BACnet for communication.