Nevada FOCUS Workshops

Nevada FOCUS consists of twelve 8-hour workshops. Apply for free participation by commiting to attend and participate in all 12 workshops and to submit an energy-saving idea for a project proposal to be created during the workshops. Click Here for Application for Free Participation Form Pass at least ¾ of the workshop tests and be eligible for Focus certification which is being used by employers as promotion and hiring criteria.

Or attend and pay for only the sessions that interest you. However, workshop seating is limited and preference will be given to those registering for the entire series.

All participants receive CEU certificates.

Live in: Reno

When: September 3rd through November 19, 2010
Every Friday except October 28th (October 29th is a state Holiday - Nevada Day)
All Workshops are from 8 am to 4 pm.

Interactive videoconferencing in: Carson City, Elko, Ely, Eureka, Fallon, Hawthorne, Lovelock, Panaca, Tonopah and Winnemucca.

Registration Fee Waiver is available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to the limits of our available funding.
To qualify for free participation, applicants must commit, via our online application process, to attending the entire 12-week workshop series and to submitting at least one energy-efficiency recommendation from their workplace for development into a project proposal during Workshops 11 and 12.

The cost is $1,800 for the entire series, or $175 per 8-hour workshop. Cancellations must be received a week in advance to qualify for a refund, less a $75 administration fee.

Registration fee includes instruction and handouts. Continental breakfast, lunch, and break snacks are included at our Carson and Reno locations.

» Click Here for Application for Free Participation Form

Click Here to Register for Northern Nevada FOCUS Now

Presented Live in Reno With Videoconferencing to Locations Throughout Nevada

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS:

Workshop 1: Building Systems Overview, LEED Certification and Building Commissioning — 8 hours,
Gain an overview of energy efficiency principles, building systems fundamentals and how systems interact and affect overall building performance. Review electrical, mechanical, other energy-saving project proposals created by previous workshop participants to gain insights into opportunities at your workplace. Learn how these workshops will be conducted, what to expect and what’s expected of you. Learn about LEED Certification and Building Commissioning and incentives for retro-fit and new building construction.

Workshops 2 and 3: Electrical Systems and Power Quality —16 hours
Learn and/or get an up-to-date refresher on the components and operation of commercial power systems, including but not limited to history and fundamentals of electricity, transmission, distribution, metering, disconnect devices, conductors & raceways, transformers, emergency power systems, generators, uninterruptible power supplies, power quality, motors, soft start, variable frequency drives, National Electrical Code considerations and common violations, Life Safety Code, ground fault protection, grounding, harmonics, electrical safety and hazard control and resources where you can get information.

Workshops 4 and 5: HVAC Systems and Controls — 16 hours
Learn about the operation, maintenance and preventive maintenance of equipment and components typically found in commercial buildings, including central heating, cooling, air and ventilation systems, principles of fluid flow, pumps, fans, chillers, boilers, motors, understanding your utility bill and resources where you can get information.

Workshop 6: Renewable Energy, Energy Assessments and Efficiency Techniques and Student-submitted Energy-saving Project Proposals— 8 hours
Get an overview of latest technology for power generation using solar , wind, geothermal, biomass and hydrogen resources and systems. Find out how to measure the energy performance of your facilities, what to measure and how to do it. Learn how to determine where your facility uses energy, how it compares to other similar users and the pros and cons of internal versus external assessments. Learn about root cause analyses and how to develop an action plan. Learn the basics of energy accounting, fuel options evaluation, operation and maintenance strategies and energy management planning techniques. Submit, along with your peers, and receive interactive feedback on your idea for an energy-saving project proposal at your workplace.

Workshop 7: Lighting, Energy-saving Rebates, Chemical Water Treatment and Continue Student-submitted Energy-saving Project Proposals — 8 hours
Learn about lighting , visibility, color, lamps, lighting terms, luminaries, applications and resources. Gain an overview of and learn how to apply for NV Energy and SW Gas energy-saving rebate programs. Learn how proper chemical water treatment and maintenance can significantly reduce energy consumption and equipment wear and tear. Continue submitting, along with your peers, and receive interactive feedback on your idea for an energy-saving project proposal at your workplace.

Workshop 8: Daylighting & Lighting & HVAC Controls, Compressed Air, Life-cycle Costing & Cost-benefit Analysis — 8 hours
Learn how to maximize comfort and productivity while minimizing energy consumption utilizing the latest local technology for daylighting and lighting & hvac controls, including Demandflex/DCL new technology. Gain an understanding of compressed air components & systems along with energy-efficiency techniques and resources where you can get information. Learn how to compete for capital by evaluating financial feasibility of energy-saving project proposals utilizing life-cycle costing and calculating return on investment and payback periods. Develop your communication skills for making presentations to decision makers and getting all stakeholders on board.

Workshop 9: Maintenance Management and Practices & Field Trip — 8 hours
Become familiar with the underlying fundamentals for both manual and automated systems for energy efficiency and equipment operating reliability, work order systems, maintenance checklists, sourcing and purchasing. Participate in a field trip hosted by current or former participants showcasing their facility and energy-saving equipment & practices.

Workshop 10: Code Compliance for Efficiency and Safety — 8 hours
Improve energy efficiency by learning how to use energy and maintenance-related codes. Find out how to comply with important health and safety codes to prevent accidents and near misses. Also, gain an overview of energy, environmental, health and safety codes that impact facility operation.

Workshops 11 and 12: Into Action — 16 hours

Interactively review and complete student-submitted energy-saving project proposals. Get tips on how to compete for capital. You’ll be provided with a list of Internet resources to use for more information on energy efficiency and renewable energy topics.

** Pre-requisite workshops 1 through 10 **

Location: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, 8050 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89123
When: August 19 through November 4, 2010 Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm every Thursday
Fees: $1,800 for the entire series or $175 per course. Continental breakfast, lunch, refreshments included.

Successfully complete the series to be eligible for certification, or register and attend only the sessions that interest you.  Workshop seating is limited and preference will be given to those registering for the entire series.  Click here to open registration page.

Nevada FOCUS is recognized state-wide through continuing education or professional development credits. Upon successful completion of the FOCUS workshop series, FOCUS Certification will be awarded to those who satisfy all program requirements.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS:

Workshop 1:  August 19, 2010 - Electrical Systems – Part I

• Basic Applied Electrical Theory – AC & DC
• Electrical Distribution – Primary & Secondary
• Lighting Fundamentals
• Efficient Lighting & Controls

Workshop 2: August 26, 2010 - Electrical Systems – Part II

• Electrical Control Circuits
• Motor Theory/Motor Selection – Start/Stop/Ladder Logic
• Electrical Motors – Variable Speed Drives
• Low Voltage Systems – Telecom/Security

Workshop 3: September 2, 2010 - HVAC – Part I

• Central Plant Boilers, Chillers, & Coolers
• Air Handlers – Constant & VAV
• Hydronic Systems, Pumps, & Treatment
• TAB – Air & Water Systems

Workshop 4: September 9, 2010 - HVAC – Part II

• HVAC Systems & Controls – Electric, Electronic & Pneumatic
• Ventilation
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
• Housekeeping & Cleanliness

Workshop 5: September 16, 2010 - Energy Management Systems

• Why EMS – What It Can Do for You
• Data Visualization – Optimizing EMS Capabilities
• Energy Management – Optimizing Utility Rate Structures
• Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)

Workshop 6: September 23, 2010 - Energy Conservation

• Energy Conservation Measures That Work for You
• Identifying Common Energy Waste
• Water Efficiency for Building Operations
• Compressed Air Systems

Workshop 7: September 30, 2010 - LEED & Green Building Concepts

• Design Goals & Project Objectives
• Integrating Concepts Into Projects
• Alternative Energy Sources
• Passive Energy Conservation Measures – Thermal Envelope Systems

Workshop 8: October 7, 2010 - Project Economics, ROI & Cost Benefits

• Cost Benefit Analysis
• Life Cycle Costing – Energy Assessments
• Value Beyond the Building
• Investments/Return on Investments (ROI)

Workshop 9: October 14, 2010 - Operations & Maintenance

• Project Management Systems
• Project Management Fundamentals & Scheduling
• Thinking Beyond Your Specialty – Extending Equipment Life
• Emergency Power Operations & Standby Generation

Workshop 10: October 21, 2010 -Energy Assessments & Energy Conservation Projects

• How to Measure the Energy Performance of Your Facilities
• What You Need to Measure & How to Do It

Workshops 11 & 12: October 28, 2010 & November 4, 2010 - Into Action

• How to Manage a Project
• How to Provide Required Information
• Communicate Your Project with the Management