- Registration is Open Tri-Association Conference March 9-12
In the pursuit of elevating facility management from maintenance to mastery, energy efficiency plays a crucial role – this session presents an innovative, holistic approach to energy management in educational institutions, combining the expertise of 2KB Energy Services in energy specific program management with Commissioning Worcx’s commissioning services. We’ll explore how this comprehensive strategy addresses the entire lifecycle of energy projects, from initial audits and procurement to implementation and ongoing performance verification. Through case studies, varying perspectives, and interactive discussions, attendees will learn how to leverage technical assistance, owner’s representation, and commissioning services to maximize the impact of their energy initiatives, whether through performance contracting, self-implemented projects, or grant-funded programs. With an understanding of the pathway to success, facility operators will be able to translate their day-to-day needs into solutions that can permeate across departments and to decision makers.
1. Understand how to integrate proactive maintenance and lifecycle planning to achieve long-term financial benefits and operational excellence, i.e. learn how your daily actions can enhance mastery of future facility projects.
2. Discover the benefits of a holistic approach to energy management in educational facilities, while developing confidence to effectively communicate energy maintenance ground-level challenges as strategic opportunities to financial decision-makers.
3. Outline the pathway of a comprehensive facility retrofit – this includes the role of effective program management strategies for energy-focused capital improvement projects and the role of commissioning in ensuring optimal performance of established systems and upgrades.
Lee Huffines, Vice President of Field Engineering Services at Commissioning Worcx, brings over 15 years of experience in commissioning and energy management to the table. As a state-licensed engineer with Energy Management Professional (EMP) and Certified Commissioning Authority (CxA) credentials, Lee combines technical expertise with strategic insight. His ability to bridge the gap between owner’s intent, designer’s ideas, and construction implementation has been crucial in fostering enduring client relationships and project success. Lee excels in implementing, integrating, and optimizing building automation systems, ensuring peak efficiency and performance. His proficiency in writing detailed Functional Performance Tests guarantees that building systems not only meet design specifications but also operate at maximum efficiency. Lee’s collaborative approach and mentoring of commissioning technicians and field engineers contribute to swift problem-solving and consistent project success in complex environments.
George, a senior project executive with nearly 25 years of experience in the energy efficiency field, brings a wealth of expertise to educational facility projects. His career spans roles as a measurement and verification engineer, energy engineer, project developer, and program manager, directly overseeing over $300M in implemented energy-focused capital projects. George’s recent work with the University of Georgia (UGA) exemplifies his comprehensive approach to energy management in higher education. In this project, he guided UGA through the intricacies of performance contracting, from ESCO solicitation to overseeing investment grade energy audits. His adept navigation of approvals from state authorities, coupled with his hands-on involvement in RFQ preparation and proposal evaluation, showcases his deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by educational institutions in the Southeast. George’s ability to translate complex energy solutions into actionable strategies has not only optimized UGA’s energy infrastructure but also empowered stakeholders through tailored training and meticulous project documentation. His holistic approach to energy management continues to drive sustainable, cost-effective solutions across various types of infrastructure and capital projects in the education sector.
Meredith Elder is a Client Advocacy and Development Specialist at 2KB Energy Solutions, where she champions infrastructure upgrades and energy efficiency initiatives. With a background in communications, as evidenced by her Michael G. Moran Award from UGA’s Franklin College of Arts & Sciences, Meredith excels in crafting compelling narratives for complex energy projects. Her expertise spans from grant writing for government initiatives to presenting at industry conferences on building resilience and energy management. Meredith’s recent accomplishments include building and moderating an educational webinar series about facility energy planning, and speaking at the NCAPPA Women in Facilities event about lessons within decarbonization case studies. Her unique blend of technical knowledge and communication skills allows her to effectively bridge the gap between facility operators and decision-makers, making her a valuable asset in the pursuit of sustainable and efficient energy solutions.
Myrtle Beach, SC | March 9-12, 2025
