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 free 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.