Introduction to controls and HVAC

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is encouraging trades personnel and anyone regularly involved with building management to improve their basic knowledge of Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) with its BCM00 course.

The Introduction to Building Controls and HVAC is a one-day introductory course aimed at those who do not require the full technical detail of the building controls courses BCM01-BCM06, or who are new to this area of the industry.

Designed for facilities managers and estates managers, as well as electricians and other building services trades personnel who wish to become more informed in this sphere of work, the course provides full coverage of day-to-day involvement in building controls and heating, ventilation and air conditioning, but at a level that does not focus on the technical detail.

Anyone who successfully completes the BCM00 exam is eligible to apply for the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Building Controls Associate card, provided the applicant has also completed an ECS Electrical Safety Unit Assessment and a current ECS Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Assessment. A Building Controls Associate will typically be active in a support role as part of a team of Building Controls Engineers.

The BCM00 course exam and the ECS HSE Assessment can both now be taken online using the remote invigilation service on the ECS website, which allows delegates to take a formal ECS assessment without having to travel to a centre.

Terry Sharp, president of the BCIA, said: “A lot of the technology that goes into buildings is advanced and complex and requires qualified engineers to install it. However, many people whose job it is to manage and maintain buildings could really benefit from having a basic knowledge of what they are working with. BCM00 provides the first steps into understanding how BEMS operate.”