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Westar Energy Certifies Building Operators

After a rigorous round of training sessions, homework and exams, 11 area building operators and facility managers have earned their Building Operator Certification (BOC) Level II designation from Westar Energy. This nationally recognized certification in building operation efficiency educates employees responsible for maintenance and operations of large buildings and their complex heating, mechanical and electrical systems. BOC provides training to keep building operators current on the newest energy technology available and share best practices from experts in the field.

“These employees and their employers are committed to reducing energy use, which benefits their organization and has a positive impact on the environment,” said Kim Gronniger, manager, consumer services. “Previous participants have reduced their facility costs by thousands of dollars, so the payback to employers can be immediate.”

Using the tools and methods taught in class, participants compiled records on their organization's electrical systems, HVAC operations, lighting levels and controls and annual profiles of energy consumption. Upon the program’s completion, BOC graduates retain these in-depth reference manuals and gain access to BOC's nationwide network of participants, experts and resources to leverage for troubleshooting, best practices and advice.

The following building operators have successfully completed the BOC Level II course series that began in October 2012 and ended in February 2013:

• Stan Alldredge, City of Lawrence

• David Burton, City of Lenexa

• Dan Fund, U.S.D. 345, Seaman

• Jerry Howard, Riley County Public Works

• Casey Lauer, Kansas State University

• Bill Music, City of Lawrence

• Douglas Rodger, Northwest Iowa Community College

• Galen Schutter, Brewster Place

• Igor Sinyavsky, City of Lenexa

• Matt Smith, Kansas State University

• Brian Swenson, Manko Window Systems

Westar Energy has entered into a joint licensing agreement with the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA), Kansas City Power and Light, Midwest Energy, Inc., Empire District Electric, Kansas Municipal Utilities, Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. and the Kansas Energy Office to make the BOC program available to all Kansas building operators.

The cost for the course series is $1,150. Upon BOC certification, Westar Energy, Midwest Energy, Inc. and Empire District Electric customers are eligible to receive a $575 reimbursement toward the $1,150 tuition.