ECVET Training for Operators of IoT-enabled Smart Buildings Erasmus Project

Project Title

ECVET Training for Operators of IoT-enabled Smart Buildings

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for vocational education and training

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2018

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: New innovative curricula/educational methods/development of training courses; Cooperation between educational institutions and business; ICT – new technologies – digital competences

Project Summary

With the advancement of building technologies and automation, Smart Building Operators performs a variety of tasks in their role to implemented general building maintenance and tending to tenant complaints. Nowadays, it also includes responsibilities related to HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, usually installed and controlled by a BMS, BAS (building automation system) controls and even mechanical maintenance and plumbing. With the increasing application of green technologies and smart controls, energy management is required to measure and verify the viability of these new technologies and controls. Data and analytics are driving the advancement into new technologies and the building management and operation is changing at a pace not seen before. New and complicated incentives and programs are being offered by governments, aspiring to promote themselves as environmentally conscious, in an effort to encourage green technologies and reward those who curb their energy use. The use of IoTs (Internet of Things) can reduce the energy wastes. The IoT (Internet of Things) enabled BMS (Building Management Systems) is a brand new domain and current employees will definitely need in-service training. We call it an “Operator of Smart and Green/Sustainable Buildings”. But the Building Operators need to be able to understand these concepts, implement them properly to save energy and maintain them also properly.

In most cases, the implementation of green technologies and knowledge of energy saving incentives and programs also becomes the responsibility of the building operator. Property and asset managers depend on their building operators and facilities managers to determine the viability of these programs and to analyze vast amounts of data being accumulated by BAS and on-site equipment. Needless to say that all of these responsibilities are a bit overwhelming and they also require expertise and training that is not entirely inherent to the building operator’s role. With this field becoming increasingly specialized and technical, the demands placed on building operators are much higher than before. It should also be noted that most building operators aren’t young, and most have between 10-20 years of experience in their positions. The change in technology during this period of time has been tremendous and we find a sharp contrast in how buildings are operated now versus how they were operated 20 years ago.

Our project trained more than 60 building operators in the domains of managing “buildings of the future” in order to maintain required occupant comfort and comply with energy efficiency/ecology regulations. This includes areas such as Internet of Things, cyber-physical systems, domotics, service robotics, etc. Аs such, our trained building operators are able to satisfy the tenants and keep them happy by making sure they are comfortable as well as ensured that the building is operated well and maintenance work is performed timely and effectively. Keeping the tenants happy is the first priority of a building operator as tenants consider them to be the face of the property management. Thanks to our project we have implemented steps for official inclusion of this new profession on national level in Serbia, Bulgaria and Cyprus.

We have developed the following tangible INTELLECTUAL OUTPUTS (available in EN, BG, GR & SER languages):
IO1: Operator of Smart and Green/Sustainable Buildings ECVET compliant training curriculum and course material
IO2: Job profile of: Operator of Smart and Green/Sustainable Buildings (OPERATOR OF THE 21ST CENTURY)
IO3: Mobile Learning Management System including training (interactive) videos to facilitate the understanding of concepts and examples and pre/self/post assessment – for Android and for iOS devices

All project outputs are available in English, Bulgarian, Serbian and Greek languages.
Access to the Android app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vet4sbo.mobile
Access to the iOS app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vet4sbo/id1544915098
Access to the Online portal: https://smart-building-operator.eu/elearning/?lang=en

The VET4SBO training enhanced VET learners’ professional expertise. We have increased VET learners’ opportunities for personal development and we have improved negotiation and mediation skills of the learners to ensure successful negotiations with the owners and facility managers. This training course provided on-the-job further extension of qualification and we have reached increased motivation and satisfaction from the results of VET education and in the daily work for learners above 18 years old. In addition, we have increased their sense of initiative and creativity towards use of new technical solutions in the areas of : internet of things, cyber-physical systems, domotics, service robotics. We have improved their ability to maintain required occupant comfort and comply with energy efficiency and ecology regulations.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 80640 Eur

Project Coordinator

UNIVERZITET U NISU & Country: RS

Project Partners

• EcologyKM Ltd.
• G.M EUROCY INNOVATIONS LTD