Learn about the financial benefits possible through commercial LED lighting and control retrofits. The energy-saving potential of LED retrofits is well known – their role in bringing down commercial facility energy bills is substantial. But as well, Portland facilities can qualify for rebates, tax incentives and more, to achieve an even greater ROI on LED lighting and controls retrofit projects. This session will go into detail on available incentives offered for Portland area commercial facilities through Energy Trust of Oregon, Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, Portland Clean Energy Grants and the City of Portland Green Building Policy Incentives. Gain information that can substantially benefit your facility.

Fire alarm systems are so much more than just a notification that there is a fire. A well- maintained fire alarm system not only saves your business time and money, but it also saves lives and property. Regular maintenance is a part of that equation, and fire alarm systems are designed to let you know when there is a problem. This presentation will help you decipher what your panel is trying to tell you and how to fix it.

In 2004 Portland State University implemented a green building standard that since then has achieved impressive results throughout the campus. Hear about the 17 LEED-certified buildings, the campus heating and cooling loop that connects 15 buildings, and a “Green Revolving Fund” that applies energy savings monies to new projects.  Also, innovative upgrades to HVAC systems, LED lighting retrofits, installation of five solar PV arrays, and development of a valuable “sustainability dashboard”. Gain ideas you can apply at your own site.

Involved with electrical systems in your facility?  Don't be isolated from knowledge and information that will help reduce risk from electrical systems. This presentation will help you with National Electrical Code (NEC) compliance.  Learn about free code access and resources available to you. You will also understand the NEC system and significant changes to the 2026 edition of the NEC recently incorporated by reference into the California Electrical Code.

Learn about the Oregon Energy Performance Standard, which is an adaption of ASHRAE Standard 100, Energy Efficiency in Buildings, adapted to meet the needs of Oregon (passed by the legislature in July of 2023). This presentation will discuss how reporting is done through the free Energy Star Portfolio benchmarking tool, will specify types of buildings covered by the standard, and list compliance deadlines beginning in 2028. Attendees will learn how to get started, understand the role of qualified professionals in managing compliance, and discover how Energy Trust of Oregon supports customers through offering free technical support, cash incentives, and expertise guidance. 

Discover how drones are becoming an essential tool for inspecting the exterior of buildings of all sizes. This session will cover practical use cases for preventive, seasonal, and post-storm inspections, highlighting how aerial imaging, thermal analysis, and autonomous flight paths enable safer, faster, and more consistent assessments of roofs, facades, solar assets, and rooftop mechanical equipment. Join this informative session to learn the key steps to building a drone inspection program, along with FAA regulatory considerations and safety protocols.

Ready to plan some upgrades in your facility?  Do you want to avoid rework and save time and money?  In this session, mainly focused on industrial facilities, the speakers will discuss some of the common mistakes facilities engineers make in planning an upgrade project or new installation and how to avoid them.

When you hear about active shooter situations in the news, do you wonder “Is my facility prepared?” This presentation, by the Portland Police Bureau, will provide information you and your facilities staff members need to know. The speaker will describe what type of location shooters are looking for (soft compared to hard in respect to accessibility) – to “harden” your facility means to set things up to limit accessibility, like locked doors, a card system to get in, fences and locked gates, cement planters on a walkway to the front door to limit ability to drive a car through. Find out details about the mindset of shooters, learn signs to look for. Discussed will be the “Run, Hide, Fight” scenario during an active shooter situation.

Facilities engineers and maintenance professionals who work with HVAC systems can benefit from learning about proper thermal imaging theory and practice, which is the focus of this informative video. The film, originally one of the sessions in the 2023 HVACR Symposium produced by The HVACR School, features instructors Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn of TruTechTools. They highlight the uses and limitations of thermal imaging to set realistic expectations for application. Thermal imaging is especially useful for making temperature comparisons because it helps users visualize the temperature differences between multiple points. The film presents a wealth of helpful best practices information.

Is your facility ready to pass an OSHA inspection? Learn what you need to know to pass an inspection, and gain information on common violations including: Hazard Communication (missing Safety Data Sheets and labels on chemical containers), fall protection (ladder problems), Lockout Tagout (lock out failures prior to maintenance), and forklifts (failure to conduct initial and refresher fork-truck training. The speaker also will discuss resources available, including training and education.

Discover what actions you can take to lower energy consumption of your building, lower operating cost and build internal expertise to meet the Building Performance Standards adopted under Oregon House Bill 3409. Learn how to bring your building operations to the next level through operational best practices that drive efficiency, sustainability, and long-term success.

Electric vehicle charging has become an increasingly important consideration for the parking areas of companies. This session provides facilities managers with a practical overview of EV charging fundamentals, including charger types, equipment selection, siting considerations, permitting requirements, budgeting and funding options, and overall project development. Drawing on experience from multi-site projects across diverse jurisdictions, attendees will learn how to manage varying timelines and regulatory requirements while controlling costs and minimizing project risk.

This session will provide a practical, easy-to-apply overview of the essential steps that set any project on the path to success. Attendees will learn how to clarify and align project objectives, organize critical project information, and build realistic timelines that support smooth execution. The speaker will explore simple, effective techniques for establishing early alignment, creating structure in the planning phase, and identifying potential gaps before they impact delivery. Whether you're managing facilities projects, operational improvements, or department-level initiatives, this session offers straightforward guidance you can use immediately to strengthen your next project launch.

As building performance standards evolve, owners and operators are under increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable energy efficiency improvements. In Oregon, the new Energy Performance Standard establishes a framework for benchmarking and reducing consumption across existing buildings, aligning closely with the performance verification and continuous improvement intent of LEED v5 for Operations and Maintenance. This presentation explores how retro-commissioning (Retro-Cx) serves as a strategic bridge between these requirements – providing the data-driven insights and operational tuning needed to both comply with state regulations and achieve higher LEED performance scores.

No one wants to spend money replacing a roof if there are other options. Learn how you can extend the life of many roofs via a formalized roof inspection and maintenance program. Learn when to conduct inspections; what to look for (like damaged flashings, coping or ductwork, ponding water, etc.); how to record results; estimate service life; and follow up with proper/timely maintenance.

A behind-the-scenes look at the sustainability and energy efficiency features of the LEED Platinum Oregon Convention Center. Topics will include highlights from the facility’s LEED v5 recertification, energy efficiency practices, Rain Garden improvements, rooftop solar array and more. The session will start in a meeting room and discuss the projects and practices and have a Q&A. Then, the session will break out into a tour of two areas (OCC’s mechanical plant, or OCC’s Rain Garden that helps manage stormwater) based on individual interest of attendees.

Facilities managers are familiar with contract maintenance for systems such as plumbing, HVAC, and security, but janitorial maintenance presents distinct challenges. This session explores how factors like training, turnover, and communication affect service consistency, and how recognition, measurable performance, and structured support can improve outcomes. The discussion will also cover practical ways to use data-driven systems and clear processes to align expectations and ensure long-term reliability.