Sealing the O&M Gap: Empowering Building Operators

Michaela Boren…
Proposal Status
Ready for Committee Review
Username
Michaela Boren-Kapadia
Proposer First Name
Michaela
Proposer Email
mboren@32bjfunds.com
Proposer Last Name
Boren-Kapadia
Proposer Phone
(212) 539-2811
Proposer Job Title
Manager, Green Programs
Proposer Additional Info
32BJ SEIU is the largest union of property service workers in the U.S. with more than 175,000 members (building operators, building engineers, etc.). 32BJ Training Fund is a joint-labor management partnership that offers free training to union members. The Fund is supported by contributions negotiated between 32BJ SEIU and participating employers (i.e. management companies, building owners).
Proposed Session Description
A building operator and their board member discusses the evolving role of operators and the importance of training and operations and maintenance (O&M). Free training for operators (32BJ SEIU building service workers) and ways management companies/employers and companies can work with 32BJ Training Fund will be explained. Speakers will describe ways the building community can help influence and support training and O&M to empower incumbent operators move away from fossil fuel and be equipped for the challenges ahead.
Why is this session important?
This session is important because it helps attendees gain more insight on the evolving role of building operators in tandem with the demands of existing buildings to keep up with current efficiency requirements, “green” laws (especially with energy grade and LL97), emerging “green” trends and new systems and technologies, and what that means for operations and maintenance (O&M). Attendees will be able to connect the need for training (skills gap) and the need to support incumbent workers (equity gap), illustrate the trickle-down & trickle-up effect of addressing those gaps, and identify ways they can create and support sealing those gaps. The session will also address questions on free operator training, partnering with 32BJ Training Fund, different resources for operators, and what 32BJ Training is doing to ensure 32BJ union operators are updated on the technical skills shift.

Comments

Jodi Smits Anderson Tue, 05/03/2022 - 5:11 pm

Round 1: yesThis description puts communicaton at the front of the work at hand. I like the panel approach and the speakers talking through a common "gap". I hope that the session develops more structure, with more clear lessons to reveal.

Monisha Royan Wed, 05/04/2022 - 11:55 pm

Round1: Yes, absolutely. As most the sessions are usually focused on the techniques and solutions, the importance of bridging the gap between building operators, board member and focus on education and training is a good thought. The success and reach of this session would depend on having the diverse mix of speakers. The session can also include some casestudies to relate to the benefits mentioned in the proposal. This proposal is similar to "Decarbonization Training for Facility Managers" proposal so one of the sessions could be selected.

Ben Sachs-Hamilton Mon, 05/09/2022 - 12:10 pm

Round 1 Discussion:Puts communication at the fore front. I'd like to see how the different audiences of the conference could apply this. How can we integrate this into our understanding of our audience and the broader community? We could encourage the team to be aware of the people in the audience. Is there any data with efficiencies or cost gained by these types of trainings? What's the learning curve? Look into the possibility of adding financing (Andrew)

Monisha Royan Mon, 05/30/2022 - 4:54 pm

Round 2- Yes
After discussing the review comments with all the proposed session’s speakers it is evident that the proposal is well thought and structured.
The proposal fits in this year's theme - "Bridging the gap". Informations included in the session:
1. Financial savings, statistics and advantages of the training program
2. Focus on diverse audience - building operators, facility managers, owners, residents focusing on equity and skill development 
3. Include challenges faced by the board members across different management and potential solutions exercised over the years.
4. Potentially might include advantages of the program for emerging professionals
This would be very informative session. If selected, I am happy to curate the session. Also happy to tag with a co- curator.

Ben Sachs-Hamilton Fri, 06/03/2022 - 8:50 am

R2 Discussion:Good structure, fits theme. Addresses skill and equity gap. This could also be possibly tailored to incldue EPs. Very experienced speaker - can share case studies from board member prespective. Question/concern: doesn't overlap with other session (117 if chosen)

Diversity and Inclusiveness
A large percentage of building operators are considered under the marginalized groups/disadvantaged communities. The session discusses the importance of training for incumbent workers making it possible for them to get the education, training, and skills they need to grow in the quickly changing property services world.
Learning Objectives
1. Recognize opportunities and collaborations with building operators that empower them to ensure building projects result to broader ownership and long-term success.
2. Apply ways attendees can support building operator training.
3. Examine how project activities and communication within the building industry help form and determine the immediate training needs of building operators.
4. Observe how training empowers building operators to successfully communicate new ideas and projects to the board, and increase tenant engagement in building energy-efficiency.
Has this session been presented before?
No

NYC 2022 Areas of Focus

Session Format
Lightning Round (several brief idea pitches followed by discussion)

Strongest Content Connection - NYC 2022

Comments about your speaker roster
N/A
Anything else you'd like to tell us about your session proposal?
Session Outline: 10-15 minutes: Michaela (32BJ Training Manager for Green Programs) • 32BJ SEIU union and 32BJ Training Fund • Employers/Management companies partnering with Training Fund (setting-up employer classes) 20-25 minutes: Martin (building operator) • Role of building operator (especially now with new “green” laws) • Training and O&M + building upgrades (working with contractors and communicating with the board) • Training and working with contractors 10-15 minutes: Gerrit (tenant/board member) • Importance of training which leads to having a knowledgeable operator • Effects of having a knowledgeable operator 5-10 minutes: Q&A
Reviewer 1
Smits Anderson, Jodi
Reviewer 2
Royan, Monisha
Curator
Royan, Monisha
Proposal #
141
Session #
105
Committee Decision
Accepted

Presenters