The NEBB Professional 2026 - Quarter 3

2026 – Quarter 3

Low Visibility, High Impact: An HVAC decision that improves occupant comfort

READ, QUIZ, EARN! After reading the full issue, please go to the NEBB Learning Center at https://nlc.nebb.org to take a 5-question quiz to earn 0.25 NEBB CEC!

The official magazine of

Contents

3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Features

6 EVP Update Working Together to Support NEBB Certification By Tiffany Meyers 8 Low Visibility, High Impact: An HVAC decision that improves occupant comfort By Marc Mascarello 13 The NEBB Toolbox NEBB Stamps and Certificates By Jeff Schools 14 Rethinking Demand-controlled Ventilation: What FMs should know By Darryl DeAngelis 18 Turn Your Screen Time into CECs: Discover the NEBB Learning Center By Samantha Hawa 19 2026 NEBB Pre Conference Program Guide 35 2027 Recertification Is Now Open: What You Need to Know By Christina Spence 37 Dear Airbby Guidance from NEBB on Certification, Standards, Procedures, and Technical Questions 40 Common Questions About NEBB Exams By Keiry Salgado 42 Chapter Updates The NEBB Professional is a quarterly magazine published by NEBB. 8575 Grovemont Circle, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Tel: 301.977.3698 Email: communications@nebb.org The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NEBB.

Quarter 3 – 2026

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

NEBB Board of Directors

NEBB Staff

2026

President RODNEY HINTON Greenville, SC

Vice President MIKE PEAK Spokane, WA

TIFFANY MEYERS Executive Vice President

JEFFREY SCHOOLS Technical Director

Treasurer CODY LEE Rockwall, TX

CHRISTINA SPENCE Operations Manager

SAMANTHA HAWA Exam Development and LMS Manager

Immediate Past President

KEIRY SALGADO Candidacy Coordinator

MIKE KELLY Bethlehem, PA

DACE TRUPOVNIECE Certification Coordinator

Board of Directors BRIAN KELLER San Antonio, TX DON PITTSER Erie, CO JOE REYNOLDS Floresville, TX JOEL SHANNON Atlanta, GA ROBERT RATLIFF Bartlett, TN ROBERT SHORR Loxahatchee, FL RON LANDBERG SeaTac, WA TIFFANY RUSSELL Vancouver, WA

MARIA PIZANIAS Office and Seminar Coordinator

Committee Chairs 2026 ERICH SCHILLER Building Enclosure Testing LUKE BUMGARDNER Building Systems Commissioning ERIK DLUGAJCZYK Compliance & Affairs TIFFANY RUSSELL Cleanroom Performance Testing MARK WASMUND Fume Hood Testing CHAD MATHEWS Sound & Vibration Measurement DON PITTSER Testing, Adjusting & Balancing QUINTON SMITH YPN

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

President’s Message It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve as your President. My time in this role has flown by, and I thank you for your support and ongoing commitment to NEBB. We are a mature industry that continues to grow and change rapidly. We are navigating shifting ener gy demands and costs, more complex high-perfor mance building systems, and emerging data tools. These changes inspired this year’s theme: “Remaining Resilient During Changing Times.” Resilience is not just about enduring change. It is about actively shaping it. We must adapt, maintain our high standards, and continue to advance technical excel lence. I firmly believe that lifelong learning and men torship are essential to staying resilient—and that one of the best ways to learn is to teach. Like other organizations in our industry, we face sig nificant challenges: fewer professionals entering the trades, a wave of retirements, and increasingly com plex buildings. The experience available to us today may not be as readily available tomorrow. We must take the opportunity to share what we know, learn from one another, and pass along the practical exper tise gained throughout our careers.

Rodney Hinton

Let us create the change we want to see by being involved. Whether through our local chapters or by gathering at our Annual Conference, we each have an opportunity to contribute. Sharing our real-world ex periences with peers is just as valuable as gaining new knowledge. I look forward to welcoming you to Asheville, North Carolina, for the 2026 NEBB Annual Conference, October 21–25. The conference provides an opportu nity to learn together, exchange ideas, and compare test equipment side by side while asking questions of manufacturers and fellow professionals. I extend my deepest appreciation to our Executive Vice President, Tiffany Meyers, and the NEBB staff, the Board of Directors, and the many volunteers whose efforts support our organization and make gatherings like this possible. Let’s continue working together to drive NEBB forward, support our local chapters, and keep our built environ ment sustainable and safe. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to NEBB excellence.

Sincerely,

Rodney Hinton 2026 NEBB President

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

IFMA

2026

18-20 Nov 2026 | Anaheim, California

Embark on a journey of professional discovery. Step into a world of career possibilities. IFMA’s World Workplace is a learning and networking adventure designed to energize, inspire and inform, elevating your impact and influence in managing the built environment. NEW CURATED TRACKS – WHAT WILL YOU EXPLORE? THE PREMIER DESTINATION FOR FACILITY PROFESSIONALS

−

− 1 − Connected Buildings

− 2 − Digital Futures Emerging tech, disruptive ideas and transformational trends shaping FM

− 3 − Leading Change How FM leaders are navigating shifts in an increasingly complex environment

− 4 − Facility Operations Operational strategies that form the backbone of high-performing facilities

Practical application of digital technologies within the built environment

− 5 − Resilient Facilities How to strengthen adaptability, continuity and preparedness in an uncertain world

− 6 − Future Workplaces The relationship between people, place, performance, experience and evolving work

− 7 − World Workplace Live* How FM leaders are navigating shifts in an increasingly complex environment

− 8 − FM Solutions

Innovative tools and real-world solutions for tackling every-day challenges

*Sessions in this track will be livestreamed for virtual attendees.

Conference Education Program Sponsored by

View all sessions

The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026 BEST VALUE: Full event includes all sessions, speakers, networking activities and The Expo. Register at worldworkplace.ifma.org

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CONTRIBUTORS Marc Mascarello is the head of design at Invi Air, where he has been working since 2018. After graduating with a master’s

Keiry Salgado is the Scheduling and Candidacy Coordinator for NEBB, in charge of reviewing candidate applications and scheduling exams.

degree in architecture from Columbia University, he has

more than 10 years of experience in the fields of fabrication and architecture. His broad base of knowledge and skills in these fields has allowed him to synthesize design and detail with highly engineered components.

Jeff Schools is the Past President of NEBB and currently works with the NEBB Headquarters team, NEBB committee chairs, and Compliance members as NEBB Technical Director.

Darryl DeAngelis has served as director of business development for EBTRON since 2018. He holds a B.S. in Marine Engineering from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. He has more than 40

years of experience in the HVAC industry, along with four related patents and LEED AP accreditation. A longtime ASHRAE member, DeAngelis has served on numerous technical and standards committees. Currently, he serves as chair of the 62.1 Ventilation Subcommittee and as past chair of TC 7.7 Testing and Balancing.

Samantha Hawa, is the Exam Development and LMS Manager for NEBB and one of her primary roles is to manage NLC, the

online learning platform. She has over 20 years of experience in managing various online training and education programs.

Christina Spence serves as NEBB’s Operations Manager, supporting the Executive Vice President and key administrative

functions. She assists with the organization’s financial operations, helping keep NEBB running smoothly and efficiently.

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

EVP Update

By Tiffany J. Meyers, NEBB Executive Vice President

Working Together to Support NEBB Certification NEBB Headquarters and our Chapters share a commitment to consistent certification administration and strong local connections.

to a local Chapter or to NEBB HQ in accordance with NEBB’s governing documents. Our Chapters provide the relationships, knowledge, and support that help connect those Firms to the broader NEBB community. Today, NEBB HQ manages Firm Certification applica tions, individual certification and recertification appli cations, and coordinates administration of the Quality Assurance Program (QAP). Bringing these functions together supports a consistent review process and gives applicants, Certified Individuals, and Certified Firms a clear place to submit documentation and re ceive guidance. The transition of all Firm Certification applications to NEBB HQ has been an important part of this effort. As NEBB has grown nationally and internationally, we have recognized the need for a consistent process for both initial certification and certification-relat ed changes involving existing Certified Firms. Firms should understand what is required, where to submit their information, and how their applications will move through review.

As NEBB continues to grow and evolve, we share a common priority: ensuring that our certification pro grams are administered consistently, fairly, and in ac cordance with the same requirements for everyone we serve. Meeting that responsibility takes coordination between NEBB Headquarters (NEBB HQ), our Chap ters, and the volunteers and staff who support our pro grams every day. Over the past several years, we have continued to eval uate how responsibilities are shared between NEBB HQ and our Chapters. In 2026, we took another step in that process by bringing key certification adminis tration functions together at NEBB HQ and clarifying how HQ and the Chapters work together throughout the process. NEBB is an international certification association that certifies Firms, Professionals, and Technicians. Certi fied Professionals and Certified Technicians are certi fied by and affiliated directly with NEBB. NEBB Certi fied Firms are also certified by NEBB and are assigned

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

Clear responsibilities help us coordinate our work, maintain complete records, and answer questions more effectively. Together, these efforts support the same goal: ensuring that the NEBB credential rep resents a consistent standard wherever it is held. Chapters continue to play an essential role in promot ing NEBB, its programs, Procedural Standards, and ob jectives. Through relationships with engineers, speci fication writers, and others in the industry, Chapters help build awareness of NEBB and the value of certifi cation throughout the areas they serve. That work also includes continuing education, recerti fication seminars, TAB Certified Technician seminars, TAB practical examinations, instrument verification, and other designated certification-related activities. These programs depend on the time, experience, and commitment of Chapter leadership, coordinators, and volunteers. Their contributions help our Certified Firms and Individuals stay connected, informed, and supported. Instrument verification is one example of the coordi nation this requires. Chapter volunteers and coordi nators work directly with Certified Firms to arrange

verifications, identify qualified individuals to perform them, and maintain the necessary documentation. Their work supports an important certification require ment and provides Firms with knowledgeable local assistance. I want to personally thank our Chapter leadership, co ordinators, volunteers, and those performing instru ment verifications for their continued partnership. I recognize the time and effort these responsibilities require, often alongside your own professional com mitments, and I appreciate all you do to support NEBB. As we continue implementing these changes, com munication between HQ and the Chapters remains essential. Your questions and feedback help us identify where guidance can be clearer and where additional coordination would be helpful. We will continue work ing together to make the process understandable and consistent for everyone involved. We all have a role in maintaining the credibility and value of NEBB certification. Thank you for your contin ued leadership and for working with us to support our Certified Firms, Certified Individuals, and the industry we serve.

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

Low Visibility, High Impact: An HVAC decision that improves occupant comfort

By Marc Mascarello

Facility managers are responsible for a lot at once: en ergy efficiency, maintenance costs, code compliance, occupant comfort and the daily realities of keeping a building running. But at the center of all of that is a simple truth: the spaces FM teams manage are meant to support the people inside them. When those spaces quietly work against occupants, everything else suffers too. That is why indoor air quality (IAQ) deserves close attention. It directly affects how people feel, work and move through a space, yet it is often considered only at the system level. HVAC equipment, filtration and ductwork tend to get the most focus. The diffus er, however, is often treated as an afterthought, even though it is the point where conditioned air actually enters the room. Most commercial office buildings are sealed environ ments. Occupants have no ability to self-regulate their air — no window to crack and no way to introduce fresh airflow independently. That places the full re sponsibility for IAQ on the building's mechanical sys tems, and by extension, on the FM teams who specify and maintain them. As occupancy rises throughout the day, CO2 accumulates, and cognitive performance measurably declines, which directly affects concentra tion, decision-making, and energy in ways occupants often cannot articulate but consistently feel.

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

Understanding this dynamic is the first step. The sec ond? Recognizing where the system most commonly falls short, not at the unit or the ductwork level, but at the point of delivery itself. How diffuser selection directly impacts occupant comfort & air distribution Specification discussions around HVAC tend to focus on the big-ticket components— equipment selection, filtration standards, and ductwork design. These mat ter, but they do not tell the whole story. The diffuser is the final step in the air delivery process, and it has a direct impact on how conditioned air moves through the occupied space. When a diffuser is not well-suited to the environment, the effects are easy to feel. One area may be stuffy and stagnant, while another feels cold or drafty. A conference room may become uncomfortable halfway through a meeting. Open office areas may develop hot and cold spots that lead to recurring complaints. Occupants rarely identify the diffuser as the source, but they know when a space does not feel right.

Material selection can help solve the issue. Traditional metal diffusers conduct heat and are susceptible to condensation in humid or heavily air-conditioned envi ronments, creating a maintenance liability that signals a deeper performance gap. Over time, moisture can also contribute to avoidable health and maintenance concerns, from mold risk to rust on metal compo nents. Composite diffuser alternatives distribute air more evenly, reduce condensation by up to 95 per cent, and reduce the long-term maintenance burden that FM teams are often left quietly managing in the background. Material selection affects more than air distribution and maintenance; it also has a direct bear ing on another occupant experience factor that rarely comes up in diffuser conversations: noise. Acoustics: The specification for diffusers most FMs miss Acoustic performance is an established FM priority, especially in workplace design. FMs invest meaning fully in ceiling and wall panels, partitions, flooring ma terials and treatments to manage sound transmission

READ, QUIZ, EARN! After reading the full issue, please go to the NEBB Learning Center at https://nlc.nebb.org to take a 5-question quiz to earn 0.25 NEBB CEC!

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

Composite diffusers move air more smoothly, with no movable or metal parts, helping reduce turbulence that causes diffuser noise and eliminating the persistent ticking found with metal diffusers. The result is a quiet er delivery system that supports the acoustic environ ment rather than working against it. In spaces where FMs have already invested in acoustic treatments, that distinction matters. A diffuser that adds noise at the ceiling level can quietly undermine those investments. For FM who view the workplace as a whole, diffuser selection is a practical way to close the loop. Acoustics should not be addressed only through finishes and fur niture if the air delivery system is still contributing un wanted noise. Diffuser selection has historically been treated as a late-stage, low-priority line item, chosen for price or availability rather than performance. That approach leaves measurable value on the table. Diffusers touch air distribution, acoustic comfort, condensation risk, health hazards and long-term maintenance burden simultaneously. They deserve to be specified with the same care applied to other building performance components. A diffuser’s first job is simple, but critical: moving air evenly through the space. Not every product performs the same way in every environment. Open offices, private offices, meeting rooms, corridors and collab oration areas all have different needs. A diffuser that works well in one area may not be the right fit for another. In open-plan offices, uneven air distribution can cre ate microclimates across the same floor. One group of employees may feel cold, while another area feels stagnant. The thermostat often becomes the first thing people blame, but adjusting the temperature does not always solve the underlying issue. In some cases, it simply moves the discomfort somewhere else. Condensation and moisture risk are underweighted until they become visible. In humid climates or heavi ly air-conditioned spaces, metal diffusers are prone to Reframing diffuser specification as a performance decision

and support occupant focus. What often goes unex amined is how the HVAC delivery system, specifically the diffuser, can contribute to the very noise problem those investment decisions are trying to solve. Metal diffusers can generate turbulence-driven noise and whistling and can also cause annoying popping or clicking noises as metal hardware in the diffuser expands and contracts, which adds a persistent layer to the office soundscape. In open-plan environments with hard surfaces and limited absorption, that noise compounds. Occupants may not identify the source, but they feel the cumulative effect — a subtle yet con stant friction that makes concentration and comfort hard.

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

sweating. It is a symptom that looks cosmetic on the surface but signals a deeper performance and main tenance problem. Ceiling staining, moisture accumu lation, and the perception of a poorly maintained en vironment all trace back to material selection at the diffuser level. Composite alternatives are significantly less susceptible to this failure, reducing both the lia bility and the recurring remediation costs that facility teams absorb quietly over time. Acoustic performance should be requested, docu mented, and evaluated the same way FMs approach any other building component with measurable noise implications. Diffuser noise is not subjective; it is a byproduct of turbulence, and it varies meaningfully across products. Asking manufacturers for acoustic performance data and factoring it into selection deci sions closes a gap that most specification processes currently leave open. Life cycle maintenance is where diffuser selection has the longest impact. The question is not just how a dif fuser performs on day one, but how that performance holds across years of operation.

How frequently does it need to be cleaned or serviced? How does debris accumulation affect airflow over time? Composite diffusers tend to carry lower mainte nance burdens across both metrics, an advantage that compounds significantly when applied across a large floorplate or a multi-building portfolio. The best HVAC decisions are often the ones occu pants never have to think about. Occupants do not no tice when the air is distributed evenly, when the ceiling stays clean and dry, or the building’s background noise is quiet enough to let them focus. They simply experi ence a space that feels comfortable and works the way it should. Getting diffusers right is one of the highest-impact, lowest-visibility decisions in the specification process. The components no one notices when they are work ing correctly are often the ones worth getting right, because when they fall short, occupants feel it before anyone can explain why. FMJ Extra|Research A Controlled Exposure Study of Green & Conventional Office Environments https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26502459/

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We bring it all together. AHR Expo brings the HVACR industry together in one place. Explore 1,500+ exhibitors, experience the latest innovations, and connect with the people and ideas shaping the future of HVACR.

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

Toolbox

NEBB Stamps and Certificates By Jeff Schools

NEBB Certification stamps are the property of NEBB and must be returned to NEBB upon demand. It can not be used by the Certified Firm whose name it bears without the consent of the Certified Professional whose name it bears. It also may not be used by the Certified Professional without the consent of the Certified Firm whose name it bears. Although some may feel that this verbiage is a lit tle stringent, be confident that it was put in place to assure that a report has been completed that meets NEBB requirements and Procedural Standards and that a NEBB Certified Professional is standing behind the work.

As we all know, NEBB issues certificates to Certified Firms, Certified Professionals and Certified Technicians. These certificates recognize that the Certified Firm, Certified Professional and Certified Technician have met all of the NEBB requirements and possess the re quired knowledge and skills to perform the work. The NEBB stamp is issued in the applicable disci pline to Certified Firms for certifying work performed in accordance with the NEBB Procedural Standards. This stamp bears the title of the applicable discipline, the name of the Certified Firm, and the name of the Certified Professional employed by the Certified Firm. Each stamp bears an expiration date of the Firm’s an nual recertification. The NEBB stamp is discipline, Firm and Professional specific. It may not be used to validate work in a dis cipline other than the one embossed on the stamp. Also, it may not be used by Firm or Professional not embossed on it. Obsolete or expired stamps may not be used for any purpose. OOLBOX

THE

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

Rethinking Demand-controlled Ventilation: What FMs should know

By Darryl DeAngelis

Demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) has long been promoted as a strategy to reduce energy consumption by adjusting outdoor airflow based on occupancy. In practice, many systems rely on carbon dioxide (CO2) levels as a proxy for the number of people in a space. However, while CO2-based DCV has been widely adopted for decades, its limitations are becoming in creasingly apparent — especially as facility managers are expected to deliver energy efficiency and verified indoor air quality (IAQ), occupant comfort and com pliance with evolving standards. Although the use of CO2 as an indicator of ventilation dates back 170 years, it was research in the 1980s led by P. Ole Fanger that shaped the modern use of CO2 DCV. His work established relationships among ven tilation rates, CO2 concentrations and perceived air quality to unadapted persons as it relates to body odor. Where CO2-based DCV comes from

This research informed early versions of ventilation standards, including ASHRAE Standard 62, which associated acceptable IAQ with approximately 1,000 ppm CO2 under typical conditions. It is important to note that this was based on an outdoor air CO2 lev el of 350 ppm, which has risen to an average of 425 ppm today. As CO2 sensor technology became more affordable in the 1990s, it enabled broader implemen tation of DCV strategies in commercial buildings. The problem: CO2 is not a direct measure of ventilation While CO2 can indicate occupancy trends, it is not a direct measurement of outdoor airflow. Several factors make CO2-based DCV inherently uncertain: • Variable CO2 generation rates (varies by age, gender, diet and activity level), which are typi cally unknown variables at design, commission ing, and test and balance that result in incorrect setpoints for CO2 and outdoor air rates.

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• Indoor CO2 levels are influenced by outdoor CO2 concentrations, which are constantly ris ing and can fluctuate with season and locality. • Sampling error or placement of CO2 sensors can provide a lower or higher reading than ac tual conditions. • CO2 DCV is based upon achieving a steady state condition, and it is being used for a dy namic control. • CO2 DCV has inherent lag to actual population due to the need to fill a space volume to achieve steady state. • CO2 sensors have natural drift, can get dirty or degrade, and require periodic recalibration or replacement. • Air that reduces indoor CO2 levels does not necessarily have to come from outdoors; it only has to come from a source with less CO2 but may contain other contaminants. This makes tracking airflows and pressurization important. • Control logic is often incorrect, such as waiting until the room reaches a steady state condition (e.g., 1,500 ppm) resulting in under-ventilation,

or setting too aggressive a setpoint (e.g., 800 ppm), which can lead to overventilation.

As a result, an organization may unintentionally: •

underventilate its facility, affecting IAQ and occupant well-being, or overventilate , impacting comfort, increas ing energy use and operational costs.

•

The lag effect & steady state: Why timing matters

One of the most significant — and often overlooked — challenges of CO2-based DCV is lag. CO2 does not instantly reflect actual population. It takes time for CO2 to accumulate and reach a measurable level within the room and even longer to reach steady state. In large-volume environments such as theaters, gyms or auditoriums, this delay can be substantial. The effect is amplified when the actual occupancy is low er than design, which is the point of DCV to begin with.

READ, QUIZ, EARN! After reading the full issue, please go to the NEBB Learning Center at https://nlc.nebb.org to take a 5-question quiz to earn 0.25 NEBB CEC!

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

rates that are less than those required for the actual population. Because DCV is a form of dynamic reset, it also requires building exfiltration (building pressuriza tion) to be maintained under all DCV conditions.

• Large volume spaces may take an hour or many hours to reach measurable changes in CO2 levels.

• Ventilation systems that wait for CO2 to rise before responding are always reacting too late.

•

Steady state values for different space types are provided Control logic that requires ventilation to be no less than area component airflow rate and increase immediately upon a rise in indoor CO2 levels above outdoor levels Includes minimum requirements for CO2 sensor placement Documentation requirements for min imum and maximum airflow rates and description of equipment, methods, control sequences Required operation and maintenance an nual and biennial verification and trien nial validation of CO2 sensor calibration, setpoints, airflow rates and sequences

This means occupants may experience periods of in adequate ventilation before systems respond. For ex ample, a 1,500-square-foot, 20-foot-high movie the ater with 150 seats may take 90-105 minutes for the whole volume to fill with CO2 exhaled from the audi ence and reach equilibrium. This is the lag. If the control logic waited for the CO2 to reach level, such as 1,000 ppm, then it is at least 20 minutes before ventilation starts and is always lagging. The problem is worse when fewer patrons attend the film. If only 50 people purchased tickets, then it would take 35 minutes to reach 1,000 ppm and five-and-a half hours to reach a steady state.

•

•

•

•

What current standards say

ASHRAE Standard 62.1 requires DCV to be reset to the current population that shall not result in ventilation

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Recent updates also acknowledge CO2 DCV uncer tainties and incorporated: A better approach: Know the population & measure airflow rates

Note: even if CO2 sensors are used instead of counting, airflow measurement is still key to maintaining limits and pressurization.

For facility managers, the takeaway is clear.

The most reliable way to deliver proper ventilation is to base it on actual occupancy and to incorporate direct airflow measurements.

Special considerations for DOAS

In dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS), accurate airflow measurement becomes even more critical. According to ASHRAE design guidance, ventilation performance in DOAS applications requires: • measurement at the zone level • control of airflow based on actual demand • accommodation for pressure and system variability Without measurement, verifying proper ventilation in these systems becomes difficult. Next steps for FMs As expectations around IAQ, energy performance and compliance increase, FMs should: • question reliance on CO2 alone as a control strategy • verify that ventilation aligns with actual occupancy • incorporate measurement where possible • trend and analyze data over time to validate performance DCV remains a valuable strategy, but only when imple mented with a clear understanding of its limitations.

Emerging and practical alternatives include:

• Occupancy-based inputs (e.g., badge systems, ticketing, scheduling data, people counters)

• Direct outdoor airflow measurement systems

• Integrated building controls that respond to re al-time conditions

For example, in a theater:

• ticket sales provide a direct number of occupants

• ventilation rates can be calculated based on known requirements of airflow rate per person

• minimum rates can be limited to the higher of the area airflow rate or the rate required for proper pressurization • maximum rates can be limited to the design outdoor airflow rates so that overventilation does not occur

• airflow rates are then adjusted for the actual oc cupancy — without waiting for CO2 to rise

As building performance expectations rise, ventilation must be measured and verified rather than assumed.

This approach eliminates inherent uncertainties, elim inates under- and overventilation, and reduces CO2 sensor maintenance related activities while allowing airflow measurement to validate rates.

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

Turn Your Screen Time into CECs: Discover the NEBB Learning Center By Samantha Hawa

Your NEBB certification represents your commitment to excellence—and keeping that certification current means continuing to learn, grow, and stay ahead of an ever-changing industry. The NEBB Learning Center (NLC) makes it easier than ever to turn professional development into progress. With more than 50 on line courses covering NEBB disciplines and a variety of technical topics, the NLC puts valuable education at your fingertips. Whether you have time between proj ects, a few minutes at the end of the workday, or want to dedicate time to professional development, you can access training when and where it works for you. Best of all, your learning can translate directly into NEBB approved Continuing Education Credits (CECs). Getting started is simple. Once you create a free ac count, log in to the NEBB Learning Center and browse the growing selection of courses to find topics that match your certification, career goals, and profession al interests. Courses incorporate videos, presentations, interactive content, and knowledge checks to make on line learning engaging and practical. Each course iden

tifies the CECs available, so you can easily plan your education throughout the year. Some courses may also offer AIA Learning Units, giving you an opportunity to gain additional professional education from the same training experience. With convenient online access, there’s no need to wait for the next in-person training event to invest in your professional development. Why wait until recertification is approaching? Make the NEBB Learning Center part of your professional de velopment routine today. Certified Professionals need six NEBB-approved CECs annually, while Certified Technicians need three—and the NLC provides a con venient resource for meeting those requirements while expanding your knowledge. Take a course, sharpen your skills, explore a new topic, and earn CECs along the way. Your NEBB certification is an investment in your career. The NEBB Learning Center helps you make that investment count. Log in today, explore the courses, and turn your next learning opportunity into progress toward your CEC goals.

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

PRE CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE PRE CONFERENCE PROGRAM GUIDE

REMAINING RESILIENT DURING CHANGING TIMES

REMAINING RESILIENT DURING CHANGING TIMES

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Welcome to Asheville North Carolina Y’all, Y’uns! While most of us down south say Y’all, many in this community will say Y’uns. Enjoy the unique local culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville is a welcoming community the late Billy Graham’s message to “Come as you are”. I chose Asheville to support the people of this community from the destruction of Hurricane Helene that struck on September 27, 2024. The storm produced 75 mph winds and severe flooding, resulting in 108 deaths and approximately $59.6 billion in damage across western NC. Thank you for your commitment to NEBB and your support of the people of Asheville, NC as they continue to bounce back from Helene. The people in this area are “mountain folk” where community resilience truly cements Asheville as a special destination. There are many things you may enjoy seeing or doing while here in the area.

• Biltmore Estate: Is a historic 8,000-acre attraction, featuring America’s largest private home. Built by George Vanderbilt in 1895, the sprawling 250-room French Renaissance chateau showcases Gilded Age opulence, extensive gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, an estate winery, and Antler Hill Village. We are hosting our Get-Acquainted Reception at the Deerpark venue and the guest tour will be of the Biltmore Estate. • The Resilient River Arts District: Though heavily impacted by flooding, this neighborhood is staging an inspiring comeback. This is a must-visit location. • Food and Drink: Taste your way through the award-winning culinary scene and find out why they are known as "Beer City, USA." • The Great Outdoors: Drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway or hike the trails at Craggy Gardens and Looking Glass Rock. • The Grove Park Inn: This historical inn is another must-see, especially if you enjoy an excellent spa. We will enjoy this golf course for our annual tournament. • The Birth of Bee City USA: Asheville City Council voted unanimously to become the inaugural Bee City USA on June 26, 2012. Sweet Spots: Where to Experience Asheville's Bee Culture • The Urban Honey Bar: For a fully immersive taste of the region's honey culture, head to The Bee Charmer in downtown Asheville. Founded by Jillian and Kim, this unique local store features a honey-tasting bar where visitors can try diverse small-batch artisanal flavors—ranging from smoky ghost pepper and sourwood to local wildflower honey. • Rooftop Honeybee Colonies: Honeybees are part of the landscape even in the heart of downtown. The Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel maintains a rooftop apiary housing roughly 70,000 honeybees. This corporate conservation effort was launched in direct partnership with local researchers to raise awareness for urban pollinator health. This is our host hotel! • Hands-on Honeybee Safaris: For a deep dive into apiary science, the Center for Honeybee Research hosts guided "Honeybee Safaris". Led by conservation experts, these educational experiences allow visitors to slip into protective gear, hold a frame buzzing with thousands of bees, and tour active wildlife research colonies. • Native Pollinator Sanctuaries: The Botanical Gardens at Asheville protect over 600 species of native Appalachian plants. This pesticide-free urban habitat provides essential, clean nutrition for the region's native bees and honeybees throughout the spring and summer blooming seasons. Thank you for BEEing you and for BEEing with us as we cross-pollinate each other with knowledge and wisdom. You can’t spell NEBB without two B’s!

Rodney Hinton 2026 NEBB President

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

2026 NEBB CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

TIME

MONDAY OCTOBER 19

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

TAB CT Seminar

TUESDAY OCTOBER 20

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

TAB CT Seminar

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21

8:00 am – 12:00 pm 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

TAB CT Seminar

Closed Committee Meetings

Annual Conference Pre-Registration Open

NEBB Exam Day

Appreciation Dinner - Invite Only

THURSDAY OCTOBER 22

6:30 am – 2:30 pm 10:00 am – 6:00 pm 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

NEBB 28th Annual Golf Tournament - Registration Required

Annual Conference Registration

Exhibit Hall Hours

NEBB Past President’s Meeting - Closed

Opening Session: Welcome and Keynote Presentation Keynote Speaker: Tiran Jackson

6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Get Acquainted Reception at Biltmore Estate - Full Conference and Guest Registrants Only

FRIDAY OCTOBER 23

7:00 am – 4:00 pm 7:00 am – 5:00 pm 7:30 am – 8:30 am 9:00 am – 10:00 am 10:00 am – 10:30 am 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Annual Conference Registration

Exhibit Hall Hours

Breakfast

NEBB TOWN HALL NETWORKING BREAK

TECHNICAL TRACK SESSIONS Track 1 (Cx): Developing Commissioning Functional Performance Tests Track 2 (CPT Technology): Updates to the CPT Procedural Standard, Including NEW Secondary Tests

11:30 am – 12:30 pm 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

NETWORKING LUNCHEON

TECHNICAL TRACK SESSIONS Track 1 (TAB): The Science Behind Flow Hydraulics Track 2 (Industry): Building a Resilient Workforce for a Sustainable Future

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

2026 NEBB CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

TIME

FRIDAY OCTOBER 23

1:30 pm – 1:45 pm 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm

AFTERNOON BREAK

TECHNICAL TRACK SESSIONS Track 1 (S&V): The Use of Discreet Frequency Vibration Levels to Identify Vibration Causality Track 2 (Industry): Speaking the FM Language: Connecting TAB Certification to Facility Priorities

SATURDAY OCTOBER 24

7:00 am – 8:00 am 7:00 am – 12:00 pm 7:00 am – 5:00 pm 8:00 am – 10:00 am 10:00 am – 10:30 am 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Breakfast

Annual Conference Registration

Exhibit Hall Hours

NEBB Discipline Panel NETWORKING BREAK

TECHNICAL TRACK SESSIONS Track 1 (BET): Building Envelope Systems Resilience Considerations Track 2 (TAB and Cx): Complexity and Challenges of Hydronic Systems Balancing

11:30 am – 12:30 pm 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

NETWORKING LUNCHEON

TECHNICAL TRACK SESSIONS Track 1 (TAB): NEBB TAB Professional Standard 10th Edition Understanding the Edits Track 2 (Business): Leaders Own the Climb

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Closing Session - Full Conference Registrants Only Vendor Reception - Full Conference Registrants Only

SUNDAY OCTOBER 25

8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Board of Directors Meeting – OPEN

*NOTE: Track sessions and meals are open to Full Conference and One-Day Registrants on their registered day only. Schedule times subject to change.

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 CONFERENCE SPONSORS

GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSORS

PLEASE PLAN ON VISITING OUR EXHIBITORS!

Exhibits will be set up for learning opportunities between sessions. The following exhibitors have signed up with more to come!

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

2026 NEBB CONFERENCE ADVANCE PROGRAM

OPENING SESSION: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 • 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM 1-CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CEC) AND 1-AIA CREDIT (LU)

WELCOME AND KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Tiran Jackson Rebuilding Balance: Resilience, Leadership, and Performance Under Pressure In the world of building performance, precision matters. When systems are out of balance, performance su ers. The same is true for individuals, teams, and organizations. As NEBB professionals, you are often called upon to solve complex problems, identify deficiencies, navigate unforeseen challenges, and restore systems to peak performance. Yet the greatest challenges we face are not always technical. They are personal, professional, and human.

In this powerful opening keynote, Tiran Jackson shares his extraordinary journey of overcoming devastating loss, life altering adversity, and unimaginable setbacks to rebuild a life filled with purpose, impact, and success. Through his signature ROADMAP to Resilience framework, attendees will discover how the same principles used to restore balance and optimize performance in buildings can be applied to leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. Participants will learn how to remain steady during uncertainty, lead e ectively through change, maintain focus under pressure, and transform setbacks into opportunities for growth and innovation. Through compelling storytelling, practical insights, and actionable strategies, Tiran challenges attendees to develop the resilience necessary to thrive in an industry where adaptability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement are essential. Whether facing workforce challenges, industry changes, project pressures, economic uncertainty, or personal obstacles, attendees will leave inspired and equipped to build stronger teams, strengthen their leadership, and perform at a higher level both professionally and personally. Key Takeaways: • Lead with confidence during periods of uncertainty and change • Develop resilience strategies for managing pressure, setbacks, and adversity • Strengthen team culture, engagement, and performance through intentional leadership • Learn how to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation • Discover practical tools for maintaining focus, balance, and e ectiveness under stress • Understand how resilience drives long-term performance excellence in both people and organizations Because true performance excellence isn't achieved when everything is working perfectly. It's revealed when challenges arise and leaders choose to keep moving forward. Tiran Jackson is a nationally recognized resiliency expert, inspirational speaker, author, and life coach who helps individuals and organizations overcome adversity, navigate change, and lead with resilience. Through powerful storytelling and practical strategies, he inspires audiences to strengthen their mindset, push through challenges, and turn setbacks into opportunities for growth and transformation. Tiran is the founder of Reborn Resilient and author of Choosing Resilience. His message empowers people to find the strength within and become resilient in times of adversity.

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

2026 NEBB CONFERENCE ADVANCE PROGRAM

TECHNICAL TRACK SESSIONS: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

TRACK 1: CX 10:30 am – 11:30 am Developing Commissioning Functional Performance Tests SPEAKER: Ted Salkin – Commissioning Professional (Retired)

1 CEC AND 1 AIA LU CREDIT

Writing Functional Performance Test Procedures for Commissioning projects is a challenging task, but arguably is one of the most valuable steps in the overall Cx process. This session provides a comprehensive method on how to develop customized, complete, and rigorous test scripts to verify that building systems are working as intended, in all scenarios. The field execution success of Cx Functional Tests is highly dependent on the quality and detail of the prepared procedures and checklists. SPEAKER BIO: Ted Salkin was Director of Commissioning for NORESCO Sustainability Services, performed hundreds of Cx projects and managed a Cx staƒ of 20 commissioning engineers. Ted is a Past President of NEBB and currently serving on the NEBB Cx Committee and MAEBA Chapter Board of Directors and Technical Committee.

TRACK 2: CPT TECHNOLOGY 10:30 am – 11:30 am Updates to the CPT Procedural Standard, Including NEW Secondary Tests SPEAKER: Ti any Russell – Chairman, NEBB CPT Committee

1 CEC AND 1 AIA LU CREDIT

With the release of the new Procedural Standard, there are new secondary tests to share that were not in the previous version. Industry experts colaborated to expand the capability of those that perform Cleanroom Performance Testing, by sharing their knowledge. SPEAKER BIO: A NEBB Certified Professional and Subject Matter Expert in Cleanroom Performance Testing, this presenter brings more than 26 years of global industry experience. Their expertise includes cleanroom certification, construction consulting, protocol management, facility audits, and specification development. They are an active industry leader advancing cleanroom education, standards, and best practices.

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026

2026 NEBB CONFERENCE ADVANCE PROGRAM

TECHNICAL TRACK SESSIONS: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

TRACK 1: TAB 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm The Science Behind Flow Hydraulics SPEAKER: Brent Baird – CEO, Instruments Direct

1 CEC AND 1 AIA LU CREDIT

Dive into the fascinating world of flow hydraulics to unlock the full potential of your hydronic systems. This presentation o ers a unique blend of technical depth and engaging storytelling, guiding you through the evolution of hydraulic science from the engineering marvels of ancient Roman aqueducts to the intricate chiller systems operating in today’s hospitals. We will delve into the foundational principles and calculations introduced by pioneering scientists such as Reynolds, Bernoulli, Pascal, Parshall, and Manning, among others. Tailored specifically for professionals in the HVAC, Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB), and Commissioning industries, this session promises to enrich your understanding of both the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of hydronics. You will gain comprehensive insights into the essential theory, equipment, installation practices, and pragmatic solutions to common challenges within the field. Moreover, this presentation distinguishes itself by drawing upon the firsthand experiences of a presenter with over four decades of expertise in hydronics. SPEAKER BIO: Brent Baird is an entrepreneur and industry expert with 40 years of experience in ultrasonic flow meter technology. Owner of Instruments Direct Inc., he is a sought-after speaker, author, video producer, and host of the Flow Meter Guy Podcast, where he shares business insights and interviews successful industry leaders.

TRACK 2: INDUSTRY 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Building a Resilient Workforce for a Sustainable Future

1 CEC AND 1 AIA LU CREDIT

SPEAKER: Dennis Knight – 2024-2025 ASHRAE Presidential Member, Whole Building Systems, LLC (Retired) The session will connect industry needs with practical action. It will examine why the HVAC&R and building performance workforce is under pressure even as global demand for HVAC systems and building renovation continues to grow, and why the solution requires stronger storytelling, broader career pathways, intentional mentoring, and continuous technical upskilling. It will show how NEBB firms can strengthen recruitment, improve retention, support certification culture, and build teams that are prepared to work with new technologies while preserving the craft knowledge and field judgment that define quality performance verification. SPEAKER BIO: Dennis Knight, P.E., BEMP, Fellow Life Member ASHRAE, served as ASHRAE President (2024–2025), championing workforce development through his theme, Empowering Our Workforce: Building a Sustainable Future. A lifelong industry advocate, he promotes mentoring, education, and professional development to build the next generation of HVAC&R leaders for a sustainable future.

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The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2026