Are You Microgrid Ready?

Interface invites you to attend the next installment of our 2025 High Performance Buildings Educational Series, Are You Microgrid Ready?, presented by Principals Craig Burton PE, LEED AP and Cody Bargholz PE, LEED AP, LC.

This course explores microgrids and microgrid-ready design as practical strategies for enhancing building resilience and operational continuity during grid disruptions. Participants will discover how distributed energy systems can protect critical building functions while creating opportunities for renewable integration and energy cost optimization. The session examines the transition from traditional grid dependence to flexible, building-scale energy systems that can operate independently or in coordination with utility power. Through real-world case studies and technical examples, attendees will understand the core components of microgrids, the value of microgrid-ready infrastructure, and practical approaches to phased implementation. By the end of this course, participants will recognize how thoughtful electrical infrastructure planning can create buildings that maintain essential services during outages while positioning projects for future energy technologies and economic opportunities.

Pending: Attendees will earn 1 AIA LU|HSW

Learning Objective 1:
Understand Grid Vulnerabilities and Microgrid Benefits: Recognize common causes of power disruptions and explore how microgrids provide operational continuity for critical building systems.

Learning Objective 2:
Explore Microgrid-Ready Design Strategies: Discover how to incorporate flexible electrical infrastructure that enables future microgrid capabilities without requiring large upfront investments.

Learning Objective 3:
Recognize Load Priority Principles: Understand how to organize building electrical systems into priority tiers that balance operational needs with available backup power resources.

Learning Objective 4:
Incorporate Renewable Energy and Storage Opportunities: Learn about integrating solar PV, battery storage, and other distributed energy resources within microgrid and microgrid-ready designs to enhance efficiency and resilience.

October 14^th, 12 PM EST & 12 PM PST

RSVP for Session One: 12 pm EST

RSVP for Session Two: 12 pm PST

About the presenters:

Craig Burton PE, LEED AP, Principal

Craig focuses on the analysis and integration of high-performance design strategies for both new and existing buildings and urban environments. Concentrating on the intersection of architecture and engineering practices, he leverages performance data, analytics, and whole life cycle costing to advocate for higher-performing solutions. His experience spans from conducting energy audits on existing buildings to designing an energy-positive master plan for an international expo in Kazakhstan. Craig has worked in the MEP and sustainability sector for over 20 years.

Cody Bargholz PE, LEED AP, LC, Principal

Cody joined Interface in 2017, bringing a strong background in design, project management, construction supervision, and cost estimation. He specializes in electrical systems for schools, historic buildings, libraries, recreational centers, and healthcare facilities, designing medium and low voltage power distribution, lighting and controls, grounding, structured cabling, fire alarm, and security systems. An award-winning lighting designer, Cody is a LEED Accredited Professional and Certified Lighting Consultant, known for blending technical precision with creative vision to deliver high-performance, sustainable solutions.