Energy management system advisor training
The Energy Efficiency Council and the NSW Government have developed a new professional development course for energy services professionals
Whether looking to improve their budget bottom line or committing to achieve net zero emissions, leading businesses are reviewing their energy strategy and management.
Many businesses consider opportunities for energy performance improvements in an ad hoc way. By contrast, implementing an energy management system (EnMS) unlocks continuous improvement, and the financial and other benefits that go along with it. An EnMS integrates an energy management framework into existing business systems, enabling businesses to understand their energy use and implement a strategic approach to energy management.
An EnMS establishes a systematic approach to energy management. This includes energy strategy development, energy management planning, implementation of plans, and ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) created ISO 50001 to provide organisations with an internationally recognised framework for developing an effective EnMS. While ISO 50001 is not right for every business, all energy intensive businesses should have an EnMS that allows them to effectively manage their energy use.
ENERGY SERVICES PROFESSIONALS’ ROLE IN SUPPORTING BUSINESSES WITH ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Many businesses need support in the process of developing and implementing an effective EnMS. Energy services professionals that are supporting businesses on this journey need a range of competencies – knowledge, skills and experience – including:
- Traditional business ‘soft skills’;
- Energy strategy; and
- Technical energy expertise.
To facilitate the development or refinement of these competencies, the Energy Efficiency Council and the NSW Government have developed a new professional development course for energy services professionals. The aim of this is to ensure that there is a sufficient number of quality energy services professionals available to support businesses with implementing an EnMS, and energy performance improvements more generally.
The creation of this course supports the NSW Government’s goal of reducing businesses’ energy bills – particularly those of energy intensive businesses like manufacturers and agribusinesses – and improving the reliability and sustainability of electricity in the state.
ENMS ADVISOR CERTIFICATION PATHWAY
As part of the Energy Efficiency Council's drive to support Australian businesses with reducing their energy costs and emissions - and to support their members and the wider energy services industry with helping them do just that - the Council is working with the Commonwealth and Victorian governments, alongside the NSW Government, on developing a professional certification pathway for EnMS advisors. This professional certification will be intrinsically linked to the EnMS advisor course, and course participants will have the opportunity to be part of the first cohort to become certified EnMS advisors when certification begins from July this year.
ABOUT ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ADVISOR TRAINING
The Energy Efficiency Council and the NSW Government have worked with an energy specialist and a business ‘soft skills’ specialist to develop a three-day online training program for EnMS advisors. The program encompasses both the technical and ‘soft skills’ necessary to support businesses through an effective EnMS process but has a strong focus on developing the participant’s skills as a trusted advisor.
Participants will learn how to effectively engage with and influence businesses to enable them to realise the best possible energy performance outcomes through the implementation of an EnMS. The course also covers the technical aspects of an EnMS at an intermediate level, with ISO50001 being reviewed as a pathway to achieving an effective EnMS. The course modules are structured as follows:
- Module one: setting the scene: the business imperative;
- Module two: introduction to energy management systems and their core elements; and
- Module three: engaging and influencing to become an effective EnMS advisor.
After completing the EnMS advisor training program there is a short test to assess competency. The assessment will be undertaken remotely following the completion of the three modules.
In the context of COVID-19 the course will be delivered online over three days. We utilise ‘best in class’ facilitation techniques to make the course engaging and interactive, and there is variety and regular breaks to facilitate an effective online learning environment.
