Energy Efficiency Made Simple Vol IV 2015

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Availability of energy engineering skills The shortage of skills in the energy engineering industry holds similar proportions to other specialised careers. The Green Jobs Survey [4] indicates that almost 70% of respondents believe that there is a short- age of professionalised skills in energy management and energy effi- ciency, and most of these believe this will remain the case in the next five years. This is mainly due to the fact that certification, done right, requires primary education in another profession, followed by years of experience, before adequate contributions can be recognised by the AEE – an extended experiential timeline before recognition is granted. That being said, 50% of the AEE Certified professionals that re- sponded to the survey [3] indicated that they had gained a competitive edge towards better positions and career advancement; 80%of the re- spondents had experienced greater career improvement and significant benefits to the companies they worked for, or provided services to. For the Southern African region the AEE provides opportunities for persons aspiring to attain the educational background and related recognition through its sole regional training provider, the Energy Training Foundation (EnTF). Conclusion Optimal energy management will be more in reach when human resources are aligned with an energy management system and strategy. This will lay a sound foundation for sustainable business and economic growth, whilst reducing the negative impact on the environment as a whole. References [1] Ernst & Young global energy mix survey: Renewable energy country attractiveness indices, May 2012, Issue 33. [2] Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), AEE Survey of the Energy Industry 2012, Market Trends Survey. [3] Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), AEE Green Jobs 2012: Survey of the Energy industry. [4] Energy management systems – requirements with guidance for use, International Standard, ISO 50 001, first edition, 2011-06-15. [5] www.aeecenter.org.

• Being aware that it is necessary to compare the progress of the energy savings projects and initiatives with that done in other similar industries through benchmarking Top management is responsible for ensuring that staff attain and maintain the required competence levels, and records must be kept, especially when ISO 50 001 [4] certification is pursued. Training and education for effective energy management There are many training providers out there grappling at educating within this topic. The AEE has been in existence for 37 years, and its Certification programs are accepted in 90 countries. Its flagship qual- ification, Certified Energy Manager (CEM), is accepted – and in some instances a prerequisite – by international governmental departments, regulatory requirements, human resource agencies, etc [5]. In South Africa a similar trend is trailing where preference is given to CEMs for energy management positions within energy intensive organisations, and those with serious energy and environmental policies in place. Over 16 000 professionals are certified world-wide by the AEE in the various energy engineering disciplines. Within South Africa the AEE has trained, through its approved trainer the Energy Training Foundation (EnTF), 1 475 CEMs and in the other disciplines another 650. Most of the en- ergy intensive industries already have CEMs within their organisations. The Certification programme works on a similar basis to the En- gineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) registration of Professional Engineers, Technologists and Technicians. Certified AEE professionals are required to demonstrate Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) by apprising themselves of the latest industry trends and technologies. Eligibility for AEE Certification carries certain minimum require- ments and takes into account the possible diversity of education and practical experience an individual may have. Once the examination is passed, a candidate can apply to the international board for certification, with additional related degrees and experience necessary. The strict requirements ensure that once Certification is awarded and maintained, a person is recognised being part of a distinguished group of international professionals.

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY MADE SIMPLE 2015