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• 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.
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.2
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY MADE SIMPLE 2015