Staff initially had almost no understanding of energy use or the relevance of energy efficiency to their role and consequently had no interest—but the training has awakened our appetite for energy efficiency. It is now on the radar.1
- Participant in NSW Energy Efficiency Training Program
A range of skills are required to implement effective energy efficiency strategies and practices. These skills cannot be found in one person, which means a team-based approach is essential when it comes to energy efficiency.
In this section
Functional skills for energy efficiency assessment
Functional skills in the energy efficiency assessment context are the practical skills needed in a range of discipline areas that allow individuals and teams to confidently and effectively complete energy efficiency assessments.
Research on companies participating in the Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) program found that 33 functional skills were used in conducting energy efficiency assessments in large energy using companies2.
These 33 skills could be grouped within the following broad categories:
- Project planning and management – The ability to direct and guide a group in completing tasks and attaining goals of energy efficiency assessment.
- Communication planning and implementation – The ability to exchange, engage, convey and express knowledge and ideas in an energy efficiency context.
- Understanding energy use – The ability to arrange and retrieve data, knowledge and ideas, research and investigation of specific technical and financial knowledge.
- Identifying potential opportunities – The ability to think strategically and creatively.
- Decision making – The ability to develop and assess business cases for implementation of energy efficiency opportunities.
- Monitoring and investigation – The ability to install appropriate monitoring equipment and develop analysis systems. `
Additional skills, knowledge or experience identified included:
- understanding the legislative and compliance requirements of energy efficiency programs
- financial planning, accounting and audit skills
- understanding new trading and reporting mechanisms, and their strategic business implications.
The research highlighted the importance of team-based approaches to energy efficiency. The most effective approaches require involvement of people from across the organisation, with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. This might include staff from corporate management, procurement, site management and operations, with appropriate backing and resources from senior management.
Energy efficiency skills shortages and gaps
Research conducted by the EEO program in 2009 3 identified skills gaps and shortages in key areas of energy efficiency assessment within the largest energy using companies and the consultancy industry which services them. These included skills gaps relating to:
- energy data collection and analysis
- the selection and use of metering and monitoring equipment
- the development of business cases for energy efficiency projects
- the ability to integrate energy efficiency findings into cross business operational plans and practices.
Skills gaps were not limited to a lack of formal qualifications, but also related to a lack of specialised knowledge, skills and experience needed to adapt to new technology and new methods of working.
For more information, see:
- Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism
- PDF 1.1 MB
- Word 879 KB
This report developed by GHD on behalf of the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism considers the training needs of companies and consultants conducting energy assessments under the Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO ) program. The report outlines skill gaps and shortages of people involved in assessments, identifies the skills sought by employers and the preferred methods of skills development of companies and consultants involved in this area.
Research by Skills Australia has evaluated upskilling requirements in relation to commercial and residential buildings.
For more information, see:
- Skills Australia
- PDF 637 KB
- Website
This report from the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency (formerly Skills Australia) considered the energy efficiency skill and job requirements for businesses operating in the commercial and residential building sectors. The report finds that energy efficiency initiatives in the built environment will create some new occupations, however, of more significance for the labour market, is the need to update skills and knowledge in existing occupations.
Research by Australia’s Energy Efficiency Council has examined accreditation for people involved in commercial building retrofits.
For more information, see:
- Energy Efficiency Council
- PDF 5.7MB
Retrofitting existing commercial buildings can produce significant energy savings and financial returns, although optimum outcomes can be impeded by a range of barriers including skills gaps. Accreditation and standards for those involved in commercial building retrofits, in conjunction with training, can address these skill barriers and increase uptake and effectiveness of retrofits.
Research has been conducted to identify the skill development needs of accountants and business managers. Work is being undertaken by the University of Technology Sydney, in collaboration with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.
For more information, see:
- University of Technology Sydney
- PDF 449 KB
- Website
This report provides findings from focus groups and interviews conducted with accountants and business managers as part of an energy efficiency training needs analysis funded by the NSW Office of the Environment & Heritage.
Countries participating in the Global Superior Energy Performance Partnership have identified energy efficiency and energy management knowledge and skills required for various job types.
For more information, see:
- Global Superior Energy Performance Partnership
- PDF 514 KB
- Word 336 KB
Participating countries in the Qualified Workforce Task Force of the Global Superior Energy Performance Partnership have identified knowledge and skills for various job types (including engineering), to help governments refine or accelerate the development of a workforce with energy assessment and management expertise in the industrial and commercial building sectors. It is a ‘living document’ that will evolve with time.
Accessing energy efficiency skills
Energy efficiency skills can generally be accessed in one of three primary ways: by developing them in-house; obtaining them through recruitment processes; or sourcing them through external contractors.
Internal company energy efficiency skills
There are clear advantages in developing internal energy efficiency skills, either through recruitment, or by training existing staff. Internal staff usually have a better understanding of the company’s equipment and processes, and can better contribute to a process of continuous energy performance improvement within a company.
Energy services industry
The energy services industry also provides a wide range of services to assist companies to implement energy efficiency strategies, such as reviewing energy management systems, undertaking energy assessments and assisting with energy procurement processes.
If external assistance is required, preparing a very clear scope of work helps to accurately define the job, the company’s expectations and the input required to facilitate the work of the consultant. The scope should also clearly outline how analysis and recommendations should be presented to enable findings to be effectively incorporated into business cases, operational plans and business practices. This should include any assumptions made in estimating project costs and energy savings.
If you are seeking energy efficiency advice, it is important to consult people with suitable levels of energy efficiency competence. This often calls for people who have a combination of initial training and applied experience in specific sectoral and technology processes. Competence is usually seen to increase with experience, so it is important to check the relevant work experience of the people you are engaging.
More information relevant to accessing energy efficiency skills
- Information on developing energy efficiency skills can be found in the Energy Efficiency Training Resources and Support section of the EEX website.
- Information on how to undertake an energy efficiency assessment, or how to obtain assistance from the energy services industry can be found in the Energy Efficiency Assessments section of the EEX website.
- Information on how to implement an energy management system can be found in the Energy Management section of the EEX website.
Industry accreditation schemes
Industry certification of energy efficiency practitioners is provided in some sectors by industry associations.
Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air-conditioning and Heating
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air-conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) maintains a national register of accredited energy auditors with the capacity to undertake energy audits and develop energy management systems. AIRAH accredited energy auditors have demonstrated their competency in delivering Level 3 energy audits as defined in the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3598 (2000): Energy Audits. A peer review and reference process is undertaken to establish the competence of AIRAH accredited energy auditors. Every two years, each auditor is reassessed for the currency of their skills in the market.
Energy Efficiency Council
The Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) lists its members who have international qualifications under the Certified Measurement & Verification Professional program and have done facilitator training through the Australasian Energy Performance Contracting Association. The EEC is finalising the design of an accreditation scheme for individuals that oversee and co-ordinate integrated energy efficiency retrofits of commercial buildings, and expects to launch the scheme in the second half of 2013.
National Australian Built Environment Rating System
The National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) is a voluntary environmental rating system for office premises. NABERS assessments must be conducted by accredited assessors. A list of these assessors is available at the NABERS website.
Engineers Australia
With more than 90,000 members, Engineers Australia (EA) is the largest and most diverse professional body for engineers in Australia. EA has a Professional Development Program (PDP) designed to assist its members to develop the competencies required to practice at the level of chartered practitioner. This includes recently updated competencies relating to sustainability, which cover energy efficiency.
Energy audit standard
An Australian/New Zealand standard currently exists for energy audits – AS/NZ 3598:2000. An update of the standard is currently underway. In future, this updated standard may provide the basis for further training and accreditation programs.
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