In 2009–10, the National Framework for Energy Efficiency (NFEE), a joint initiative of Australian, State and Territory Governments, commissioned a research report investigating energy efficiency assessment skills to inform activities that would address the capacity and capability of industry in this area.
The research identified a suite of functional skills covering the practical skills that allow companies to conduct rigorous effective energy efficiency assessments to the assessment framework outlined in the Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) program. The functional skills were arrived at by mapping the skills needed to undertake an energy efficiency assessment as outlined in EEO’s Assessment Handbook. The functional skills required for effective energy efficiency assessments can be categorised under the following six key areas:
- Project planning and management
- Communication planning and implementation
- Understanding energy use
- Identifying potential opportunities
- Decision making
- Monitoring and investigation.
Relevant experience will help ensure competence in the required skills, but the skills also need to be complemented by industry specific knowledge of the assessment process and knowledge of legal and compliance requirements. The level of competence and knowledge required may be relative to the size or type of company undertaking the assessment. More specific skills are likely to be required in relation to particular energy using processes and job roles involved.