Efforts and plans to reduce energy consumption are often only as effective as the people leading the charge. In many companies, municipalities and institutions, that person is the Energy Manager.

 

What does an Energy Manager do?

Energy Managers are closely involved in the planning and monitoring of energy use at the organisational or facility level.​ They are involved in conducting energy audits, evaluations, cost analysis, equipment replacement and retrofit assessments, and reporting on all things energy – and often water and waste too!

 

The Energy Manager is often the technical lead, and is a driver of energy efficiency projects. It is also the authority on reporting and regulations, and the person who keeps up to date with new technologies and innovations, from smart building technologies, to carbon capturing, and renewable energy.

 

It is often stated that the most effective Energy Managers are those who​ understand what motivates executives in an organisation –productivity, cost savings, environmental performance –and who can frame energy efficiency activities and plans in terms of larger corporate objectives.

 

Curious to know what being an Energy Manager in Canada is all about?

We asked three prominent Energy Managers and former CIET training participants these three questions:

  • How would you describe your role in a few words?
  • What qualities are required to be an effective Energy Manager?
  • Which CIET course has been most useful in your career?

 

Find out what they have to say! 


How would you describe your role in a few words?

My role is to oversee energy and carbon reduction projects. I also help support the operations teams in identifying and implementing no cost and low-cost initiatives.

 

What qualities are required to be an effective Energy Manager?

Having critical thinking and communication skills is important, as well as being able to understand the needs of various stakeholders and provide appropriate responses, particularly when explaining technical problems and their solutions. Lastly, it is essential to understand how energy reduction plans must fit within current building operations.

 

Which CIET course has been most useful in your career?

The Certified Energy Manager course!


How would you describe your role in a few words?

I lead our energy and greenhouse gas emissions portfolios by devising strategies for reducing energy costs and environmental impacts throughout operations. More specifically, I monitor and advise on energy legislation and emission regulations, facilitate energy conservation by identifying and implementing various energy saving options, as well as develop and lead awareness programs.

 

What qualities are required to be an effective Energy Manager?

A well-rounded Energy Manager should embody a high level of technical, interpersonal, and general skills (communication, leadership, negotiation, conflict resolution, etc.). Those skills should highlight the following qualities: Versatility, perseverance, stubbornness, personable, dedication, and critical thinking.

 

Which CIET course has been most useful in your career?

The Certified Energy Manager course has proven most valuable throughout my career. It establishes the foundation an Energy Manager requires to develop an effective energy management program focused on the technical, economic, and regulatory aspects.


 

How would you describe your role in a few words?

I am responsible for identifying, assessing, and implementing energy and water-saving initiatives and GHG reduction plans for facilities across all University Health Network sites.

 

What qualities are required to be an effective Energy Manager?

This role requires solid understanding of and expertise with HVAC systems, mechanical and electrical systems, building automation systems, lighting systems, as well as building envelope and related engineering calculations and energy modelling software. Skills in project management, cost-benefit analysis, and creating business cases as well as familiarity with associated healthcare standards and codes are the essential requirements for this role.

 

Which CIET course has been most useful in your career?

Through CIET courses, I acquired in-depth knowledge of not only energy management, but also measurement and verification (M&V), existing building commissioning, and energy modelling using RETScreen. I also became familiar with energy and water conservation best practices in different types of facilities. I learned about proper M&V methods for any type of energy saving measure.

 

Through the RETScreen courses, I learned how to simplify and model complex systems and compare different scenarios with the help of the software and how to verify and quantify energy savings through CUSUM and M&V tools in RETScreen. Through the Advanced Course on Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) course, I realized EBCx is an ongoing mission of an Energy Manager, and I learned how to carry out and lead EBCx projects in our facilities.

 

 

Interested in becoming a Certified Energy Manager? CIET is the exclusively authorized Canadian trainer of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) for the delivery of the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) training and certification program. Learn more about our comprehensive 5-day CEM training.

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