Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to review energy use, and develop objectives, strategies and action plans for improved energy management in an organisation. It includes implementation and permanent monitoring as well as consultation and collaboration with key stakeholders throughout the process.
This unit applies to operational and technical specialists, managers or similar who combine detailed knowledge of energy management with critical thinking, communication, and planning and organisational skills to develop and implement plans for improved energy management. Energy management responsibilities may be part of a broader work role or a primary job role. In some cases, the individual may work as an external advisor.
No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Review energy use | 1.1 Identify current energy sources used in different business areas and processes 1.2 Identify and analyse areas of significant energy consumption from operational data 1.3 Identify and analyse the internal and external factors that significantly affect energy use and consumption in the organisation 1.4 Identify energy generating activities and their potential for use in the organisation 1.5 Investigate and compare costs and benefits of current and potential energy sources for the organisation 1.6 Identify, prioritise and record opportunities for improving energy performance based on analysis |
2. Engage with stakeholders | 2.1 Identify key stakeholders and their role in influencing or improving energy management 2.2 Develop approaches to engage with stakeholders based on their business perspectives 2.3 Use and adapt technical information about energy and its management to meet stakeholder needs 2.4 Identify and use opportunities to consult and collaborate with stakeholders about current and potential energy performance |
3. Establish energy performance objectives and indicators | 3.1 Establish and articulate energy objectives based on analysis and consultation 3.2 Align energy management objectives with broader organisation objectives and priorities 3.3 Develop energy management performance indicators that support objectives |
4. Develop energy management strategies and action plans | 4.1 Identify and develop strategies that support energy management objectives 4.2 Align strategies with broader organisation goals and priorities 4.3 Complete an initial feasibility review from existing operational and financial data 4.4 Identify and document proposed operating and administrative framework that clearly defines actions, responsibilities, timelines and evaluation methods |
5. Implement strategies and action plans | 5.1 Identify priority areas for action and seek further business case information to support implementation 5.2 Set up systems and procedures that support strategies and action plans in consultation with relevant stakeholders 5.3 Establish communication channels and provide information to key stakeholders to support implementation 5.4 Support implementation activities in accordance with agreed plans |
6. Monitor and report on strategies and action plans | 6.1 Monitor activities and identify progress and shortfalls against energy performance objectives and indicators 6.2 Determine and act on the need for adjustments based on progress made 6.3 Obtain performance monitoring data and report on energy management in accordance with agreed plans |
Evidence of Performance
There must be evidence the candidate has completed the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, and:
planned, implemented and monitored energy management strategies for 1 organisation, area of operation or process that include consideration of:
alternative sources
efficiency and reduction of carbon emissions
waste management.
Evidence of Knowledge
There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
types and sources of internal and external information for energy management planning:
current and potential energy sources
production data
current usage levels
process needs
regulatory environment
business goals
methods for identifying improvement opportunities
key stakeholders and engagement strategies
potential objectives for energy management
how to develop energy management performance indicators
how to align energy management objectives with broader organisation priorities
links between energy and other aspects of sustainability
methods of analysing energy efficiency for different types of energy
ways of categorising energy use
key principles and features of different energy management strategies
alternative sources
conservation
efficiency and reduction of carbon emissions
trading schemes
waste management – necessary and unnecessary muda
types of potential improvements, including those related to:
capital purchases
equipment adaptation
production/process
maintenance
transport
key aspects of the energy management planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting framework, including requirements of ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems
concept of permanent monitoring versus temporary monitoring.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions and contingencies. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
information about organisation operations, including financial data
current and relevant information technology.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Reading skills to interpret varied types of operational information
Writing skills to develop planning, administrative and operational documentation
Oral communication skills to engage with others about potentially complex and interrelated business issues
Numeracy skills to analyse energy costs and consumption; interpret business financial information
Teamwork skills to develop and implement collaborative approaches to energy management
Technology skills to create and format planning, administrative and operational documentation
Other foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Competency Field
Sustainable Operations