Energy ManagerAnd

Energy Management Education

S.K.Jha*

This article introduces you with the great career opportunities available in energy management profession today. The article covers energy management education and courses available in India, skills, competency and educational requirements to become energy manager, typical work environment & daily activities, future prospects and opportunities in this field, related organisations, tools for searching energy management jobs etc.

IntroductionSaving energy resources is the priority of national, state and local governments today. However, energy resource can’t be saved and preserved only by Governments; Therefore, private sector as well as non governmental organisations (NGOs) have also joined this movement. The result is that today, according to EduMark Consulting Services that facilitates energy management education, each conscious organisation, irrespective of whether it is a government, private or non-governmental organisation, has formulated its organizational environmental objectives and policies– and has established environmental or energy management and conservation departments to ensure that these policies are put into place and monitored. There are few organisations which have brought their energy related activities under their CSR department.Energy managers are required to ensure that the best possible energy efficiency (and water conservation) measures are used by the organisation.

Work EnvironmentWork places vary from energy manager to energy manager. This is because those who are employed need to work from their work place i.e. the place of their organisation. But self-employed energy management consultants have the flexibility to work either from their residence, own office or office of their clients. Usual working hour is 40 per week but flexibility in working is required.

Sample Daily Activities(Of an energy manager looking after buildings/properties)

Energy managers and energy consultants inspect buildings and properties to calculate the current levels of energy and water being consumed by different buildings. Then they have to identify methods and set targets of reducing energy consumption. If the building is in construction stage, energy managers and energy consultants have to recommend suitable changes in the structural & other design of the building so that it would consume/require less energy compared to original structural design. For example, they may recommend introduction of new insulation measures or changes in water supply system.

Today, one of the most important priorities of governments is to replace use of solid fuel by fuels that produce less carbon dioxide emission. Energy managers have to examine the usability, efficiency and cost of using fuels obtained from renewable resources.They, then, assist the communication department in executing publicity campaigns to encourage property occupiers as well as employees to save energy by adopting various methods suggested in the campaign. (Similarly, in case of public and non governmental organisations, energy managers assist public affairs and public relation departments in executing publicity campaign to encourage and motivate public in general to save energy, water etc by various means).Usually, now-a-days, energy managers and energy consultants are fully involved in the construction of new buildings and work closely with architects and civil & structural engineers to recommend energy saving systems at the design stage. Senior energy managers are responsible for managing a team while working on different projects. The energy manager is also responsible for estimating costs of work/change needed, keeping it within the overall project budget.

Skills & Interests (As per EduMark Consulting Services) Good oral and written communication skills. Ability to produce clear and concise reports, covering all aspects. Good presentation skills. Must be able to work as a member of a team as well as a team leader. Leadership and organisation capabilities.

Entry RequirementsA degree in energy management is the most preferred educational qualification. However, an engineering degree is widely accepted. Since energy management as an education program is a recent development, most of the engineers who are already working as energy managers have started pursuing energy management course.

Energy Management CoursesInfact professional institutes, in order to help working engineers as well as fresh graduates who intend to make their career in energy and allied sectors, have launched energy management course through distance and online mode. The best aspect of distance-cum-online mode of energy management education is that you do not have to leave your job to pursue a course such as PG Diploma in Energy Management. Moreover, course material is offered both in the form of printed books as well as online material. Now, this online material can be accessed from anywhere, anytime. Suppose you are on an official tour and you can access the study material through the website of the institute. One of the unique initiatives in this regard has been taken by MIT School of Distance Education, which offers PG Diploma in Energy Management not only through distance/online mode but also offers the online examination facility. So, you can appear in the exam either from your office, home or from a cyber café from anywhere in the world. Therefore, such initiatives have made it easier for working professionals to do these energy management courses.

Estimated salary rangeFresh energy management graduates can easily get a salary of Rs. 30000 per month. But please note that this information is only a guide and there can be substantial difference in actual salary depending upon the qualification and company.

Future prospects & opportunitiesFuture belongs to energy management professionals-There are unlimited potential for both-those seeking employment as well as those planning for entrepreneurial ventures. Such is the potential in energy management that venture capital and private equity funds have suddenly started investing millions of dollars even in newly promoted ventures.In terms of employment prospects, energy management professionals are required almost in all areas of economic activities. To be specific, energy management professionals are required in these sectors-Housing, Real Estate & Construction, Infrastructure, Refinery & petrochemicals, Cement, Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing, Automobile, Chemicals, Hospitality, Mining, Iron & Steel, Food Processing etc. among others.Related organisations:

Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India www.mnre.gov.in Bureau of Energy Efficiency www.bee-india.nic.in Petroleum Conservation and Research Association (PCRA) www.pcra.org Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) www.iredaltd.com National Productivity Council www.npcindia.org Indian Green Building Council www.igbc.in The Energy Resource Institute www.teriin.org

What should I do next?For Energy Management Education:If you are looking for educational opportunities in energy management you can contact specialised professional institutes that offer this course. You can also contact EduMark, which helps students and working professionals in pursuing energy management courses through online, distance education and full time education. Some of the institutes offering this course are: 

MIT School of Distance Education  MDI School of Energy Management  TERI, New Delhi  Jadavpur University  Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyala

For Energy Management Jobs:If you have already completed your energy management course or if you are a working energy manager, you should look for jobs at the following places:

Job supplements of National newspapers: For example, Ascent of the Times of India, Shine of The Hindustan Times

Job Portals: Few of the important portals are www.naukri.com, www.timesjobs.com, www.shine.com, www.monsterindia.com,

You should also contact placement agencies: Example ABC Executive Search, Omam Consultants, Hewitt Associates, Executive Search and Selection etc.

* Author may be contacted at skjha0005@gmail.com