Energy Efficiency Specialist Course

Lesson 1 • Energy Sources and Carbon Intensity

Examines fossil fuels, electricity, and renewables with their associated carbon factors. Links fuel choice to emissions and efficiency strategy.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory and Standards Landscape

Surveys energy codes, voluntary standards, and certification frameworks. Establishes the compliance context specialists operate within.

Lesson 3 • Energy Fundamentals and Units

Covers energy forms, conversion factors, and standard measurement units. Provides the quantitative language used throughout the entire course.

Lesson 4 • How Energy Is Used in Buildings

Maps energy consumption across heating, cooling, lighting, and plug loads. Connects end-use categories to efficiency improvement opportunities.

Lesson 1 • Window and Glazing Performance

Evaluates U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, and visible transmittance. Guides window selection and retrofit decisions.

Lesson 2 • Thermal Bridging and Moisture Management

Identifies structural thermal bridges and their impact on effective R-value. Addresses moisture risks that undermine long-term envelope performance.

Lesson 3 • Air Leakage and Infiltration Control

Quantifies infiltration losses and identifies common air leakage pathways. Connects air sealing to both energy savings and indoor air quality.

Lesson 4 • Heat Transfer Mechanisms

Explains conduction, convection, and radiation as they apply to building assemblies. Grounds all envelope analysis in physical principles.

Lesson 1 • Load Calculations and Right-Sizing

Applies manual load calculation methods to determine correct equipment capacity. Prevents oversizing errors that degrade efficiency and comfort.

Lesson 2 • Duct Systems and Distribution Losses

Quantifies energy losses from leaky and uninsulated duct systems. Covers testing, sealing, and insulation methods to restore distribution efficiency.

Lesson 3 • HVAC System Types and Components

Surveys forced-air, hydronic, and heat pump systems and their key components. Provides the system literacy needed for efficiency analysis.

Lesson 4 • Ventilation, IAQ, and Energy Balance

Balances ventilation requirements against energy penalties using heat recovery. Ensures efficiency measures do not compromise indoor air quality.

Lesson 1 • Daylighting Integration Strategies

Incorporates natural light to reduce electric lighting loads. Covers sidelighting, toplighting, and glare control techniques.

Lesson 2 • Lamp and Fixture Technology

Compares fluorescent, HID, and LED technologies by efficacy, lifespan, and cost. Guides technology selection for retrofit and new-construction projects.

Lesson 3 • Lighting Fundamentals and Metrics

Defines lumens, efficacy, color rendering, and color temperature. Establishes the photometric vocabulary for evaluating lighting efficiency.

Lesson 4 • Lighting Power Density and Compliance

Calculates lighting power density (LPD) and compares it to code allowances. Connects design decisions to measurable compliance outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Audit Report Writing and Presentation

Structures findings, recommendations, and financial summaries into a professional report. Prepares specialists to communicate results to technical and non-technical audiences.

Lesson 2 • Audit Levels and Scope Definition

Distinguishes ASHRAE Level I, II, and III audit scopes and deliverables. Helps specialists match audit depth to client needs and project budgets.

Lesson 3 • Utility Data Collection and Analysis

Extracts and normalizes utility bills to establish energy baselines. Identifies consumption patterns, demand peaks, and billing anomalies.

Lesson 4 • Identifying Energy Conservation Measures

Systematically screens systems for energy conservation measures (ECMs) by end use. Prioritizes ECMs by savings potential and implementation feasibility.

Lesson 1 • Savings Estimation Methodologies

Applies stipulated, measured, and modeled approaches to estimate energy savings. Matches methodology to project type, data availability, and required accuracy.

Lesson 2 • Life-Cycle Cost Analysis

Applies net present value and life-cycle cost methods to compare long-term options. Accounts for discount rates, escalation, and equipment lifespans.

Lesson 3 • Whole-Building Energy Modeling Basics

Introduces simulation software inputs, outputs, and calibration to utility data. Enables specialists to use and interpret energy models for savings projections.

Lesson 4 • Incentives, Rebates, and Financing

Identifies utility rebates, tax incentives, and financing mechanisms that improve project economics. Integrates incentives into financial models to show adjusted payback.

Lesson 1 • Ongoing Monitoring and Reporting

Establishes continuous monitoring routines to detect performance drift. Produces periodic M&V reports that demonstrate sustained savings to clients.

Lesson 2 • Commissioning and Retro-Commissioning

Applies commissioning processes to verify that systems operate per design intent. Retro-commissioning restores degraded performance in existing buildings.

Lesson 3 • M&V Protocols and Options

Explains IPMVP Options A, B, C, and D and their appropriate applications. Provides the framework for selecting a rigorous and cost-effective M&V approach.

Lesson 4 • Baseline Establishment and Adjustments

Defines the pre-installation baseline and applies routine and non-routine adjustments. Ensures savings are measured against a valid and stable reference condition.

Lesson 1 • Continuous Improvement and Program Evaluation

Evaluates program effectiveness through internal audits and management reviews. Drives continuous improvement by closing gaps between targets and actual performance.

Lesson 2 • Energy Baseline and Performance Indicators

Establishes organizational energy baselines and selects meaningful performance indicators. Links indicators to operational variables for accurate performance tracking.

Lesson 3 • Energy Teams and Organizational Roles

Structures energy teams, assigns responsibilities, and secures leadership commitment. Addresses the human and organizational factors that determine program success.

Lesson 4 • Energy Management System Frameworks

Introduces ISO 50001 and similar plan-do-check-act frameworks for systematic energy management. Positions the specialist as a program architect, not just a project executor.