Consultant in Energy Efficiency Course

Lesson 1 • Principles of Energy Efficiency

Defines efficiency ratios, thermodynamic limits, and the distinction between energy conservation and efficiency. Links principles to measurable performance outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Energy Policy and Regulatory Context

Surveys the regulatory drivers, efficiency standards, and incentive frameworks that shape consultant practice. Grounds technical work in real-world compliance requirements.

Lesson 3 • Energy Consumption Patterns

Examines how energy is consumed across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Provides baseline context for identifying efficiency opportunities.

Lesson 4 • Role of the Energy Efficiency Consultant

Defines consultant responsibilities, ethical obligations, and typical engagement models. Prepares students for professional practice expectations.

Lesson 1 • Audit Reporting and Documentation

Structures findings into professional audit reports with prioritized recommendations. Ensures deliverables meet client and regulatory documentation standards.

Lesson 2 • Audit Types and Scope Definition

Distinguishes walkthrough, detailed, and investment-grade audits by depth and cost. Guides scope selection based on client goals and facility complexity.

Lesson 3 • Mechanical and Electrical Systems Review

Evaluates HVAC, lighting, motors, and controls for efficiency gaps. Provides a structured checklist approach for systematic system review.

Lesson 4 • Data Collection and Metering

Covers utility bill analysis, sub-metering strategies, and portable measurement tools. Accurate data collection underpins all subsequent analysis.

Lesson 1 • Systems and Schedules Modeling

Models HVAC systems, lighting, plug loads, and occupancy schedules within simulation tools. Captures operational patterns that drive energy consumption.

Lesson 2 • Interpreting and Presenting Model Results

Translates simulation outputs into actionable savings estimates and scenario comparisons. Prepares students to communicate model findings to non-technical clients.

Lesson 3 • Building Geometry and Envelope Inputs

Covers geometry creation, zone definition, and envelope property assignment in simulation tools. Accurate geometry is the foundation of reliable model outputs.

Lesson 4 • Fundamentals of Energy Modeling

Introduces modeling approaches, input parameters, and simulation engines used in practice. Establishes the conceptual framework before tool-specific training.

Lesson 1 • Industrial Process Efficiency

Addresses compressed air optimization, steam system improvements, and process heat recovery. Industrial measures often yield the largest absolute energy savings.

Lesson 2 • Building Envelope Improvements

Specifies insulation upgrades, air sealing, and high-performance glazing for existing buildings. Envelope improvements reduce baseline loads for all other systems.

Lesson 3 • HVAC Efficiency Upgrades

Examines high-efficiency equipment, variable-speed drives, and demand-controlled ventilation. HVAC typically represents the largest energy end use in buildings.

Lesson 4 • Renewable Integration and Storage

Evaluates on-site renewables and battery storage as complements to efficiency measures. Integration decisions depend on load profiles established in earlier analysis.

Lesson 1 • Financial Risk and Sensitivity Analysis

Tests financial projections against energy price volatility, equipment performance risk, and discount rate assumptions. Risk analysis strengthens investment recommendations.

Lesson 2 • Project Prioritization and Portfolio Analysis

Ranks measures by financial return and strategic fit using multi-criteria frameworks. Portfolio analysis optimizes capital allocation across competing projects.

Lesson 3 • Core Financial Metrics

Calculates simple payback, net present value, internal rate of return, and life-cycle cost. Connects each metric to specific client decision contexts.

Lesson 4 • Financing Mechanisms and Structures

Surveys energy service agreements, green bonds, on-bill financing, and grants. Matching financing to project type expands client access to capital.

Lesson 1 • Savings Calculation and Reporting

Applies regression models and engineering calculations to quantify verified savings. Reports must meet contractual and regulatory documentation standards.

Lesson 2 • Metering and Monitoring Plans

Designs metering infrastructure, data logging intervals, and monitoring protocols for each M&V option. Metering plans must balance accuracy with cost.

Lesson 3 • Performance Contracting and M&V

Links M&V outcomes to performance contract payment structures and guarantee mechanisms. Demonstrates how verified savings translate into financial settlements.

Lesson 4 • Baseline Establishment and Adjustment

Defines pre-installation baselines and adjusts for changes in occupancy, weather, and production. Accurate baselines are essential for credible savings claims.

Lesson 1 • Action Plans and Operational Controls

Develops action plans, operational controls, and procurement criteria to achieve energy targets. Operational controls embed efficiency into daily organizational routines.

Lesson 2 • Certification Preparation and Maintenance

Prepares organizations for third-party certification audits and ongoing compliance maintenance. Certification readiness requires documented evidence across all system elements.

Lesson 3 • Energy Review and Significant Uses

Conducts energy reviews to identify significant energy uses and improvement opportunities. Energy reviews form the analytical core of any management system.

Lesson 4 • Monitoring, Measurement, and Internal Audit

Establishes monitoring routines, internal audit programs, and management review processes. Ongoing measurement closes the PDCA loop and drives continual improvement.

Lesson 1 • Stakeholder Engagement and Change Management

Identifies stakeholders, manages resistance, and builds organizational buy-in for efficiency initiatives. Technical solutions fail without effective human and organizational alignment.

Lesson 2 • Implementation Oversight and Quality Assurance

Manages contractor selection, commissioning oversight, and quality assurance during installation. Consultant oversight ensures measures perform as designed.

Lesson 3 • Proposal Development and Scope Management

Structures winning proposals, defines deliverables, and manages scope creep throughout engagements. Proposal quality directly determines project profitability and client satisfaction.

Lesson 4 • Building a Consulting Practice

Covers business development, service portfolio design, and professional network building for independent consultants. Practice-building skills convert technical expertise into a sustainable business.