Energy Efficiency (Energy Efficiency and Sustainability for Energy Managers and Energy Professionals (in SMEs))

Course overview

SMEmPower Efficiency is a new H2020 project that supports the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive, for a more sustainable and efficient operation.

As part of the project, a novel training module is provided with a common curriculum for eight countries. The training programme is certified by the participating or associated universities as a life-long learning programme with five ECTS (of EQF level 6), equivalent to ten credits.

You focus on the presentation of available energy efficiency measures (EEM), in relation to energy surveys and technical data in SMEs. To quantify the best energy saving possibilities, software and financial tools are expected to prove the cost effectiveness of the EEM.

The training goes beyond energy consumption surveys (basic energy audit), and aims to effectively implement energy management techniques, instruments and solutions, to achieve energy savings, emissions reduction and welfare within this such a large and varied sector (99% of companies in the UK). You will plan and conduct an energy plan for your SME, with guidance from module tutors.

The online, five-week course will be delivered for five hours each week.

To apply you need to work in an SME anywhere in the UK. More than one participant from one company is welcomed.

The course is ONLY open to current SME employees and students (advanced practice and postgraduate) in energy efficiency and related subjects. For more information on eligibility criteria email us before you apply.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No : 847132

Course details

What you study

The module comprises six learning units:
• European and national policies and legislation for energy efficiency
• Energy efficiency systems, measures and solutions
• Basics of energy surveys and standards
• Tools for monitoring and managing energy
• Financing energy efficiency measures, tools and evaluation
• Practical on-site action

How you learn

You are taught online including lectures, seminars, IT labs, and practical sessions. Practical and seminar sessions will follow lectures to allow you to embed the theoretical content with hands-on interactive components. Professionals from industry contribute to the delivery of the module in the form of case study material or guest lectures.

You focus on types of energy management approaches and successful implementation on SMEs. You develop the critical understanding of the different project types, and needs in terms of information, process, coordination, and discipline interaction. In the interactive seminars, role-play and presentations, you apply your learning to realistic scenarios and case study material.

You practise in IT labs with relevant software used in energy efficiency and evaluation.

Practical sessions allow you to work co-ordinately under tutor supervision towards your in-course assessment.

You are supported by the virtual learning environment (VLE) which provides you with materials to inform and support your learning to suit a variety of learning styles.

How you are assessed

1. Formative
You lead discussions around key topics in the seminars. Verbal feedback develops your critical understanding. You receive on the spot feedback at the practical sessions.

2. Summative
Component 1 – Exam Course Assessment 50%
Theoretical knowledge of the first stage is evaluated combining either short-answer questions, multiple-choice questions or/and open-ended questions.

Component 2 –in-course assessment 50%
Practical learning is assessed with the delivery of the high-quality practical report and its presentation. The report is 1,000 words and the presentation no longer than ten minutes or five slides.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

This course is open to current SME employees and students (Advanced practice and postgraduate) in the field of energy efficiency and related subjects.

Employability

Career opportunities

You develop theoretical and practical knowledge in the fields of commercial energy assessment and energy audits, to effectively identify and implement energy management techniques, instruments and solutions, to achieve energy savings and emissions reduction.

You focus on retraining opportunities to lead the implementation of energy efficiency measures in the SME environment, preparing you for energy-related roles such as: energy manager, energy auditor, and environmental manager.