Certified Energy Management Professional (CEMP)
Build a strong foundation in managing energy performance across organisations and facilities. This course supports better planning, responsible energy use, measurable efficiency improvement, and sound long-term decisions.
What you'll learn
- Understand climate, sustainability, and energy policies plus codes/standards (ASHRAE, IECC, ISO 50001) to guide compliant reporting and decision-making.
- Analyze energy units, procurement, tariffs, and rate structures to evaluate supply options, manage demand charges, and reduce point-of-use energy costs.
- Apply energy audit approaches and instrumentation basics to measure energy and power, track KPIs, and identify energy management measures for facilities.
- Evaluate energy accounting and project economics using time value of money, escalation, depreciation, and methods such as NPV, IRR, LCC, and payback analysis.
- Understand electrical power systems, power factor, motors, and drives to improve efficiency, address power quality, and optimize motor applications for savings.
- Design and assess lighting performance using photometric concepts, standards, retrofits, and controls to optimize visual comfort and energy efficiency results.
- Analyze HVAC systems and building envelope fundamentals to estimate loads, use psychrometrics, and identify efficiency opportunities through design choices.
- Implement building automation and controls concepts, including PID strategies, protocols, EIS, IoT, and AI, to monitor, optimize, and secure energy performance.
- Design and evaluate thermal and electric energy storage strategies, including chilled water, ice, PCM, sizing, and operating approaches with clear limitations.
- Analyze boiler and steam system performance using combustion efficiency, HHV/LHV, economizers, steam traps, condensate return, and heat recovery options.
- Evaluate distributed generation and renewable energy systems, including CHP, solar, microgrids, and building-to-grid integration to improve resilient supply.
- Optimize industrial energy systems by applying principles for pumps, compressed air, process steam, turbines, refrigeration, and waste heat recovery options.
- Implement operations, maintenance, and commissioning practices to quantify losses, improve reliability, and sustain energy performance through verification.
- Apply performance contracting and M&V fundamentals to structure ESPC/UESC projects, assess risk, calculate avoided cost, and verify savings with protocols.
Requirements
Participants should have a basic understanding of energy use in buildings or industrial operations, proficiency in English, and a strong interest in energy efficiency, utility cost management, energy audits, and improving operational performance through structured analysis and continuous improvement.
Who this course is for
Engineering & Technical Energy Roles
For electrical, mechanical, and energy engineers, technicians, and analysts who want a structured, end-to-end view of energy systems—from motors and power quality to HVAC, lighting, and industrial utilities—so they can identify and evaluate efficiency opportunities with confidence.
Energy Auditing, Monitoring & Performance
For energy auditors and practitioners working with audits, measurement, and KPIs. Participants strengthen their approach to audit levels, instrumentation concepts, data interpretation, and prioritizing energy management measures that are grounded in verifiable performance.
Project, Finance & Decision-Makers
For project managers, operations leaders, and professionals involved in budgeting and approvals. The course builds capability in energy accounting and economics—using concepts such as lifecycle cost, NPV/IRR, and payback—to compare options and make investment decisions transparently.
Early-Career Learners Entering Energy Management
For students and fresh graduates seeking a comprehensive foundation across energy management topics, including standards, audits, building and industrial systems, and measurement and verification—helpful for understanding how energy performance work is structured in practice.
Facilities, Operations & Maintenance Teams
For facility managers, building engineers, O&M supervisors, and utility coordinators responsible for day-to-day performance. This course supports practical capability in monitoring usage, reducing losses, improving equipment performance, and sustaining results by maintenance
Sustainability, ESG & Decarbonization Practitioners
For sustainability leads and ESG-aligned roles who need a technical understanding of how policies, GHG accounting, and energy standards connect to real operational improvements—supporting credible reporting and practical progress toward decarbonization goals.
Building Automation, Controls & Energy Information Systems Professionals
For BAS/controls engineers, energy managers, and those working with energy information systems, IoT, and optimization. Learners gain a clearer foundation in control strategies, integration concepts, and managing performance while considering cyber-security and IT coordination.
Certified Energy Management Professional (CEMP)
Course Description
Certified Energy Management Professional (CEMP) is a structured professional development program for engineers, facility and operations teams, energy analysts, sustainability practitioners, and managers who are responsible for improving energy performance in buildings and industrial settings. It is designed for learners who want a coherent pathway from foundational concepts to advanced professional practice—moving beyond fragmented knowledge toward a disciplined, organization-ready approach to energy management.
In today’s operating environment, energy management sits at the intersection of financial performance, reliability, sustainability commitments, and regulatory or stakeholder expectations. Organizations are expected to understand how energy is used, where waste occurs, and how improvement decisions are justified and verified. This course supports professionals who want to contribute credibly by developing the ability to evaluate energy use systematically, prioritize energy efficiency actions responsibly, and support performance improvement that can be maintained over time.
Completion of the program reflects an understanding of energy management as a continuous, measurable responsibility—grounded in standards awareness, monitoring, and structured decision-making. Learners develop the capability to interpret energy and operational information, translate findings into practical recommendations, and communicate clearly with both technical teams and management. The goal is not only to recognize improvement opportunities, but to assess them using consistent methods that support sound planning and accountability.
The course places strong emphasis on real-world relevance: how energy performance is monitored, how audits inform improvement planning, and how organizations align technical actions with business objectives. It also supports a professional mindset of continuous improvement, reinforcing the importance of documented processes, credible evaluation, and measurement and verification principles that help ensure decisions remain defensible in practice.
For individual professionals, CEMP provides a structured route to strengthen credibility and broaden capability in energy efficiency, audit-informed planning, monitoring, and performance evaluation. For organizations, it supports internal capacity building, improved coordination across teams, and stronger alignment between sustainability objectives and operational performance. Whether your aim is to improve facility efficiency, reduce avoidable energy costs, or build a disciplined energy performance program, Certified Energy Management Professional (CEMP) offers a clear framework for responsible energy management practice.
Course Outline
Module 1 – Energy and Sustainability Policies, Codes and Standards
M1L1 – Climate Change & Decarbonization Policies
Learners examine climate change fundamentals, international climate-policy architecture, and decarbonization policy instrument toolkit. It also addresses sector decarbonization policy pathways, implementation, MRV, and policy performance, observed impacts and risk context, feedbacks between climate and energy systems, and regional policy packages and carbon markets. Additional emphasis is placed on market-based instruments, power sector: cleaner supply policies, MRV fundamentals, and linking policy to organizational execution.
M1L2 – Sustainable Development Goals & Policies
The material explains sustainable development foundations, evolution of sustainability policy and governance, and sustainable energy policy pillars. Further coverage includes measuring sustainable development outcomes, organizational execution of sustainability policies, definitions of sustainability and sustainable development, sustainable/green building characteristics as policy targets, and policy instruments for sustainable development. The final areas cover energy efficiency as a sustainable development first fuel, built environment policy focus, decision tools supporting sustainable policies, and continuous improvement approach.
M1L3 – United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Coverage develops an understanding of SDGs framework overview (2030 Agenda), energy-relevant SDGs and what they imply, and turning SDGs into policy and organizational strategy. The content then considers metrics, indicators, and reporting linkages, applications and common pitfalls, SDG structure and intent, SDG adoption context, and SDG 13 (climate action). It further examines SDG alignment and prioritization (materiality), program portfolio mapping, connecting SDGs to ESG/CSR reporting, and pitfalls to avoid.
M1L4 – Electrification Policies
The discussion focuses on electrification as a decarbonization pathway, policy levers used to accelerate electrification, and transport electrification policies. Related areas include building and industrial electrification policies, grid, rates, and peak-management policies, definitions and scope, codes, standards, and building requirements, and economic incentives and market design. The treatment also includes federal/national enabling legislation examples, building electrification strategies, utility rate design and demand management, and program evaluation and verification.
M1L5 – Nuclear Policies & Approaches
Key areas include nuclear’s role in clean energy portfolios, nuclear technology pathways, and safety regulation and governance. Attention is also given to waste management and decommissioning policy, economics, markets, and policy support mechanisms, nuclear as a low-carbon supply option, nuclear in global energy context, and emerging approaches. Learners also consider licensing and regulatory oversight, security and safeguards, project economics and financing structures, and policy instruments used in practice.
M1L6 – Local and National Tax Incentives
The content explores reasons incentives exist and how they influence markets, tax-based incentives (structure and application), and grants, loans, and public funding programs. The discussion extends to utility and community incentives, incorporating incentives into project financial analysis, market barriers addressed by incentives, common tax incentive forms, and illustrative eligible measure categories. Coverage is completed with national program examples and intent, utility rebates and DSM program mechanics, cashflow modeling and stacking incentives, and compliance, QA/QC, and audit readiness.
M1L7 – GHG Accounting & Reporting (including Carbon Footprint Calculations)
Learners build knowledge of GHG accounting fundamentals for CEMs, GHG protocol scopes and boundaries, and carbon footprint calculations (practical workflow). It also addresses reporting, verification, and assurance, use of inventories to drive decarbonization action, key terms and units, scope 1: direct emissions sources, and scope 3: value-chain emissions. Additional emphasis is placed on emission factors and conversion logic, quality control and documentation, verification approaches, and translating results into projects.
M1L8 – ESG (Environmental, social and governance), CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Reporting
The material covers ESG/CSR purpose and scope, ESG reporting architecture and data foundations, and CSR program design and implementation. Further coverage includes communicating performance credibly, integrating ESG/CSR into continuous improvement, definitions and how they differ, environmental E metrics anchored in energy data, and data governance and internal controls. The final areas cover CSR initiatives connected to climate and energy, reporting outputs and narratives, alignment with management systems, and governance and accountability.
M1L9 – Net Zero Buildings
Coverage centres on net zero definitions and boundaries, drivers, mandates, and goal-setting, and technical pathway: efficiency first. The content then considers clean supply and electrification, verification, operations, and performance persistence, net zero variants used in practice, legislative/strategic goal examples, and target setting and performance metrics. It further examines envelope and passive strategies, electrified end uses and demand flexibility, energy modeling and commissioning, and ongoing monitoring and reporting.
M1L10 – Smart Cities
The material introduces smart city scope and energy relevance, city climate and energy planning frameworks, and smart infrastructure and energy systems. Related areas include digital backbone and interoperability, smart mobility and electrification integration, equity, privacy, and resilience, smart city definition for CEM context, climate protection plan methodology, and illustrative municipal action-plan targets. The treatment also includes district energy and thermal networks, interoperable control systems, transport energy and emissions strategies, and cyber and operational resilience.
M1L11 – Transition to Clean Energy
The discussion examines transition drivers and constraints, core transition levers (reduce, switch, replace), and renewable energy deployment and enabling policies. Attention is also given to integration challenges and solutions, CEM execution role in the transition, reasons the transition is accelerating, energy efficiency and conservation as reduction measures, and lower-carbon fuels and electrification as switching strategies. Learners also consider renewable technology options in clean energy portfolios, variability and system flexibility, infrastructure modernization, and tracking progress.
M1L12 – Climate Change Risk, Resiliency and Adaptation
Learners consider climate risk basics for facilities and energy systems, resilience planning frameworks, and building and campus adaptation strategies. The discussion extends to adaptation–mitigation integration, communication and stakeholder alignment, physical hazards and operational impacts, risk assessment workflow, and adaptation planning and governance. Coverage is completed with passive and envelope-centered resilience, synergies and tradeoffs, internal alignment, and external alignment.
M1L13 – Green Hydrogen Approaches
Learners examine hydrogen’s role in decarbonization, hydrogen production pathways and enabling technology, and storage, transport, and safety. It also addresses end-use applications and system integration, policy, economics, and project development, areas where hydrogen fits best, electrolysis fundamentals (green hydrogen pathway), and alternative production routes. Additional emphasis is placed on storage options, fuel cells and conversion back to electricity, policy support and market creation, and project evaluation essentials for CEMs.
M1L14 – Circular Economy in Energy
The material explains circular economy principles and why they matter to energy, materials, resources, and circular design strategies, and resource recovery and energy generation from waste. Further coverage includes industrial symbiosis and waste-heat utilization, metrics, reporting, and governance, core concepts, materials selection and lifecycle thinking, and construction and operational waste management. The final areas cover waste-to-energy pathways, waste heat recovery and cascading use, circularity metrics tied to energy management, and implementation pitfalls.
M1L15 – ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-20XX
Coverage develops an understanding of standard purpose, scope, and applicability, compliance pathways and documentation, and building envelope requirements. The content then considers mechanical systems (HVAC) and service water heating, lighting and electrical power provisions, relationship to other standards and rating systems, applications of 90.1, prescriptive compliance basics, and thermal performance fundamentals. It further examines equipment efficiency and sizing, lighting power and control requirements, interface with IECC and green codes, and use of 90.1 as a baseline for energy modeling credits.
M1L16 – ASHRAE Standard 90.2-20XX
The discussion focuses on scope and positioning of 90.2, residential envelope requirements (core technical focus), and mechanical and water heating efficiency. Related areas include lighting and plug loads, verification and field quality, applicability, insulation and thermal bridging control, and windows, doors, and solar gains. The treatment also includes HVAC efficiency requirements, residential lighting efficiency concepts, testing and inspection concepts, and common compliance pitfalls.
M1L17 – ASHRAE Standard 62.1 -20XX
Key areas include standard purpose and scope, ventilation design approaches in 62.1, and system requirements affecting energy and performance. Attention is also given to energy-management integration, commissioning, verification, and troubleshooting, acceptable IAQ intent and applicability, ventilation rate procedure (VRP), and IAQ procedure (contaminant-based). Learners also consider filtration and air cleaning considerations, demand-controlled ventilation (DCV), verification activities, and IAQ problem investigation workflow.
M1L18 – Indoor Environmental Quality
The content explores IEQ scope and why it matters, thermal comfort fundamentals, and indoor air quality beyond minimum ventilation. The discussion extends to lighting quality and visual comfort, acoustics and noise control, IEQ measurement and continuous improvement, IEQ components, comfort variables, and source control and housekeeping. Coverage is completed with lighting fundamentals, controls supporting IEQ and efficiency, common facility issues, and IEQ in green building frameworks.
M1L19 – ASHRAE Standard 135-20XX
Learners build knowledge of BAS communications and interoperability context, BACnet fundamentals, and network architectures and deployment options. It also addresses energy management applications enabled by BACnet, integration with enterprise systems, the importance of standard 135, objects and services, and device profiles and interoperability building blocks. Additional emphasis is placed on common BACnet network forms, monitoring, targeting, and reporting enablement, IT/OT integration points, and data quality and governance.
M1L20 – ASHRAE Standard 189.1- 20XX
The material covers purpose, scope, and positioning, compliance structure, and key technical categories (structure for teaching). Further coverage includes delivery process and documentation, implementation considerations, what standard 189.1 covers, mandatory provisions, and prescriptive (points) vs performance options. The final areas cover energy efficiency requirements, materials/resources and atmosphere impacts, integrated design and owner requirements, and jurisdictional adoption and project risk.
M1L21 – ASHRAE Guideline 14-20XX
Coverage centres on purpose and role of guideline 14 in CEM practice, baseline development and savings determination, and statistical metrics and model acceptance criteria. The content then considers data collection, metering, and QA/QC, reporting and stakeholder communication, reasons measurement and verification (M&V) is needed, defining baseline and reporting periods, and regression/inverse modeling concepts. It further examines key goodness-of-fit metrics, metering strategy design, report structure expectations, and common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
M1L22 – ASHRAE Standard 211-20XX
The material introduces standard 211 purpose and scope, audit levels and expected deliverables, and audit process workflow. Related areas include analysis and ECM development, reporting and implementation planning, reasons standard 211 exists, level 1 (walk-through) audit expectations, and level 2 (energy survey and analysis) expectations. The treatment also includes pre-audit planning and data collection, baseline and benchmarking, ECM identification and prioritization, and M&V and follow-through.
M1L23 – IEEE PQ Standard 519
The discussion examines power quality and harmonics fundamentals, harmonic metrics and measurement, and IEEE 519 structure and compliance intent. Attention is also given to root-cause analysis and system impacts, mitigation approaches aligned with IEEE 519 intent, verification and ongoing management, what harmonics are and why they matter, key indices used in practice, and voltage distortion limits. Learners also consider resonance and amplification mechanisms, equipment impacts and reliability issues, source mitigation and system design, and operational monitoring.
M1L24 – International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
Learners consider IECC purpose, scope, and structure, compliance approaches and documentation, and commercial IECC provisions. The discussion extends to residential IECC provisions, adoption, enforcement, and local equivalents, definition and coverage of IECC, prescriptive compliance, and performance-based compliance. Coverage is completed with envelope and mechanical efficiency, envelope and air leakage, adoption pathways, and local code examples and alignment.
M1L25 – ISO 50001
Learners examine ISO 50001 purpose and value proposition, EnMS structure and PDCA logic, and implementation and operation (do). It also addresses performance evaluation (check), management review and continual improvement (act), the purpose of ISO 50001, leadership and energy policy, and planning (plan). Additional emphasis is placed on operational control and action plans, monitoring, measurement, and analysis, management review outputs, and integration with audits and M&V.
M1L26 – Sustainable Design
The material explains sustainable design goals and principles, early design-phase decisions with the biggest impact, and high-performance systems and controls. Further coverage includes energy modeling, financial analysis, and decision support, commissioning and operational readiness, the meaning of sustainable design in practice, site and massing fundamentals, and load reduction strategies. The final areas cover lighting and plug-load strategies, simulation and trade studies, economic evaluation, and closing the performance gap.
M1L27 – International Green Building Rating Systems
Coverage develops an understanding of reasons rating systems exist and what they measure, major international rating systems, and selecting an appropriate rating system. The content then considers verification, commissioning, and recertification concepts, purpose and market function, common evaluation categories, and green globes and other systems. It further examines regional/national systems and examples, fit-for-purpose decision criteria, design vs operational performance, and common pitfalls.
M1L28 – LEED Certifications & Accreditations
The discussion focuses on LEED ecosystem and rating system structure, LEED certification process (project lifecycle), and credit categories and how energy managers contribute. Related areas include certification levels and strategic credit planning, LEED professional credentials (accreditations), organizations and governance, project registration and documentation workflow, and review, appeals, and final certification. The treatment also includes indoor environmental quality (IEQ) intersection, certification thresholds, cost, risk, and schedule management, and common pitfalls and best practices.
M1L29 – ENERGY STAR Ratings & Tools
Key areas include ENERGY STAR program purpose and relevance, portfolio manager tool (core workflow), and ENERGY STAR building certification and benchmarking use cases. Attention is also given to integration with energy management systems and ratings, common pitfalls and best practices, ENERGY STAR as a climate/efficiency program, data inputs and setup, and key outputs and interpretation. Learners also consider certification logic, alignment with ISO 50001 and internal management, data and boundary errors, and governance and continuous improvement.
M1L30 – Cyber-Security Issues
The content explores reasons cybersecurity is an energy management topic, threat landscape and attack surfaces in energy systems, and cyber risk management framework for facilities. The discussion extends to core controls and defensive architecture, incident response and operational resilience, governance, compliance, and culture, business and safety impacts, common targets and vulnerabilities, and asset inventory and criticality classification. Coverage is completed with network and identity controls, system hardening and lifecycle maintenance, detection and monitoring, and alignment of cybersecurity with sustainability/ESG claims.
Learners examine climate change fundamentals, international climate-policy architecture, and decarbonization policy instrument toolkit. It also addresses sector decarbonization policy pathways, implementation, MRV, and policy performance, observed impacts and risk context, feedbacks between climate and energy systems, and regional policy packages and carbon markets. Additional emphasis is placed on market-based instruments, power sector: cleaner supply policies, MRV fundamentals, and linking policy to organizational execution.
M1L2 – Sustainable Development Goals & Policies
The material explains sustainable development foundations, evolution of sustainability policy and governance, and sustainable energy policy pillars. Further coverage includes measuring sustainable development outcomes, organizational execution of sustainability policies, definitions of sustainability and sustainable development, sustainable/green building characteristics as policy targets, and policy instruments for sustainable development. The final areas cover energy efficiency as a sustainable development first fuel, built environment policy focus, decision tools supporting sustainable policies, and continuous improvement approach.
M1L3 – United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Coverage develops an understanding of SDGs framework overview (2030 Agenda), energy-relevant SDGs and what they imply, and turning SDGs into policy and organizational strategy. The content then considers metrics, indicators, and reporting linkages, applications and common pitfalls, SDG structure and intent, SDG adoption context, and SDG 13 (climate action). It further examines SDG alignment and prioritization (materiality), program portfolio mapping, connecting SDGs to ESG/CSR reporting, and pitfalls to avoid.
M1L4 – Electrification Policies
The discussion focuses on electrification as a decarbonization pathway, policy levers used to accelerate electrification, and transport electrification policies. Related areas include building and industrial electrification policies, grid, rates, and peak-management policies, definitions and scope, codes, standards, and building requirements, and economic incentives and market design. The treatment also includes federal/national enabling legislation examples, building electrification strategies, utility rate design and demand management, and program evaluation and verification.
M1L5 – Nuclear Policies & Approaches
Key areas include nuclear’s role in clean energy portfolios, nuclear technology pathways, and safety regulation and governance. Attention is also given to waste management and decommissioning policy, economics, markets, and policy support mechanisms, nuclear as a low-carbon supply option, nuclear in global energy context, and emerging approaches. Learners also consider licensing and regulatory oversight, security and safeguards, project economics and financing structures, and policy instruments used in practice.
M1L6 – Local and National Tax Incentives
The content explores reasons incentives exist and how they influence markets, tax-based incentives (structure and application), and grants, loans, and public funding programs. The discussion extends to utility and community incentives, incorporating incentives into project financial analysis, market barriers addressed by incentives, common tax incentive forms, and illustrative eligible measure categories. Coverage is completed with national program examples and intent, utility rebates and DSM program mechanics, cashflow modeling and stacking incentives, and compliance, QA/QC, and audit readiness.
M1L7 – GHG Accounting & Reporting (including Carbon Footprint Calculations)
Learners build knowledge of GHG accounting fundamentals for CEMs, GHG protocol scopes and boundaries, and carbon footprint calculations (practical workflow). It also addresses reporting, verification, and assurance, use of inventories to drive decarbonization action, key terms and units, scope 1: direct emissions sources, and scope 3: value-chain emissions. Additional emphasis is placed on emission factors and conversion logic, quality control and documentation, verification approaches, and translating results into projects.
M1L8 – ESG (Environmental, social and governance), CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Reporting
The material covers ESG/CSR purpose and scope, ESG reporting architecture and data foundations, and CSR program design and implementation. Further coverage includes communicating performance credibly, integrating ESG/CSR into continuous improvement, definitions and how they differ, environmental E metrics anchored in energy data, and data governance and internal controls. The final areas cover CSR initiatives connected to climate and energy, reporting outputs and narratives, alignment with management systems, and governance and accountability.
M1L9 – Net Zero Buildings
Coverage centres on net zero definitions and boundaries, drivers, mandates, and goal-setting, and technical pathway: efficiency first. The content then considers clean supply and electrification, verification, operations, and performance persistence, net zero variants used in practice, legislative/strategic goal examples, and target setting and performance metrics. It further examines envelope and passive strategies, electrified end uses and demand flexibility, energy modeling and commissioning, and ongoing monitoring and reporting.
M1L10 – Smart Cities
The material introduces smart city scope and energy relevance, city climate and energy planning frameworks, and smart infrastructure and energy systems. Related areas include digital backbone and interoperability, smart mobility and electrification integration, equity, privacy, and resilience, smart city definition for CEM context, climate protection plan methodology, and illustrative municipal action-plan targets. The treatment also includes district energy and thermal networks, interoperable control systems, transport energy and emissions strategies, and cyber and operational resilience.
M1L11 – Transition to Clean Energy
The discussion examines transition drivers and constraints, core transition levers (reduce, switch, replace), and renewable energy deployment and enabling policies. Attention is also given to integration challenges and solutions, CEM execution role in the transition, reasons the transition is accelerating, energy efficiency and conservation as reduction measures, and lower-carbon fuels and electrification as switching strategies. Learners also consider renewable technology options in clean energy portfolios, variability and system flexibility, infrastructure modernization, and tracking progress.
M1L12 – Climate Change Risk, Resiliency and Adaptation
Learners consider climate risk basics for facilities and energy systems, resilience planning frameworks, and building and campus adaptation strategies. The discussion extends to adaptation–mitigation integration, communication and stakeholder alignment, physical hazards and operational impacts, risk assessment workflow, and adaptation planning and governance. Coverage is completed with passive and envelope-centered resilience, synergies and tradeoffs, internal alignment, and external alignment.
M1L13 – Green Hydrogen Approaches
Learners examine hydrogen’s role in decarbonization, hydrogen production pathways and enabling technology, and storage, transport, and safety. It also addresses end-use applications and system integration, policy, economics, and project development, areas where hydrogen fits best, electrolysis fundamentals (green hydrogen pathway), and alternative production routes. Additional emphasis is placed on storage options, fuel cells and conversion back to electricity, policy support and market creation, and project evaluation essentials for CEMs.
M1L14 – Circular Economy in Energy
The material explains circular economy principles and why they matter to energy, materials, resources, and circular design strategies, and resource recovery and energy generation from waste. Further coverage includes industrial symbiosis and waste-heat utilization, metrics, reporting, and governance, core concepts, materials selection and lifecycle thinking, and construction and operational waste management. The final areas cover waste-to-energy pathways, waste heat recovery and cascading use, circularity metrics tied to energy management, and implementation pitfalls.
M1L15 – ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-20XX
Coverage develops an understanding of standard purpose, scope, and applicability, compliance pathways and documentation, and building envelope requirements. The content then considers mechanical systems (HVAC) and service water heating, lighting and electrical power provisions, relationship to other standards and rating systems, applications of 90.1, prescriptive compliance basics, and thermal performance fundamentals. It further examines equipment efficiency and sizing, lighting power and control requirements, interface with IECC and green codes, and use of 90.1 as a baseline for energy modeling credits.
M1L16 – ASHRAE Standard 90.2-20XX
The discussion focuses on scope and positioning of 90.2, residential envelope requirements (core technical focus), and mechanical and water heating efficiency. Related areas include lighting and plug loads, verification and field quality, applicability, insulation and thermal bridging control, and windows, doors, and solar gains. The treatment also includes HVAC efficiency requirements, residential lighting efficiency concepts, testing and inspection concepts, and common compliance pitfalls.
M1L17 – ASHRAE Standard 62.1 -20XX
Key areas include standard purpose and scope, ventilation design approaches in 62.1, and system requirements affecting energy and performance. Attention is also given to energy-management integration, commissioning, verification, and troubleshooting, acceptable IAQ intent and applicability, ventilation rate procedure (VRP), and IAQ procedure (contaminant-based). Learners also consider filtration and air cleaning considerations, demand-controlled ventilation (DCV), verification activities, and IAQ problem investigation workflow.
M1L18 – Indoor Environmental Quality
The content explores IEQ scope and why it matters, thermal comfort fundamentals, and indoor air quality beyond minimum ventilation. The discussion extends to lighting quality and visual comfort, acoustics and noise control, IEQ measurement and continuous improvement, IEQ components, comfort variables, and source control and housekeeping. Coverage is completed with lighting fundamentals, controls supporting IEQ and efficiency, common facility issues, and IEQ in green building frameworks.
M1L19 – ASHRAE Standard 135-20XX
Learners build knowledge of BAS communications and interoperability context, BACnet fundamentals, and network architectures and deployment options. It also addresses energy management applications enabled by BACnet, integration with enterprise systems, the importance of standard 135, objects and services, and device profiles and interoperability building blocks. Additional emphasis is placed on common BACnet network forms, monitoring, targeting, and reporting enablement, IT/OT integration points, and data quality and governance.
M1L20 – ASHRAE Standard 189.1- 20XX
The material covers purpose, scope, and positioning, compliance structure, and key technical categories (structure for teaching). Further coverage includes delivery process and documentation, implementation considerations, what standard 189.1 covers, mandatory provisions, and prescriptive (points) vs performance options. The final areas cover energy efficiency requirements, materials/resources and atmosphere impacts, integrated design and owner requirements, and jurisdictional adoption and project risk.
M1L21 – ASHRAE Guideline 14-20XX
Coverage centres on purpose and role of guideline 14 in CEM practice, baseline development and savings determination, and statistical metrics and model acceptance criteria. The content then considers data collection, metering, and QA/QC, reporting and stakeholder communication, reasons measurement and verification (M&V) is needed, defining baseline and reporting periods, and regression/inverse modeling concepts. It further examines key goodness-of-fit metrics, metering strategy design, report structure expectations, and common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
M1L22 – ASHRAE Standard 211-20XX
The material introduces standard 211 purpose and scope, audit levels and expected deliverables, and audit process workflow. Related areas include analysis and ECM development, reporting and implementation planning, reasons standard 211 exists, level 1 (walk-through) audit expectations, and level 2 (energy survey and analysis) expectations. The treatment also includes pre-audit planning and data collection, baseline and benchmarking, ECM identification and prioritization, and M&V and follow-through.
M1L23 – IEEE PQ Standard 519
The discussion examines power quality and harmonics fundamentals, harmonic metrics and measurement, and IEEE 519 structure and compliance intent. Attention is also given to root-cause analysis and system impacts, mitigation approaches aligned with IEEE 519 intent, verification and ongoing management, what harmonics are and why they matter, key indices used in practice, and voltage distortion limits. Learners also consider resonance and amplification mechanisms, equipment impacts and reliability issues, source mitigation and system design, and operational monitoring.
M1L24 – International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
Learners consider IECC purpose, scope, and structure, compliance approaches and documentation, and commercial IECC provisions. The discussion extends to residential IECC provisions, adoption, enforcement, and local equivalents, definition and coverage of IECC, prescriptive compliance, and performance-based compliance. Coverage is completed with envelope and mechanical efficiency, envelope and air leakage, adoption pathways, and local code examples and alignment.
M1L25 – ISO 50001
Learners examine ISO 50001 purpose and value proposition, EnMS structure and PDCA logic, and implementation and operation (do). It also addresses performance evaluation (check), management review and continual improvement (act), the purpose of ISO 50001, leadership and energy policy, and planning (plan). Additional emphasis is placed on operational control and action plans, monitoring, measurement, and analysis, management review outputs, and integration with audits and M&V.
M1L26 – Sustainable Design
The material explains sustainable design goals and principles, early design-phase decisions with the biggest impact, and high-performance systems and controls. Further coverage includes energy modeling, financial analysis, and decision support, commissioning and operational readiness, the meaning of sustainable design in practice, site and massing fundamentals, and load reduction strategies. The final areas cover lighting and plug-load strategies, simulation and trade studies, economic evaluation, and closing the performance gap.
M1L27 – International Green Building Rating Systems
Coverage develops an understanding of reasons rating systems exist and what they measure, major international rating systems, and selecting an appropriate rating system. The content then considers verification, commissioning, and recertification concepts, purpose and market function, common evaluation categories, and green globes and other systems. It further examines regional/national systems and examples, fit-for-purpose decision criteria, design vs operational performance, and common pitfalls.
M1L28 – LEED Certifications & Accreditations
The discussion focuses on LEED ecosystem and rating system structure, LEED certification process (project lifecycle), and credit categories and how energy managers contribute. Related areas include certification levels and strategic credit planning, LEED professional credentials (accreditations), organizations and governance, project registration and documentation workflow, and review, appeals, and final certification. The treatment also includes indoor environmental quality (IEQ) intersection, certification thresholds, cost, risk, and schedule management, and common pitfalls and best practices.
M1L29 – ENERGY STAR Ratings & Tools
Key areas include ENERGY STAR program purpose and relevance, portfolio manager tool (core workflow), and ENERGY STAR building certification and benchmarking use cases. Attention is also given to integration with energy management systems and ratings, common pitfalls and best practices, ENERGY STAR as a climate/efficiency program, data inputs and setup, and key outputs and interpretation. Learners also consider certification logic, alignment with ISO 50001 and internal management, data and boundary errors, and governance and continuous improvement.
M1L30 – Cyber-Security Issues
The content explores reasons cybersecurity is an energy management topic, threat landscape and attack surfaces in energy systems, and cyber risk management framework for facilities. The discussion extends to core controls and defensive architecture, incident response and operational resilience, governance, compliance, and culture, business and safety impacts, common targets and vulnerabilities, and asset inventory and criticality classification. Coverage is completed with network and identity controls, system hardening and lifecycle maintenance, detection and monitoring, and alignment of cybersecurity with sustainability/ESG claims.
Module 2 – Energy Rates, Tariffs and Supply Options
M2L1 – Basic Energy Units and Conversions
Learners build knowledge of the importance of units and conversions, building defensible savings calculations for projects, M&V, and reporting, and demand as average kW during a defined interval. It also addresses distinguishing line-to-line vs line-to-neutral voltage and how they affect calculations, °C, °F, K and conversion relationships used in HVAC, boilers, and process heat, monthly kW demand and capacity impacts, misapplying 3-phase equations or using the wrong voltage reference, kWh-to-Btu, kWh-to-kJ, kJ-to-therm, and kJ-to-toe conversions, dimensional analysis, and kW-to-kWh calculations in operations. Additional emphasis is placed on heating value basis and fuel volume units (gas and liquid).
M2L2 – Fuel & Electricity Procurement
The material covers procurement fundamentals, contract compliance, budgeting stability, and operational flexibility needs, and local distribution companies (LDCs) and options for large customers. Further coverage includes contract duration spectrum (from short-term to multi-year) and pricing approaches (fixed vs market-based), commodity (capacity/energy) plus regulated delivery (transmission/distribution) components in competitive contexts, dispute process and escalation path, mapping of cost elements: commodity price + basis + transportation (demand/commodity) + services, data needed before engaging suppliers/utilities, commodity vs transportation (unbundled thinking), and transportation services and tariffs. The final areas cover how contract structuring topics procurement teams must define, rate schedule selection as a procurement lever (before supplier shopping), and reliability and contingency planning.
M2L3 – Point of Use Costs
Coverage centres on the meaning of point of use cost in energy management, how blended utility $/kWh can misrepresent the real cost of a specific end use, and recognition that effective $/kWh changes with load factor and demand levels. The content then considers marginal cost: incremental cost of reducing kWh during specific time periods and the incremental effect on demand, recognition that electricity savings at the end user reduces generation requirement upstream, and penalty structures tied to PF thresholds and kVA demand. It further examines converting demand-related costs into equivalent $/kWh for an end use and equipment efficiency and point-of-use economics.
M2L4 – Supply and Demand Impact on Pricing
The material introduces reasons utility prices vary from a supply-and-demand perspective, real-time balancing of electricity demand and rising system costs during peak periods, and TOU differential as a customer price signal to shift load to lower-cost periods. Related areas include seasonal pricing reflecting seasonal system cost differences, effects of weather and weekday/weekend demand differences on natural gas prices, peak flattening to reduce demand-driven costs, identification of which end uses should shift first under a TOU or RTP schedule, capacity vs energy economics, real-time pricing (RTP) concepts, and example TOU schedules and peak/off-peak definitions. The treatment also includes hub pricing and index-based contracts and pipeline capacity as a constraint.
M2L5 – Fuel Price Risks
The discussion examines the importance of fuel price risk to energy managers, operational exposure when fuel is a major cost input (e.g., steam, process heat), and price drivers, including supply/demand perception; hurricanes, weather, wars, and economic changes can influence prices quickly. Attention is also given to monthly index concepts and how contracts often price at index ± adder, fixed-price contracts often rely on futures markets for risk protection against sudden volatility, sale of natural gas on spot and futures markets; futures can provide price protection, and alignment of procurement to production plans and weather sensitivity. Learners also consider managing basis exposure and hedging fundamentals.
M2L6 – Rate Structure & Analysis (energy, water and sewer)
Learners consider tariff and rate fundamentals, customer charges, energy charges, and demand-related charges as common components, and defined peak/off-peak hours and differentiated tariff pricing. The discussion extends to importance of separating base rates vs riders during analysis, how demand charges may exist for some utilities and customer classes, how charges may be based on water usage and/or wastewater strength parameters, use of interval data to determine when peaks occur and how usage aligns with TOU/RTP periods, and reconstruction of an electric bill and calculation of effective rates using component charges. Coverage is completed with gas bill and transmission charge separation and water tariff by customer class.
M2L7 – Ratchet and Contract Clauses
Learners examine the importance of ratchets and contract clauses, how contract clauses can impose penalties even when usage is low, and how contract demand sets the agreed capacity level; exceeding it can trigger penalties. It also addresses contracts specify hourly/daily quantities, nomination methods, and balancing requirements with under/over penalties, how firm transportation demand charges can be owed regardless of volume consumed, volume management to stay within swing/nomination tolerances, quantification of multi-month cost impact of a single demand spike using ratchet definition, clause literacy as a CEM competency, and modeling ratchet impacts. Additional emphasis is placed on managing contract demand and firm vs best-efforts performance terms.
M2L8 – Peak Demand Reduction
The material explains peak demand concepts and why they cost money, demand as average kW over interval; maximum demand drives demand-related billing, and use of interval data to identify when peaks occur and which loads coincide. Further coverage includes application of TOU price signals to operational schedules, integration with EMS/automation and alarms to prevent accidental peak violations, how TES can be used for load management/DSM by shifting thermal production off-peak, and how utilities may offer programs that control certain loads to reduce peak periods (e.g., direct control). The final areas cover backup generation and curtailable arrangements and power factor correction as a peak-related lever.
M2L9 – Evaluating Supply Options
Coverage develops an understanding of definition of the supply decision: requirements and constraints, operational complexity and maintenance capability, and evaluation of TOU vs non-TOU and interruptible vs firm service where available. The content then considers comparative costs by fuel type for captive generation (e.g., diesel vs natural gas vs furnace oil), heat-to-power ratio as a key matching parameter for facility needs, sensitivity analysis on fuel price, demand charges, and capacity factor, score utility purchase vs captive generation vs CHP vs net-metered PV on cost/reliability/complexity, establishment of baseline and do nothing reference, and wheeling as a supply pathway (concept). It further examines selection factors and renewable supply categories.
M2L10 – Trends in Deregulation
The discussion focuses on the meaning of deregulation and what it does not mean, shift from fully bundled monopoly service to competitive supply with regulated delivery in many contexts, and examples of restructuring impacts that changed how energy is purchased and sold. Related areas include previously combined costs split into multiple bill components (commodity, delivery, storage, etc.), separate services: balancing, procurement, storage, transportation as a result of unbundling, greater likelihood of selecting among suppliers while transmission/distribution remain regulated, and competitive procurement, tailored pricing, and potential savings through load shaping and supplier selection. The treatment also includes variable and negotiated gas rates and separate bills/bill sections.
M2L11 – Selection of Energy Supplier in a Deregulated Market
Key areas include understanding the deregulated market structure, how customers may receive separate bills/bill sections for capacity/energy and delivery services, and risk tolerance for price volatility and budget variability. Attention is also given to time-based pass-through structures (TOU/RTP products) aligned with facility flexibility, continued regulation and separation of transmission and distribution charges from competitive supply, invoice validation process aligned with tariff and supplier contract terms, development of a weighted scorecard to evaluate three supplier offers on total cost and risk, wheeling and delivery pathways, service needs, and contract terms and performance expectations. Learners also consider credit and counterparty strength, congestion, losses, and settlement adders, and continuous improvement loop.
M2L12 – Primary and Secondary Power
The content explores power system overview: from generation to end user, distribution network function: bring energy to end users, and voltage discounts for higher-voltage service options (secondary/primary/subtransmission/transmission). The discussion extends to primary coil: input; secondary coil: output, kW = √3 × V × I × PF / 1000, power quality monitoring (voltage sags/swells) and sensitive loads, comparison of primary service with customer transformer vs secondary service using cost/responsibility tradeoffs, areas where primary vs secondary shows up for CEMs, economic and technical tradeoffs, and distribution vs power transformers. Coverage is completed with practical facility implications, PF and apparent power linkage, protection and safety, and transformer primary/secondary mapping.
M2L13 – Demand Side Management
Learners build knowledge of DSM definitions and objectives, how utilities can control certain customer loads via load management programs, and surcharges used to fund conservation, demand reduction, and DSM programs. It also addresses operational playbooks for event response, priority matrices for critical vs noncritical loads, selection among TOU, curtailable, and direct load-control options for a facility profile, DSM goals for utilities and customers, curtailment and interruptible arrangements, and time-based rates as DSM tools. Additional emphasis is placed on incentives and specialized end-use rates, measurement, verification, and settlement, persistence and continuous improvement, and event response plan.
M2L14 – Energy Efficiency in Transportation
The material covers transportation in the scope of energy management, interactions between transportation efficiency and facility energy (charging, fueling, logistics operations), and conversion of mixed fuels and electricity into common energy units for benchmarking. Further coverage includes duty cycle: stop-and-go vs highway vs mixed operations, route optimization and load consolidation, transportation incentives and hybrid/lean diesel tax credit concepts, target fuel economy improvements for vehicle fleets, sensitivity to fuel price volatility and operational variability, transportation energy boundary definitions, data sources, and maintenance practices. The final areas cover logistics and scheduling improvements, electrification and alternative fuels, fleet incentives and heavy-duty hybrid support, and verification and performance tracking.
Learners build knowledge of the importance of units and conversions, building defensible savings calculations for projects, M&V, and reporting, and demand as average kW during a defined interval. It also addresses distinguishing line-to-line vs line-to-neutral voltage and how they affect calculations, °C, °F, K and conversion relationships used in HVAC, boilers, and process heat, monthly kW demand and capacity impacts, misapplying 3-phase equations or using the wrong voltage reference, kWh-to-Btu, kWh-to-kJ, kJ-to-therm, and kJ-to-toe conversions, dimensional analysis, and kW-to-kWh calculations in operations. Additional emphasis is placed on heating value basis and fuel volume units (gas and liquid).
M2L2 – Fuel & Electricity Procurement
The material covers procurement fundamentals, contract compliance, budgeting stability, and operational flexibility needs, and local distribution companies (LDCs) and options for large customers. Further coverage includes contract duration spectrum (from short-term to multi-year) and pricing approaches (fixed vs market-based), commodity (capacity/energy) plus regulated delivery (transmission/distribution) components in competitive contexts, dispute process and escalation path, mapping of cost elements: commodity price + basis + transportation (demand/commodity) + services, data needed before engaging suppliers/utilities, commodity vs transportation (unbundled thinking), and transportation services and tariffs. The final areas cover how contract structuring topics procurement teams must define, rate schedule selection as a procurement lever (before supplier shopping), and reliability and contingency planning.
M2L3 – Point of Use Costs
Coverage centres on the meaning of point of use cost in energy management, how blended utility $/kWh can misrepresent the real cost of a specific end use, and recognition that effective $/kWh changes with load factor and demand levels. The content then considers marginal cost: incremental cost of reducing kWh during specific time periods and the incremental effect on demand, recognition that electricity savings at the end user reduces generation requirement upstream, and penalty structures tied to PF thresholds and kVA demand. It further examines converting demand-related costs into equivalent $/kWh for an end use and equipment efficiency and point-of-use economics.
M2L4 – Supply and Demand Impact on Pricing
The material introduces reasons utility prices vary from a supply-and-demand perspective, real-time balancing of electricity demand and rising system costs during peak periods, and TOU differential as a customer price signal to shift load to lower-cost periods. Related areas include seasonal pricing reflecting seasonal system cost differences, effects of weather and weekday/weekend demand differences on natural gas prices, peak flattening to reduce demand-driven costs, identification of which end uses should shift first under a TOU or RTP schedule, capacity vs energy economics, real-time pricing (RTP) concepts, and example TOU schedules and peak/off-peak definitions. The treatment also includes hub pricing and index-based contracts and pipeline capacity as a constraint.
M2L5 – Fuel Price Risks
The discussion examines the importance of fuel price risk to energy managers, operational exposure when fuel is a major cost input (e.g., steam, process heat), and price drivers, including supply/demand perception; hurricanes, weather, wars, and economic changes can influence prices quickly. Attention is also given to monthly index concepts and how contracts often price at index ± adder, fixed-price contracts often rely on futures markets for risk protection against sudden volatility, sale of natural gas on spot and futures markets; futures can provide price protection, and alignment of procurement to production plans and weather sensitivity. Learners also consider managing basis exposure and hedging fundamentals.
M2L6 – Rate Structure & Analysis (energy, water and sewer)
Learners consider tariff and rate fundamentals, customer charges, energy charges, and demand-related charges as common components, and defined peak/off-peak hours and differentiated tariff pricing. The discussion extends to importance of separating base rates vs riders during analysis, how demand charges may exist for some utilities and customer classes, how charges may be based on water usage and/or wastewater strength parameters, use of interval data to determine when peaks occur and how usage aligns with TOU/RTP periods, and reconstruction of an electric bill and calculation of effective rates using component charges. Coverage is completed with gas bill and transmission charge separation and water tariff by customer class.
M2L7 – Ratchet and Contract Clauses
Learners examine the importance of ratchets and contract clauses, how contract clauses can impose penalties even when usage is low, and how contract demand sets the agreed capacity level; exceeding it can trigger penalties. It also addresses contracts specify hourly/daily quantities, nomination methods, and balancing requirements with under/over penalties, how firm transportation demand charges can be owed regardless of volume consumed, volume management to stay within swing/nomination tolerances, quantification of multi-month cost impact of a single demand spike using ratchet definition, clause literacy as a CEM competency, and modeling ratchet impacts. Additional emphasis is placed on managing contract demand and firm vs best-efforts performance terms.
M2L8 – Peak Demand Reduction
The material explains peak demand concepts and why they cost money, demand as average kW over interval; maximum demand drives demand-related billing, and use of interval data to identify when peaks occur and which loads coincide. Further coverage includes application of TOU price signals to operational schedules, integration with EMS/automation and alarms to prevent accidental peak violations, how TES can be used for load management/DSM by shifting thermal production off-peak, and how utilities may offer programs that control certain loads to reduce peak periods (e.g., direct control). The final areas cover backup generation and curtailable arrangements and power factor correction as a peak-related lever.
M2L9 – Evaluating Supply Options
Coverage develops an understanding of definition of the supply decision: requirements and constraints, operational complexity and maintenance capability, and evaluation of TOU vs non-TOU and interruptible vs firm service where available. The content then considers comparative costs by fuel type for captive generation (e.g., diesel vs natural gas vs furnace oil), heat-to-power ratio as a key matching parameter for facility needs, sensitivity analysis on fuel price, demand charges, and capacity factor, score utility purchase vs captive generation vs CHP vs net-metered PV on cost/reliability/complexity, establishment of baseline and do nothing reference, and wheeling as a supply pathway (concept). It further examines selection factors and renewable supply categories.
M2L10 – Trends in Deregulation
The discussion focuses on the meaning of deregulation and what it does not mean, shift from fully bundled monopoly service to competitive supply with regulated delivery in many contexts, and examples of restructuring impacts that changed how energy is purchased and sold. Related areas include previously combined costs split into multiple bill components (commodity, delivery, storage, etc.), separate services: balancing, procurement, storage, transportation as a result of unbundling, greater likelihood of selecting among suppliers while transmission/distribution remain regulated, and competitive procurement, tailored pricing, and potential savings through load shaping and supplier selection. The treatment also includes variable and negotiated gas rates and separate bills/bill sections.
M2L11 – Selection of Energy Supplier in a Deregulated Market
Key areas include understanding the deregulated market structure, how customers may receive separate bills/bill sections for capacity/energy and delivery services, and risk tolerance for price volatility and budget variability. Attention is also given to time-based pass-through structures (TOU/RTP products) aligned with facility flexibility, continued regulation and separation of transmission and distribution charges from competitive supply, invoice validation process aligned with tariff and supplier contract terms, development of a weighted scorecard to evaluate three supplier offers on total cost and risk, wheeling and delivery pathways, service needs, and contract terms and performance expectations. Learners also consider credit and counterparty strength, congestion, losses, and settlement adders, and continuous improvement loop.
M2L12 – Primary and Secondary Power
The content explores power system overview: from generation to end user, distribution network function: bring energy to end users, and voltage discounts for higher-voltage service options (secondary/primary/subtransmission/transmission). The discussion extends to primary coil: input; secondary coil: output, kW = √3 × V × I × PF / 1000, power quality monitoring (voltage sags/swells) and sensitive loads, comparison of primary service with customer transformer vs secondary service using cost/responsibility tradeoffs, areas where primary vs secondary shows up for CEMs, economic and technical tradeoffs, and distribution vs power transformers. Coverage is completed with practical facility implications, PF and apparent power linkage, protection and safety, and transformer primary/secondary mapping.
M2L13 – Demand Side Management
Learners build knowledge of DSM definitions and objectives, how utilities can control certain customer loads via load management programs, and surcharges used to fund conservation, demand reduction, and DSM programs. It also addresses operational playbooks for event response, priority matrices for critical vs noncritical loads, selection among TOU, curtailable, and direct load-control options for a facility profile, DSM goals for utilities and customers, curtailment and interruptible arrangements, and time-based rates as DSM tools. Additional emphasis is placed on incentives and specialized end-use rates, measurement, verification, and settlement, persistence and continuous improvement, and event response plan.
M2L14 – Energy Efficiency in Transportation
The material covers transportation in the scope of energy management, interactions between transportation efficiency and facility energy (charging, fueling, logistics operations), and conversion of mixed fuels and electricity into common energy units for benchmarking. Further coverage includes duty cycle: stop-and-go vs highway vs mixed operations, route optimization and load consolidation, transportation incentives and hybrid/lean diesel tax credit concepts, target fuel economy improvements for vehicle fleets, sensitivity to fuel price volatility and operational variability, transportation energy boundary definitions, data sources, and maintenance practices. The final areas cover logistics and scheduling improvements, electrification and alternative fuels, fleet incentives and heavy-duty hybrid support, and verification and performance tracking.
Module 3 – Energy Audits and Instrumentation
M3L1 – Role of Audits
Coverage centres on energy audits, roles and responsibilities in the audit process, and scope, boundaries, and coverage of an energy audit. The content then considers transition from audit findings to action, safety, risk, and professional practice in audits, reasons organizations perform energy audits, types of organizations delivering audits (internal vs external), and energy manager’s role as audit-team member. It further examines typical audit scope elements to examine, post-audit steps: organizing data and evaluating ECOs, project management after audit and implementation pathways, and audit ethics and quality.
M3L2 – ASHRAE Level 1, 2, 3 Audit
The material introduces ASHRAE audit level framework, level 1 audit, and level 2 audit. Related areas include level 3 audit, comparing levels 1–3 in practice, defining audit levels and rigor, level 1 intent and typical outcomes (walk-through focus), and field activities and minimum measurements for level 1. The treatment also includes data requirements and analysis depth for level 2, data collection and modeling expectations, measurement intensity and instrumentation differences, and use of audit levels to structure RFPs and internal expectations.
M3L3 – Audit Equipment
The discussion examines selecting and managing audit instrumentation, core auditor’s toolbox (general tools), and electrical measurement instruments. Attention is also given to thermal, HVAC, and process measurement instruments, specialized diagnostics tools, instrument calibration, safety, and common field pitfalls, instrument selection criteria for audit use, lighting measurement tools, and load and power quality instruments. Learners also consider flow measurement instruments, combustion measurement instruments, water quality tools, and data quality and error prevention.
M3L4 – Energy and Power Measurement
Learners consider electrical energy fundamentals for auditors, power and energy calculations used in audits, and measurement methods and instruments. The discussion extends to demand and load shape diagnostics, power quality screening for energy audits, core electrical quantities and units, single-phase power relationships, and converting measurements into actionable metrics. Coverage is completed with interval metering and load profiling, power analyzer use cases in audits, practical load-shape metrics to extract from measured data, and when to escalate from audit-level to power quality study.
M3L5 – Power Factor Measurement
Learners examine power factor concepts, measuring power factor in the field, and diagnosing low power factor. It also addresses power factor correction methods, definition and power triangle relationships, the importance of low power factor in facilities, and measurement points and safety. Additional emphasis is placed on common facility causes, distortion vs displacement PF, controls, protection, and operational pitfalls, and verifying results and sustaining performance.
M3L6 – Flow Measurement
The material explains flow measurement fundamentals, common flow measurement technologies (liquids and gases), and ultrasonic flow measurement for audits. Further coverage includes flow measurement strategy during an audit, common errors and best practices, definitions and units for audit work, differential-pressure and restriction meters, and vortex and velocity-based meters. The final areas cover clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter capabilities, selecting measurement points and test duration, documentation for defensible calculations, and calibration and instrument confidence.
M3L7 – Air Velocity Measurement
Coverage develops an understanding of air velocity measurement in audits, instruments for air velocity measurement, and measurement procedures and field technique. The content then considers interpretation of results for energy opportunities, common pitfalls and quality checks, the importance of air velocity in building and process systems, thermo-anemometer and hot-wire/vane concepts, and airflow visualization for diagnostics (qualitative). It further examines diffuser/grille and room airflow checks, data logging and trending for variable-air systems, connecting airflow to practical recommendations, and verification practices.
M3L8 – Temperature Measurement
The discussion focuses on temperature measurement requirements in energy audits, contact temperature measurement, and non-contact temperature measurement. Related areas include temperature logging and trending, calibration, quality assurance, and safety, reasons temperature is a primary audit variable, common thermometer types and audit use cases, and sensor-based measurements (advanced audit practice). The treatment also includes infrared thermometer capabilities and limitations, temperature data logger deployment, field calibration checks (audit-grade), and safety and practical handling.
M3L9 – Humidity Measurement
Key areas include humidity concepts needed for CEM audits, instruments and methods for humidity measurement, and measurement procedure and data quality. Attention is also given to use of humidity data in energy audits, common pitfalls and reporting, key humidity variables and comfort relevance, thermo-hygrometer capabilities and field use, and psychrometric measurement methods (audit practice). Learners also consider proper sensor placement and stabilization, diagnosing humidity-control problems, avoiding misinterpretation, and documenting humidity conditions.
M3L10 – Pressure Measurement
The content explores pressure fundamentals for audit work, pressure measurement instruments, and pressure measurement applications in audits. The discussion extends to measurement procedure, safety, and accuracy, interpretation of pressure data for recommendations, types of pressure and units used in facilities, manometers, draft gauges, and basic field tools, and pitot tube with manometer for duct measurements. Coverage is completed with pumping and fluid systems, combustion systems, calibration and range selection, and turning pressure insights into savings projects.
M3L11 – Combustion Analysis
Learners build knowledge of combustion fundamentals for audits, combustion measurement parameters, and instruments for combustion analysis. It also addresses sampling procedure and field best practices, interpretation of results and developing measures, safety and compliance considerations, core combustion concepts, key variables to measure and interpret, and electronic combustion analyzer capabilities. Additional emphasis is placed on orsat analyzer method overview, boiler tuning and air-fuel ratio optimization, quantifying savings from waste heat recovery, and environmental compliance relevance.
M3L12 – Light Level Measurement
The material covers lighting measurement fundamentals, light meter (lux meter) selection and use, and comparing measured levels to recommendations. Further coverage includes use of light measurements to develop measures, common pitfalls and quality checks, illuminance metrics and units, instrument features and selection, and measurement procedure. The final areas cover referencing recommended light levels, typical lighting ECOs enabled by measured data, measurement errors to avoid, and audit reporting expectations.
M3L13 – Heat Measurement
Coverage centres on heat and thermal energy fundamentals, sensible and latent heat concepts, and measuring thermal energy via flow and temperature. The content then considers heat exchanger heat measurement and performance tracking, quantifying waste heat, measuring/estimating heat losses (envelope and insulation), heat transfer modes and definitions, sensible heat calculation framework, and steam and evaporation concepts for thermal measurements. It further examines measurement inputs required, waste heat characterization framework, practical implications for project selection, and thermal resistance concepts (audit use).
M3L14 – Infrared Equipment
The material introduces infrared measurement principles for audits, infrared thermometers, and thermal imaging cameras. Related areas include audit use cases for IR equipment, data management and reporting, IR radiation, emissivity, and measurement implications, features and audit applications, and best practices for reliable readings. The treatment also includes capturing meaningful thermograms, building envelope and insulation checks, mechanical/process and steam system applications, and turning IR findings into measures.
M3L15 – Fuel Choices
The discussion examines fuel choice as an energy management lever, liquid fuels: properties, handling, and audit considerations, and gaseous fuels: performance and safety. Attention is also given to solid fuels and biomass options, fuel switching evaluation in an audit, the importance of fuel choices in audits and CEM practice, key liquid fuel properties to assess, and quality and contaminants affecting combustion and maintenance. Learners also consider operational and safety considerations, agro-residues and biomass characteristics, technical feasibility checks, and environmental and regulatory constraints.
M3L16 – Key Performance Indicators, Energy Use Index & Energy Cost Index
Learners consider the importance of KPIs in energy management, selecting the right index: energy units vs dollars, and energy use index (EUI). The discussion extends to energy cost index (ECI), energy performance indicators, baselines, and benchmarking, KPI implementation and governance, KPIs as management tools for sustaining audit gains, when to use energy-based vs cost-based indices, and common EUI forms used in facilities. Coverage is completed with ECI definitions and practical formats, use of utility rate structures in cost indices, energy monitoring and targeting (M&T) outputs, and use of KPIs to drive action.
M3L17 – Facility Load Factor
Learners examine load factor fundamentals, calculating facility load factor, and diagnosing low load factor causes. It also addresses strategies to improve load factor, common pitfalls, definition and interpretation, required data sources, and calculation steps and common timeframes. Additional emphasis is placed on baseload vs variable load imbalance, demand management controls (CEM practice), measurement and verification of improvements, and tariff complications.
M3L18 – HHV and LHV
The material explains definitions and terminology, practical use in energy audit calculations, and conversions and common units. Further coverage includes common mistakes and how to prevent them, higher heating value (HHV) / gross calorific value (GCV), relationship between GCV and NCV, and selecting the correct basis for efficiency and savings calculations. The final areas cover typical values and examples, avoiding unit and basis errors in audit reports, reporting ambiguity, and overconfidence in default values.
M3L19 – ASHRAE Standard 211-20XX
Coverage develops an understanding of purpose and scope of ASHRAE standard 211, standard structure and key components, and mandatory reporting requirements and forms. The content then considers audit level requirements (standard-driven expectations), integrating standard 211 into CEM audit practice, intended outcomes of the standard, definitions and level framework alignment, and minimum reporting requirements and documentation expectations. It further examines mandatory forms for level 1 and level 2 audits, level 1 minimum procedures (standard view), use of standard 211 to define scope in proposals and RFPs, and coordination with ongoing energy programs.
M3L20 – Energy Management Measures
The discussion focuses on transition from findings to measures (ECOs/ECMs), categorizing energy management measures, and evaluating and prioritizing measures. Related areas include action planning and program integration, project delivery and implementation management, identifying energy conservation opportunities during walk-through, operational and housekeeping measures, and major retrofit and process measures. The treatment also includes project screening criteria (implementation focus), audit report outputs that enable implementation, project management after audit and DPR approach, and M&V and sustaining savings through trending.
M3L21 – Energy Simulation / Models
Key areas include modeling in audits and energy management, types of models used in energy work, and inputs, calibration, and quality of models. Attention is also given to use of models to evaluate ECMs, model deliverables in audit reporting, reasons models are used in CEM practice, forward (engineering) simulation models, and inverse models (IMT / EModel) for building energy signatures. Learners also consider calibration methodology and practical steps, model uncertainty and audit-grade defensibility, outputs needed for implementation planning, and transition from model to verification plan.
M3L22 – Digital Tools / Apps
The content explores digital enablement of the audit process, data logging and digital measurement systems, and building energy management systems (BEMS) and EMCS. The discussion extends to communications protocols and integration, digital field tools and apps, analytics, dashboards, and fault detection, data governance, cybersecurity, and reliability, areas where digital tools add value in audits, data loggers and computer interface, and BEMS purpose and benefits. Coverage is completed with common BAS/controls protocols, visual documentation tools, turning analytics into action, and cybersecurity essentials for connected energy systems.
Coverage centres on energy audits, roles and responsibilities in the audit process, and scope, boundaries, and coverage of an energy audit. The content then considers transition from audit findings to action, safety, risk, and professional practice in audits, reasons organizations perform energy audits, types of organizations delivering audits (internal vs external), and energy manager’s role as audit-team member. It further examines typical audit scope elements to examine, post-audit steps: organizing data and evaluating ECOs, project management after audit and implementation pathways, and audit ethics and quality.
M3L2 – ASHRAE Level 1, 2, 3 Audit
The material introduces ASHRAE audit level framework, level 1 audit, and level 2 audit. Related areas include level 3 audit, comparing levels 1–3 in practice, defining audit levels and rigor, level 1 intent and typical outcomes (walk-through focus), and field activities and minimum measurements for level 1. The treatment also includes data requirements and analysis depth for level 2, data collection and modeling expectations, measurement intensity and instrumentation differences, and use of audit levels to structure RFPs and internal expectations.
M3L3 – Audit Equipment
The discussion examines selecting and managing audit instrumentation, core auditor’s toolbox (general tools), and electrical measurement instruments. Attention is also given to thermal, HVAC, and process measurement instruments, specialized diagnostics tools, instrument calibration, safety, and common field pitfalls, instrument selection criteria for audit use, lighting measurement tools, and load and power quality instruments. Learners also consider flow measurement instruments, combustion measurement instruments, water quality tools, and data quality and error prevention.
M3L4 – Energy and Power Measurement
Learners consider electrical energy fundamentals for auditors, power and energy calculations used in audits, and measurement methods and instruments. The discussion extends to demand and load shape diagnostics, power quality screening for energy audits, core electrical quantities and units, single-phase power relationships, and converting measurements into actionable metrics. Coverage is completed with interval metering and load profiling, power analyzer use cases in audits, practical load-shape metrics to extract from measured data, and when to escalate from audit-level to power quality study.
M3L5 – Power Factor Measurement
Learners examine power factor concepts, measuring power factor in the field, and diagnosing low power factor. It also addresses power factor correction methods, definition and power triangle relationships, the importance of low power factor in facilities, and measurement points and safety. Additional emphasis is placed on common facility causes, distortion vs displacement PF, controls, protection, and operational pitfalls, and verifying results and sustaining performance.
M3L6 – Flow Measurement
The material explains flow measurement fundamentals, common flow measurement technologies (liquids and gases), and ultrasonic flow measurement for audits. Further coverage includes flow measurement strategy during an audit, common errors and best practices, definitions and units for audit work, differential-pressure and restriction meters, and vortex and velocity-based meters. The final areas cover clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter capabilities, selecting measurement points and test duration, documentation for defensible calculations, and calibration and instrument confidence.
M3L7 – Air Velocity Measurement
Coverage develops an understanding of air velocity measurement in audits, instruments for air velocity measurement, and measurement procedures and field technique. The content then considers interpretation of results for energy opportunities, common pitfalls and quality checks, the importance of air velocity in building and process systems, thermo-anemometer and hot-wire/vane concepts, and airflow visualization for diagnostics (qualitative). It further examines diffuser/grille and room airflow checks, data logging and trending for variable-air systems, connecting airflow to practical recommendations, and verification practices.
M3L8 – Temperature Measurement
The discussion focuses on temperature measurement requirements in energy audits, contact temperature measurement, and non-contact temperature measurement. Related areas include temperature logging and trending, calibration, quality assurance, and safety, reasons temperature is a primary audit variable, common thermometer types and audit use cases, and sensor-based measurements (advanced audit practice). The treatment also includes infrared thermometer capabilities and limitations, temperature data logger deployment, field calibration checks (audit-grade), and safety and practical handling.
M3L9 – Humidity Measurement
Key areas include humidity concepts needed for CEM audits, instruments and methods for humidity measurement, and measurement procedure and data quality. Attention is also given to use of humidity data in energy audits, common pitfalls and reporting, key humidity variables and comfort relevance, thermo-hygrometer capabilities and field use, and psychrometric measurement methods (audit practice). Learners also consider proper sensor placement and stabilization, diagnosing humidity-control problems, avoiding misinterpretation, and documenting humidity conditions.
M3L10 – Pressure Measurement
The content explores pressure fundamentals for audit work, pressure measurement instruments, and pressure measurement applications in audits. The discussion extends to measurement procedure, safety, and accuracy, interpretation of pressure data for recommendations, types of pressure and units used in facilities, manometers, draft gauges, and basic field tools, and pitot tube with manometer for duct measurements. Coverage is completed with pumping and fluid systems, combustion systems, calibration and range selection, and turning pressure insights into savings projects.
M3L11 – Combustion Analysis
Learners build knowledge of combustion fundamentals for audits, combustion measurement parameters, and instruments for combustion analysis. It also addresses sampling procedure and field best practices, interpretation of results and developing measures, safety and compliance considerations, core combustion concepts, key variables to measure and interpret, and electronic combustion analyzer capabilities. Additional emphasis is placed on orsat analyzer method overview, boiler tuning and air-fuel ratio optimization, quantifying savings from waste heat recovery, and environmental compliance relevance.
M3L12 – Light Level Measurement
The material covers lighting measurement fundamentals, light meter (lux meter) selection and use, and comparing measured levels to recommendations. Further coverage includes use of light measurements to develop measures, common pitfalls and quality checks, illuminance metrics and units, instrument features and selection, and measurement procedure. The final areas cover referencing recommended light levels, typical lighting ECOs enabled by measured data, measurement errors to avoid, and audit reporting expectations.
M3L13 – Heat Measurement
Coverage centres on heat and thermal energy fundamentals, sensible and latent heat concepts, and measuring thermal energy via flow and temperature. The content then considers heat exchanger heat measurement and performance tracking, quantifying waste heat, measuring/estimating heat losses (envelope and insulation), heat transfer modes and definitions, sensible heat calculation framework, and steam and evaporation concepts for thermal measurements. It further examines measurement inputs required, waste heat characterization framework, practical implications for project selection, and thermal resistance concepts (audit use).
M3L14 – Infrared Equipment
The material introduces infrared measurement principles for audits, infrared thermometers, and thermal imaging cameras. Related areas include audit use cases for IR equipment, data management and reporting, IR radiation, emissivity, and measurement implications, features and audit applications, and best practices for reliable readings. The treatment also includes capturing meaningful thermograms, building envelope and insulation checks, mechanical/process and steam system applications, and turning IR findings into measures.
M3L15 – Fuel Choices
The discussion examines fuel choice as an energy management lever, liquid fuels: properties, handling, and audit considerations, and gaseous fuels: performance and safety. Attention is also given to solid fuels and biomass options, fuel switching evaluation in an audit, the importance of fuel choices in audits and CEM practice, key liquid fuel properties to assess, and quality and contaminants affecting combustion and maintenance. Learners also consider operational and safety considerations, agro-residues and biomass characteristics, technical feasibility checks, and environmental and regulatory constraints.
M3L16 – Key Performance Indicators, Energy Use Index & Energy Cost Index
Learners consider the importance of KPIs in energy management, selecting the right index: energy units vs dollars, and energy use index (EUI). The discussion extends to energy cost index (ECI), energy performance indicators, baselines, and benchmarking, KPI implementation and governance, KPIs as management tools for sustaining audit gains, when to use energy-based vs cost-based indices, and common EUI forms used in facilities. Coverage is completed with ECI definitions and practical formats, use of utility rate structures in cost indices, energy monitoring and targeting (M&T) outputs, and use of KPIs to drive action.
M3L17 – Facility Load Factor
Learners examine load factor fundamentals, calculating facility load factor, and diagnosing low load factor causes. It also addresses strategies to improve load factor, common pitfalls, definition and interpretation, required data sources, and calculation steps and common timeframes. Additional emphasis is placed on baseload vs variable load imbalance, demand management controls (CEM practice), measurement and verification of improvements, and tariff complications.
M3L18 – HHV and LHV
The material explains definitions and terminology, practical use in energy audit calculations, and conversions and common units. Further coverage includes common mistakes and how to prevent them, higher heating value (HHV) / gross calorific value (GCV), relationship between GCV and NCV, and selecting the correct basis for efficiency and savings calculations. The final areas cover typical values and examples, avoiding unit and basis errors in audit reports, reporting ambiguity, and overconfidence in default values.
M3L19 – ASHRAE Standard 211-20XX
Coverage develops an understanding of purpose and scope of ASHRAE standard 211, standard structure and key components, and mandatory reporting requirements and forms. The content then considers audit level requirements (standard-driven expectations), integrating standard 211 into CEM audit practice, intended outcomes of the standard, definitions and level framework alignment, and minimum reporting requirements and documentation expectations. It further examines mandatory forms for level 1 and level 2 audits, level 1 minimum procedures (standard view), use of standard 211 to define scope in proposals and RFPs, and coordination with ongoing energy programs.
M3L20 – Energy Management Measures
The discussion focuses on transition from findings to measures (ECOs/ECMs), categorizing energy management measures, and evaluating and prioritizing measures. Related areas include action planning and program integration, project delivery and implementation management, identifying energy conservation opportunities during walk-through, operational and housekeeping measures, and major retrofit and process measures. The treatment also includes project screening criteria (implementation focus), audit report outputs that enable implementation, project management after audit and DPR approach, and M&V and sustaining savings through trending.
M3L21 – Energy Simulation / Models
Key areas include modeling in audits and energy management, types of models used in energy work, and inputs, calibration, and quality of models. Attention is also given to use of models to evaluate ECMs, model deliverables in audit reporting, reasons models are used in CEM practice, forward (engineering) simulation models, and inverse models (IMT / EModel) for building energy signatures. Learners also consider calibration methodology and practical steps, model uncertainty and audit-grade defensibility, outputs needed for implementation planning, and transition from model to verification plan.
M3L22 – Digital Tools / Apps
The content explores digital enablement of the audit process, data logging and digital measurement systems, and building energy management systems (BEMS) and EMCS. The discussion extends to communications protocols and integration, digital field tools and apps, analytics, dashboards, and fault detection, data governance, cybersecurity, and reliability, areas where digital tools add value in audits, data loggers and computer interface, and BEMS purpose and benefits. Coverage is completed with common BAS/controls protocols, visual documentation tools, turning analytics into action, and cybersecurity essentials for connected energy systems.
Module 4 – Energy Accounting and Economics
M4L1 – Time Value of Money
Learners build knowledge of economic context for energy project decisions, how TVM underpins later evaluation methods (NPV/PW, AW, IRR, SIR, LCC, payback), and rate effects: how the interest/discount rate (i) changes equivalent value. It also addresses relationship between MARR and project acceptance thresholds, how equivalent representations can simplify complex problems, practical energy example types: future value of deferred maintenance cost or future avoided cost, salvage value or removal cost at end of study period, conversion to equivalent value and interpretation of the result, and typical cash flow components seen in energy projects. Additional emphasis is placed on indifference and decision implications and present value of a future amount (single-sum discounting).
M4L2 – Impact of Escalation Rates
The material covers reasons escalation changes energy project economics, the importance of clearly stating assumptions, and effects of inflation on both costs and savings interpretations. Further coverage includes separation of escalation from operational changes (load growth, production changes), interpretation of results carefully when using payback as a screening metric, appropriate treatment when costs/savings are stated as in today’s money, alignment of escalation with contract terms when savings guarantees exist, evaluation of impact on payback and NPV, common escalation drivers in energy management, real vs combined (nominal) MARR, and conservative treatment of uncertain escalation. The final areas cover annual worth / equivalent annual outcomes under escalation and then-current-dollar approach.
M4L3 – Financial Evaluation Methods: Present Worth, Net Present Value, Annual Worth, Savings to Investment Ratio, Internal Rate of Return, Life Cycle Cost, Simple Payback
Coverage centres on framing the financial evaluation of energy projects, portfolio selection when multiple projects compete for limited funds, and interpretation: converts future dollars into today’s worth using a discount rate. The content then considers useful for budgeting and annual impact reporting, compared to MARR/hurdle rate for accept/reject decisions, emphasis on capturing all costs over the relevant life, not just first cost, alignment with internal hurdle criteria and capital budgeting rules, determination of correct accept/reject rule for each method, capital investment characteristics and cash flow categories, limitations and common misuse, and practical interpretation. It further examines relationship to benefit-cost ratio and profitability index, LCC calculation structure, and break-even analysis.
M4L4 – Interest Formulas and Tables
The material introduces interest fundamentals and notation, when simple interest approximations appear (short durations, quick estimates), and relationship to the concept of worth today of repeated annual savings. Related areas include typical use: costs/savings increasing by a constant amount each year, identifying direction (to present vs to future vs to annual) before selecting a factor, matching the table rate and period definition to the problem, IRR function basics and troubleshooting when results are unstable, solve for n or i conceptually (what changes increase PV or FV?), and compound interest structure. The treatment also includes selecting the correct factor based on cash flow shape and common table-usage errors.
M4L5 – Depreciation Methods
The discussion examines depreciation in energy project economics, depreciation’s impact: changes taxes, which changes after-tax cash flow, and depreciation allowances attributable to the project. Attention is also given to assets with useful lives longer than one year, professional guidance recommended for determining correct property class, discounting of ATCFs for after-tax NPV/AW calculations, use of the wrong depreciation schedule or property class assumptions, calculation of MACRS annual depreciation from a percentage schedule, taxes relevant to project economics, critical observation about depreciation, and book value vs market value (end-of-life implications). Learners also consider transition of tax depreciation systems, step-by-step MACRS calculation workflow, and disposal and end-of-project cash flows.
Learners build knowledge of economic context for energy project decisions, how TVM underpins later evaluation methods (NPV/PW, AW, IRR, SIR, LCC, payback), and rate effects: how the interest/discount rate (i) changes equivalent value. It also addresses relationship between MARR and project acceptance thresholds, how equivalent representations can simplify complex problems, practical energy example types: future value of deferred maintenance cost or future avoided cost, salvage value or removal cost at end of study period, conversion to equivalent value and interpretation of the result, and typical cash flow components seen in energy projects. Additional emphasis is placed on indifference and decision implications and present value of a future amount (single-sum discounting).
M4L2 – Impact of Escalation Rates
The material covers reasons escalation changes energy project economics, the importance of clearly stating assumptions, and effects of inflation on both costs and savings interpretations. Further coverage includes separation of escalation from operational changes (load growth, production changes), interpretation of results carefully when using payback as a screening metric, appropriate treatment when costs/savings are stated as in today’s money, alignment of escalation with contract terms when savings guarantees exist, evaluation of impact on payback and NPV, common escalation drivers in energy management, real vs combined (nominal) MARR, and conservative treatment of uncertain escalation. The final areas cover annual worth / equivalent annual outcomes under escalation and then-current-dollar approach.
M4L3 – Financial Evaluation Methods: Present Worth, Net Present Value, Annual Worth, Savings to Investment Ratio, Internal Rate of Return, Life Cycle Cost, Simple Payback
Coverage centres on framing the financial evaluation of energy projects, portfolio selection when multiple projects compete for limited funds, and interpretation: converts future dollars into today’s worth using a discount rate. The content then considers useful for budgeting and annual impact reporting, compared to MARR/hurdle rate for accept/reject decisions, emphasis on capturing all costs over the relevant life, not just first cost, alignment with internal hurdle criteria and capital budgeting rules, determination of correct accept/reject rule for each method, capital investment characteristics and cash flow categories, limitations and common misuse, and practical interpretation. It further examines relationship to benefit-cost ratio and profitability index, LCC calculation structure, and break-even analysis.
M4L4 – Interest Formulas and Tables
The material introduces interest fundamentals and notation, when simple interest approximations appear (short durations, quick estimates), and relationship to the concept of worth today of repeated annual savings. Related areas include typical use: costs/savings increasing by a constant amount each year, identifying direction (to present vs to future vs to annual) before selecting a factor, matching the table rate and period definition to the problem, IRR function basics and troubleshooting when results are unstable, solve for n or i conceptually (what changes increase PV or FV?), and compound interest structure. The treatment also includes selecting the correct factor based on cash flow shape and common table-usage errors.
M4L5 – Depreciation Methods
The discussion examines depreciation in energy project economics, depreciation’s impact: changes taxes, which changes after-tax cash flow, and depreciation allowances attributable to the project. Attention is also given to assets with useful lives longer than one year, professional guidance recommended for determining correct property class, discounting of ATCFs for after-tax NPV/AW calculations, use of the wrong depreciation schedule or property class assumptions, calculation of MACRS annual depreciation from a percentage schedule, taxes relevant to project economics, critical observation about depreciation, and book value vs market value (end-of-life implications). Learners also consider transition of tax depreciation systems, step-by-step MACRS calculation workflow, and disposal and end-of-project cash flows.
Module 5 – Electrical Power Systems and Motors
M5L1 – Demand and Energy
Learners consider demand and energy fundamentals, utility billing determinants and how demand shows up on bills, and electricity tariff structures and rate designs. The discussion extends to load profiling and demand analysis methods, demand management strategies, energy management for kWh reduction (complementary to demand work), savings calculations, reporting, and problem-solving methods, core definitions and units, billing components tied to demand and energy, and time-based pricing structures. Coverage is completed with diagnosing peak drivers, technical demand reduction measures, opportunity screening and prioritization, and verification and persistence.
M5L2 – Power Factor
Learners examine power factor concepts and the power triangle, causes of low power factor in facilities, and impacts of low PF on electrical systems and cost. It also addresses measuring and verifying power factor, power factor correction technologies, capacitor sizing, placement, and application rules, PF correction risks, harmonics, and commissioning, definition and interpretation, inductive loads and magnetizing current, and electrical system impacts. Additional emphasis is placed on measurement methods (single-phase and three-phase), alternative methods, practical application guidance, and safe installation and verification.
M5L3 – Real Power and Reactive Power
The material explains AC power fundamentals, definitions: P, Q, S and their units, and power triangle and complex power relationships. Further coverage includes single-phase and three-phase power calculations, how reactive power affects system performance, measurement of P, Q, S in practice, applications to energy management decisions, RMS quantities and phase relationships, real (active) power, P, and triangle relationships. The final areas cover balanced three-phase systems, voltage regulation and system losses, instruments and methods, and quick diagnostic indicators.
M5L4 – Three Phase Systems
Coverage develops an understanding of three-phase fundamentals, common three-phase configurations, and line and phase relationships (wye vs delta). The content then considers three-phase power calculations, measurement and metering in three-phase systems, practical system issues, what makes three-phase different, wye (star) systems, and wye relationships. It further examines kW, kVAR, and kVA in three-phase systems, power triangle in polyphase contexts, modern power meters and data collection, and neutral and harmonic considerations.
M5L5 – Power Quality, Harmonics and Grounding
The discussion focuses on power quality overview, harmonics fundamentals, and harmonic sources in buildings and industry. Related areas include effects of harmonics (operational, reliability, and energy impacts), measurement, monitoring, and diagnostics, harmonic mitigation and power quality improvement measures, grounding and bonding essentials, grounding problems, troubleshooting, and best practices, the meaning of power quality in facilities, harmonic indices and calculations, and system conditions that amplify harmonics. The treatment also includes correct instrumentation and why it matters, standards and acceptable limits, purposes of grounding/earthing, and testing and verification (field practice).
M5L6 – Motor Types
Key areas include electric motor fundamentals, AC induction motors (most common industrial motor), and synchronous motors. Attention is also given to DC motors, special-purpose and emerging motor technologies, comparing motor types for energy management decisions, energy conversion basics, squirrel-cage induction motors, and single-phase vs three-phase induction motors. Learners also consider areas where synchronous motors fit, DC motor types and characteristics, servo/stepper, and matching motor type to driven load.
M5L7 – Motor Selection Criteria
The content explores definition of the load and operating profile, electrical supply compatibility, and starting requirements and motor design selection. The discussion extends to mechanical, environmental, and reliability constraints, efficiency, power factor, and life-cycle cost, special selection cases (energy manager focus), load type and torque-speed requirement, nameplate electrical requirements, and starting current and torque. Coverage is completed with control interface requirements, mechanical fit and standards, field verification and procurement practices, and variable load and control strategy integration.
M5L8 – High Efficiency Motors
Learners build knowledge of the meaning of high efficiency motor in practice, motor losses and how high efficiency designs reduce them, and performance characteristics beyond efficiency. It also addresses economics of high efficiency motors, application constraints and caveats, best practices for selecting, installing, and verifying high efficiency motors, definitions and classifications, primary loss categories, and temperature rise and reliability benefits. Additional emphasis is placed on cost premium and savings estimation, practical life-cycle cost factors, specification and verification, and documentation and continuous improvement.
M5L9 – Motor Load Factor
The material covers motor load factor concepts, impacts of underloading and oversizing, and part-load performance behavior. Further coverage includes determining motor load factor by measurement (preferred methods), estimating load factor when power metering is limited, improving motor load factor (energy management actions), documentation and continuous monitoring, definition and why it matters, efficiency and power factor penalties, and what good loading looks like. The final areas cover trend-based evaluation, slip-based estimation, operational practices, and use of load factor data to drive portfolio actions.
M5L10 – Motor Slip
Coverage centres on slip and synchronous speed fundamentals, slip in the torque-speed characteristic, and slip-related losses and efficiency. The content then considers measuring slip in the field, estimating motor load from slip (method and limits), use of slip as a diagnostic indicator, definitions, how slip varies with load, and rotor I²R losses linked to slip. It further examines measurement tools and methods, conditions and constraints, limitations and do-not-use cases, and integrating slip findings into actions.
M5L11 – New vs. Rewound Motors
The material introduces context: why rewinding happens and why it matters, how rewinding can affect motor efficiency and performance, and best practices for high-quality motor rewinding. Related areas include tracking and measuring performance: new vs rewound, replace vs rewind decision framework, practical cautions and common pitfalls, implementation for motor management programs, typical reasons for rewinding, mechanisms that reduce efficiency, and preservation of original design intent. The treatment also includes recordkeeping that enables decision-making, technical decision criteria, common errors that degrade post-rewind efficiency, and inventory strategy.
M5L12 – Affinity Laws (Pump and Fan Laws)
The discussion examines the importance of affinity laws, pump affinity laws (speed change), and fan laws (speed change). Attention is also given to system curve interaction and operating point shift, impeller diameter (trim) laws, motor replacement and the speed pitfall in fan/pump systems, practical calculations and validation steps, motor-driven fluid systems as dominant loads, core pump laws (centrifugal pumps), and fan affinity fundamentals. Learners also consider pump/fan curve intersection with system resistance, how practical trimming limits and risks, use of affinity laws to evaluate retrofit outcomes, and field validation checklist (energy manager practice).
M5L13 – Motor Speed Control
Learners consider drivers for speed control in industry and buildings, load characteristics and their speed control implications, and electro-mechanical speed control methods. The discussion extends to electrical speed control methods, starting control vs speed control (avoiding confusion), selecting the right speed control approach, control strategy integration (field reality), process and comfort requirements, variable torque, constant torque, constant horsepower loads, and multi-speed motors. Coverage is completed with wound rotor methods (where applicable), soft starters (starting-focused), practical selection guidance, and commissioning checks.
M5L14 – Variable Frequency Drives / Variable Speed Drives
Learners examine terminology and the VFD/VSD concept, VFD architecture and operating principle, and drive sizing and selection criteria. It also addresses energy savings mechanisms and system perspective, installation, commissioning, and operating precautions, controls integration, bypass, and maintainability, economic evaluation and risk management, case study walkthrough (application-driven learning), common terms and equivalencies, power electronics and control, and accounting for drive losses. Additional emphasis is placed on motor heating and derating under harmonic waveforms, wiring and reliability practices, project cost elements, and lessons learned.
M5L15 – Variable Flow Systems
The material explains variable flow system fundamentals, system-level analysis: establishing the true requirement, and variable flow pumping systems: control options and tradeoffs. Further coverage includes variable flow fan systems: control options and tradeoffs, control strategies and setpoint design (make-or-break for savings), how conversion considerations and pitfalls (what can go wrong), measurement, commissioning, and continuous optimization, the meaning of variable flow, identification of symptoms of inefficiency (field indicators), and impeller trimming and right-sizing. The final areas cover speed control methods, system integration and networking, holistic success requirement, and ongoing optimization.
Learners consider demand and energy fundamentals, utility billing determinants and how demand shows up on bills, and electricity tariff structures and rate designs. The discussion extends to load profiling and demand analysis methods, demand management strategies, energy management for kWh reduction (complementary to demand work), savings calculations, reporting, and problem-solving methods, core definitions and units, billing components tied to demand and energy, and time-based pricing structures. Coverage is completed with diagnosing peak drivers, technical demand reduction measures, opportunity screening and prioritization, and verification and persistence.
M5L2 – Power Factor
Learners examine power factor concepts and the power triangle, causes of low power factor in facilities, and impacts of low PF on electrical systems and cost. It also addresses measuring and verifying power factor, power factor correction technologies, capacitor sizing, placement, and application rules, PF correction risks, harmonics, and commissioning, definition and interpretation, inductive loads and magnetizing current, and electrical system impacts. Additional emphasis is placed on measurement methods (single-phase and three-phase), alternative methods, practical application guidance, and safe installation and verification.
M5L3 – Real Power and Reactive Power
The material explains AC power fundamentals, definitions: P, Q, S and their units, and power triangle and complex power relationships. Further coverage includes single-phase and three-phase power calculations, how reactive power affects system performance, measurement of P, Q, S in practice, applications to energy management decisions, RMS quantities and phase relationships, real (active) power, P, and triangle relationships. The final areas cover balanced three-phase systems, voltage regulation and system losses, instruments and methods, and quick diagnostic indicators.
M5L4 – Three Phase Systems
Coverage develops an understanding of three-phase fundamentals, common three-phase configurations, and line and phase relationships (wye vs delta). The content then considers three-phase power calculations, measurement and metering in three-phase systems, practical system issues, what makes three-phase different, wye (star) systems, and wye relationships. It further examines kW, kVAR, and kVA in three-phase systems, power triangle in polyphase contexts, modern power meters and data collection, and neutral and harmonic considerations.
M5L5 – Power Quality, Harmonics and Grounding
The discussion focuses on power quality overview, harmonics fundamentals, and harmonic sources in buildings and industry. Related areas include effects of harmonics (operational, reliability, and energy impacts), measurement, monitoring, and diagnostics, harmonic mitigation and power quality improvement measures, grounding and bonding essentials, grounding problems, troubleshooting, and best practices, the meaning of power quality in facilities, harmonic indices and calculations, and system conditions that amplify harmonics. The treatment also includes correct instrumentation and why it matters, standards and acceptable limits, purposes of grounding/earthing, and testing and verification (field practice).
M5L6 – Motor Types
Key areas include electric motor fundamentals, AC induction motors (most common industrial motor), and synchronous motors. Attention is also given to DC motors, special-purpose and emerging motor technologies, comparing motor types for energy management decisions, energy conversion basics, squirrel-cage induction motors, and single-phase vs three-phase induction motors. Learners also consider areas where synchronous motors fit, DC motor types and characteristics, servo/stepper, and matching motor type to driven load.
M5L7 – Motor Selection Criteria
The content explores definition of the load and operating profile, electrical supply compatibility, and starting requirements and motor design selection. The discussion extends to mechanical, environmental, and reliability constraints, efficiency, power factor, and life-cycle cost, special selection cases (energy manager focus), load type and torque-speed requirement, nameplate electrical requirements, and starting current and torque. Coverage is completed with control interface requirements, mechanical fit and standards, field verification and procurement practices, and variable load and control strategy integration.
M5L8 – High Efficiency Motors
Learners build knowledge of the meaning of high efficiency motor in practice, motor losses and how high efficiency designs reduce them, and performance characteristics beyond efficiency. It also addresses economics of high efficiency motors, application constraints and caveats, best practices for selecting, installing, and verifying high efficiency motors, definitions and classifications, primary loss categories, and temperature rise and reliability benefits. Additional emphasis is placed on cost premium and savings estimation, practical life-cycle cost factors, specification and verification, and documentation and continuous improvement.
M5L9 – Motor Load Factor
The material covers motor load factor concepts, impacts of underloading and oversizing, and part-load performance behavior. Further coverage includes determining motor load factor by measurement (preferred methods), estimating load factor when power metering is limited, improving motor load factor (energy management actions), documentation and continuous monitoring, definition and why it matters, efficiency and power factor penalties, and what good loading looks like. The final areas cover trend-based evaluation, slip-based estimation, operational practices, and use of load factor data to drive portfolio actions.
M5L10 – Motor Slip
Coverage centres on slip and synchronous speed fundamentals, slip in the torque-speed characteristic, and slip-related losses and efficiency. The content then considers measuring slip in the field, estimating motor load from slip (method and limits), use of slip as a diagnostic indicator, definitions, how slip varies with load, and rotor I²R losses linked to slip. It further examines measurement tools and methods, conditions and constraints, limitations and do-not-use cases, and integrating slip findings into actions.
M5L11 – New vs. Rewound Motors
The material introduces context: why rewinding happens and why it matters, how rewinding can affect motor efficiency and performance, and best practices for high-quality motor rewinding. Related areas include tracking and measuring performance: new vs rewound, replace vs rewind decision framework, practical cautions and common pitfalls, implementation for motor management programs, typical reasons for rewinding, mechanisms that reduce efficiency, and preservation of original design intent. The treatment also includes recordkeeping that enables decision-making, technical decision criteria, common errors that degrade post-rewind efficiency, and inventory strategy.
M5L12 – Affinity Laws (Pump and Fan Laws)
The discussion examines the importance of affinity laws, pump affinity laws (speed change), and fan laws (speed change). Attention is also given to system curve interaction and operating point shift, impeller diameter (trim) laws, motor replacement and the speed pitfall in fan/pump systems, practical calculations and validation steps, motor-driven fluid systems as dominant loads, core pump laws (centrifugal pumps), and fan affinity fundamentals. Learners also consider pump/fan curve intersection with system resistance, how practical trimming limits and risks, use of affinity laws to evaluate retrofit outcomes, and field validation checklist (energy manager practice).
M5L13 – Motor Speed Control
Learners consider drivers for speed control in industry and buildings, load characteristics and their speed control implications, and electro-mechanical speed control methods. The discussion extends to electrical speed control methods, starting control vs speed control (avoiding confusion), selecting the right speed control approach, control strategy integration (field reality), process and comfort requirements, variable torque, constant torque, constant horsepower loads, and multi-speed motors. Coverage is completed with wound rotor methods (where applicable), soft starters (starting-focused), practical selection guidance, and commissioning checks.
M5L14 – Variable Frequency Drives / Variable Speed Drives
Learners examine terminology and the VFD/VSD concept, VFD architecture and operating principle, and drive sizing and selection criteria. It also addresses energy savings mechanisms and system perspective, installation, commissioning, and operating precautions, controls integration, bypass, and maintainability, economic evaluation and risk management, case study walkthrough (application-driven learning), common terms and equivalencies, power electronics and control, and accounting for drive losses. Additional emphasis is placed on motor heating and derating under harmonic waveforms, wiring and reliability practices, project cost elements, and lessons learned.
M5L15 – Variable Flow Systems
The material explains variable flow system fundamentals, system-level analysis: establishing the true requirement, and variable flow pumping systems: control options and tradeoffs. Further coverage includes variable flow fan systems: control options and tradeoffs, control strategies and setpoint design (make-or-break for savings), how conversion considerations and pitfalls (what can go wrong), measurement, commissioning, and continuous optimization, the meaning of variable flow, identification of symptoms of inefficiency (field indicators), and impeller trimming and right-sizing. The final areas cover speed control methods, system integration and networking, holistic success requirement, and ongoing optimization.
Module 6 – Lighting Systems
M6L1 – Color Rendering Index
Coverage develops an understanding of color rendering, relationship between CRI and perceived naturalness of colors, and trade-offs between CRI, efficacy and cost. The content then considers CRI considerations when substituting lamps in retrofits (e.g., tri-phosphor vs standard phosphor), CRI considerations in life-cycle cost analysis and retrofits, how these metrics address CRI limitations (saturated colors, gamut distortion), reference light sources and test colors, CRI and human perception, and CRI of common light sources. It further examines CRI in codes, standards and specifications and practical guidance for CEMs.
M6L2 – Color Temperature
The discussion focuses on color temperature, distinction between CCT and CRI, and psychological and visual impressions: cozy vs bright/alert environments. Related areas include matching replacement lamps to existing CCT to avoid patchwork appearance, potential to slightly reduce illuminance levels with higher-CCT/high-CRI lamps while maintaining perceived brightness, basic control strategies: scheduled, sensor-based, and manual, black-body radiation concept, matching CCT to tasks and occupants, and CCT in LED and advanced sources. The treatment also includes CCT in retrofits and standards and links to human-centric lighting.
M6L3 – Visual Comfort Factor
Key areas include visual comfort, key parameters: luminance, contrast, uniformity, glare, and uplighting and indirect systems to improve comfort. Attention is also given to window control (blinds/films) to prevent direct solar glare on screens, on-site walk-through focusing on glare, shadows and brightness patterns, combining reduced ambient levels with task lighting to save energy and improve comfort, visual comfort probability (VCP) concept, luminance ratios and contrast, and color quality and visual comfort. Learners also consider layout and positioning, quantitative/design tools, and avoiding common pitfalls.
M6L4 – Human Centric Lighting, Pupil Lumens
The content explores human-centric lighting (HCL), links between HCL, daylighting and lighting quality concepts from earlier lectures, and risks of high-correlated color temperature and high blue content late at night. The discussion extends to mesopic range where both rods and cones contribute (common in outdoor/low-level lighting), scheduling and control strategies for implementing HCL (e.g., brighter/cooler mid-day, warmer/dimmer evening), challenges of proving productivity or health benefits; importance of pilot projects, visual vs non-visual effects of light, HCL strategies in buildings, and pupil lumens concept. Coverage is completed with integrating HCL into existing buildings and good practice vs over-complexity.
M6L5 – Spectral Power Distribution
Learners build knowledge of spectral power distribution (SPD), differences between continuous spectra (daylight, incandescent) and line spectra (discharge lamps, some LEDs), and diurnal changes in daylight spectrum (cooler mid-day, warmer sunrise/sunset). It also addresses trade-offs between high luminous efficacy and good color rendition, checking for gaps or excessive peaks that might affect color rendition, relationship between SPD, circadian metrics and pupil lumens, SPD and perceived color, artificial sources, and SPD and spectrally enhanced lighting. Additional emphasis is placed on SPD for specific applications and SPD management in energy retrofits.
M6L6 – Efficiency and Efficacy
The material covers photometric and energy concepts, concept of theoretical maximum efficacy at 555 nm (683 lm/W), and ILER assessment thresholds (≥0.75 satisfactory, 0.51–0.74 review, ≤0.5 urgent action). Further coverage includes high-efficiency luminaires and reflectors to increase fixture efficiency, total cost of ownership: lamp life, maintenance, HVAC interactions, avoiding over-lighting by verifying required illuminance before selecting lamp/ballast combinations, system vs source efficacy, ILER calculation steps, and control and operational measures. The final areas cover efficacy in standards and codes and efficacy of dimming and part-load operation.
M6L7 – Light Sources
Coverage centres on electric light sources, solid-state lighting (LED, OLED), and halogen cycle and its effect on lumen maintenance and lamp life. The content then considers gas fill and phosphor types (bi-phosphor vs tri-phosphor), advantages (high lumen output, long life) and drawbacks (warm-up time, color stability issues), street and security lighting: HPS-to-LED transitions, balancing efficacy, CRI and maintenance, key selection parameters, applications and limitations, and lamp families and performance. It further examines LED and emerging technologies and lifecycle and retrofit considerations.
M6L8 – Ballasts, Ballast Factors and Lighting Drivers
The material introduces ballasts and drivers, distinction between magnetic and electronic ballasts, and high-efficiency and hybrid magnetic ballasts and their incremental savings. Related areas include examples of BF <1.0 (common electronic ballasts) and >1.0 (high-output ballasts), availability of dimmable and bi-level HID ballasts and instant restrike options, control interfaces (0–10 V, DALI, wireless protocols) for dimming and control integration, LED drivers, electronic ballasts, and leveraging ballast factor in retrofits. The treatment also includes capacitive switching and bi-level operation and reliability and power quality.
M6L9 – Strike and Restrike
The discussion examines lamp starting (strike) fundamentals, typical warm-up times for mercury vapor, metal halide, HPS and fluorescent lamps, and cold restrike differences when lamps have cooled. Attention is also given to risk of sudden blackout in high-bay areas and safety implications, HID use cases where strike/restrike limitations are acceptable (stadia, yards), starting methods, instant restrike systems, and strategies to mitigate restrike issues. Learners also consider incorporating strike behavior into emergency and backup plans.
M6L10 – Lamp Life
Learners consider definitions and concepts, distinction between burnout and unacceptable lumen depreciation, and inverse relationship between voltage and lamp life. The discussion extends to operating temperature, frequent on/off switching and ballast/driver quality, economic analysis of labor, lamp cost and avoided failures, mean light output and lumen maintenance, fluorescent, CFL and LED, and HID lamps. Coverage is completed with environmental and maintenance factors and coordinating lamp life with energy retrofits.
M6L11 – Lumens
Learners examine lumens and photometry, relationship between lumens, candela, footcandles and lux, and practical meaning of each quantity in lighting design and energy audits. It also addresses importance of luminaire distribution and room characteristics, identifying opportunities to reduce lumens (fewer lamps, lower BF, dimming) while maintaining adequate levels, lumen ratings of lamps, conversions and examples, and installed load efficacy and lumens. Additional emphasis is placed on evaluating under-lighting.
M6L12 – Dimming
The material explains dimming fundamentals, dimming in daylight integration and visual comfort, and efficacy and cost trade-offs vs simple switching strategies. Further coverage includes avoiding flicker and instability through compatible drivers and controls, use of occupancy and daylight sensors in combination with dimming to maximize savings, dimmer types, HID dimming and bi-level operation, and controls and interfaces. The final areas cover common pitfalls.
M6L13 – Glare Control with Reflectors, Diffusers and Uplighting
Coverage develops an understanding of understanding glare, discomfort vs disability glare and their impact on performance, and high-reflectance materials: white paints, silver laminates, anodized aluminum. The content then considers lens types (prismatic, opal, micro-structured) and their visual impressions, benefits: low direct glare, uniform brightness on ceiling and upper walls, use of task lighting plus lower ambient levels to manage glare while saving energy, glare in typical indoor environments, reflectors for glare reduction and efficiency, and louvers and parabolic optics. It further examines design considerations and verification and adjustments.
M6L14 – Footcandles
The discussion focuses on illuminance units and definitions, conversion between footcandles and lux (1 fc ≈ 10.76 lux), and when to use low, medium or high values based on task criticality, contrast and errors. Related areas include comparing measured averages with design targets and code requirements, use of LLF and maintenance factors to ensure long-term compliance, measuring illuminance, sector-specific values, and diagnosing over- and under-lighting. The treatment also includes integration with ILER and LPD.
M6L15 – Inverse Square Law
Key areas include the inverse square law, E ∝ 1/d² relationship and its assumptions (point source, uniform medium), and accounting for tilt and angle (cosine law) conceptually. Attention is also given to effect of doubling mounting height on illuminance (¼ original), implications for high-bay retrofits and relighting projects, basic formula and units, limitations and real-world corrections, and combining multiple sources. Learners also consider communication and education.
M6L16 – Zonal Cavity Design Method
The content explores indoor lighting calculations, distinction between average illuminance and point-by-point analysis, and room index (RI) as dimensionless ratio capturing room geometry. The discussion extends to definitions of LLF (light loss factor) and its components (LLD, LDD, RSD, etc.), calculating RI, selecting CU, estimating luminaires required, methods for average level calculations, coefficient of utilization (CU), and calculation steps. Coverage is completed with verification and adjustments.
M6L17 – IES Lighting Standard
Learners build knowledge of lighting standards, national standards (e.g., IS 3646, ECBC) referencing or aligning with IES guidance, and examples of recommended levels for industrial and commercial spaces. It also addresses ECBC requirements for daylight controls and automatic reduction in daylit zones, feeding these into zonal cavity method and ILER assessments, scope of lighting standards, other quality parameters, and use of standards in audits and retrofits. Additional emphasis is placed on documentation and compliance.
M6L18 – Coefficient of Utilization
The material covers definition and role of CU, incorporation of fixture efficiency, mounting height and room reflectances, and influence of reflectors, louvers and lenses on CU. Further coverage includes selecting correct CU for given combination of room geometry and reflectances, reducing luminaire count by increasing CU while maintaining illuminance, CU vs fixture efficiency, room geometry and reflectances, and CU in zonal cavity and lumen method. The final areas cover CU and energy savings.
M6L19 – Lamp Lumen Depreciation
Coverage centres on lamp lumen depreciation (LLD), LLD as a dimensionless multiplier between 0 and 1 in illuminance calculations, and arc tube darkening and chemical changes in HID lamps. The content then considers conservatism vs realism in selecting LLD for new designs, use of lumen maintenance curves from manufacturers to project performance, LLD and mean lumens, operating and environmental conditions, and LLD in maintenance planning. It further examines retrofit considerations.
M6L20 – Light Loss Factors
The material introduces definition and purpose of light loss factors (LLF), distinction between recoverable and non-recoverable factors, and LLF restoration through cleaning and repainting. Related areas include permanent changes in room finishes and geometry, example showing effect of different LLF assumptions on required fixture count, LLF components, scheduled maintenance, and design allowances. The treatment also includes LLF improvement as energy measure.
M6L21 – Lighting Retrofits
The discussion examines drivers and goals of lighting retrofits, supporting HVAC savings through reduced internal loads, and optimizing ballast factor and system configuration (e.g., 4-lamp to 2-lamp + reflector). Attention is also given to addressing glare, distribution and compatibility with existing controls, including HVAC interaction and maintenance savings in financial analysis, typical retrofit triggers, fixture and optical upgrades, and integrating controls and daylighting. Learners also consider performance verification.
M6L22 – Lighting Controls
Learners consider lighting controls, enhancing visual comfort, flexibility and integration with HCL, and placement guidelines and common applications (offices, washrooms, storerooms). The discussion extends to integration with building energy management systems (BEMS), task tuning: setting lower-than-maximum light levels to match needs, types of control strategies, photo sensors and daylight controls, and time switches and astronomical clocks. Coverage is completed with advanced control features and commissioning and persistence of savings.
M6L23 – Luminaire Specific Lighting Controls
Learners examine concept of luminaire-level lighting controls, comparison with traditional circuit-/room-level controls, and LED drivers designed for local control and communication (wired/wireless). It also addresses retrofit approaches: replacing fixtures with integrated-control luminaires vs adding sensor modules, leveraging bi-level HID fixtures and LED luminaires with integrated controls in warehouses and parking lots, benefits, communication and networking, and configuration and commissioning. Additional emphasis is placed on maintenance and analytics.
M6L24 – Natural Lighting (Skylights, Solar Tubes, Light Shelfs, etc.)
The material explains fundamentals of daylighting, non-energy benefits: improved visual comfort, productivity and health, and window placement, size and head height for deeper daylight penetration. Further coverage includes integration of blinds, louvers and shading devices to control glare, placing daylight sensors for closed-loop or open-loop control strategies, example strategies to prevent glare in industrial plants (diffusing glass, translucent panels), challenges and design issues, roof-based daylighting, and solar tubes and advanced collectors. The final areas cover electric lighting response and CEM’s role in daylighting projects.
Coverage develops an understanding of color rendering, relationship between CRI and perceived naturalness of colors, and trade-offs between CRI, efficacy and cost. The content then considers CRI considerations when substituting lamps in retrofits (e.g., tri-phosphor vs standard phosphor), CRI considerations in life-cycle cost analysis and retrofits, how these metrics address CRI limitations (saturated colors, gamut distortion), reference light sources and test colors, CRI and human perception, and CRI of common light sources. It further examines CRI in codes, standards and specifications and practical guidance for CEMs.
M6L2 – Color Temperature
The discussion focuses on color temperature, distinction between CCT and CRI, and psychological and visual impressions: cozy vs bright/alert environments. Related areas include matching replacement lamps to existing CCT to avoid patchwork appearance, potential to slightly reduce illuminance levels with higher-CCT/high-CRI lamps while maintaining perceived brightness, basic control strategies: scheduled, sensor-based, and manual, black-body radiation concept, matching CCT to tasks and occupants, and CCT in LED and advanced sources. The treatment also includes CCT in retrofits and standards and links to human-centric lighting.
M6L3 – Visual Comfort Factor
Key areas include visual comfort, key parameters: luminance, contrast, uniformity, glare, and uplighting and indirect systems to improve comfort. Attention is also given to window control (blinds/films) to prevent direct solar glare on screens, on-site walk-through focusing on glare, shadows and brightness patterns, combining reduced ambient levels with task lighting to save energy and improve comfort, visual comfort probability (VCP) concept, luminance ratios and contrast, and color quality and visual comfort. Learners also consider layout and positioning, quantitative/design tools, and avoiding common pitfalls.
M6L4 – Human Centric Lighting, Pupil Lumens
The content explores human-centric lighting (HCL), links between HCL, daylighting and lighting quality concepts from earlier lectures, and risks of high-correlated color temperature and high blue content late at night. The discussion extends to mesopic range where both rods and cones contribute (common in outdoor/low-level lighting), scheduling and control strategies for implementing HCL (e.g., brighter/cooler mid-day, warmer/dimmer evening), challenges of proving productivity or health benefits; importance of pilot projects, visual vs non-visual effects of light, HCL strategies in buildings, and pupil lumens concept. Coverage is completed with integrating HCL into existing buildings and good practice vs over-complexity.
M6L5 – Spectral Power Distribution
Learners build knowledge of spectral power distribution (SPD), differences between continuous spectra (daylight, incandescent) and line spectra (discharge lamps, some LEDs), and diurnal changes in daylight spectrum (cooler mid-day, warmer sunrise/sunset). It also addresses trade-offs between high luminous efficacy and good color rendition, checking for gaps or excessive peaks that might affect color rendition, relationship between SPD, circadian metrics and pupil lumens, SPD and perceived color, artificial sources, and SPD and spectrally enhanced lighting. Additional emphasis is placed on SPD for specific applications and SPD management in energy retrofits.
M6L6 – Efficiency and Efficacy
The material covers photometric and energy concepts, concept of theoretical maximum efficacy at 555 nm (683 lm/W), and ILER assessment thresholds (≥0.75 satisfactory, 0.51–0.74 review, ≤0.5 urgent action). Further coverage includes high-efficiency luminaires and reflectors to increase fixture efficiency, total cost of ownership: lamp life, maintenance, HVAC interactions, avoiding over-lighting by verifying required illuminance before selecting lamp/ballast combinations, system vs source efficacy, ILER calculation steps, and control and operational measures. The final areas cover efficacy in standards and codes and efficacy of dimming and part-load operation.
M6L7 – Light Sources
Coverage centres on electric light sources, solid-state lighting (LED, OLED), and halogen cycle and its effect on lumen maintenance and lamp life. The content then considers gas fill and phosphor types (bi-phosphor vs tri-phosphor), advantages (high lumen output, long life) and drawbacks (warm-up time, color stability issues), street and security lighting: HPS-to-LED transitions, balancing efficacy, CRI and maintenance, key selection parameters, applications and limitations, and lamp families and performance. It further examines LED and emerging technologies and lifecycle and retrofit considerations.
M6L8 – Ballasts, Ballast Factors and Lighting Drivers
The material introduces ballasts and drivers, distinction between magnetic and electronic ballasts, and high-efficiency and hybrid magnetic ballasts and their incremental savings. Related areas include examples of BF <1.0 (common electronic ballasts) and >1.0 (high-output ballasts), availability of dimmable and bi-level HID ballasts and instant restrike options, control interfaces (0–10 V, DALI, wireless protocols) for dimming and control integration, LED drivers, electronic ballasts, and leveraging ballast factor in retrofits. The treatment also includes capacitive switching and bi-level operation and reliability and power quality.
M6L9 – Strike and Restrike
The discussion examines lamp starting (strike) fundamentals, typical warm-up times for mercury vapor, metal halide, HPS and fluorescent lamps, and cold restrike differences when lamps have cooled. Attention is also given to risk of sudden blackout in high-bay areas and safety implications, HID use cases where strike/restrike limitations are acceptable (stadia, yards), starting methods, instant restrike systems, and strategies to mitigate restrike issues. Learners also consider incorporating strike behavior into emergency and backup plans.
M6L10 – Lamp Life
Learners consider definitions and concepts, distinction between burnout and unacceptable lumen depreciation, and inverse relationship between voltage and lamp life. The discussion extends to operating temperature, frequent on/off switching and ballast/driver quality, economic analysis of labor, lamp cost and avoided failures, mean light output and lumen maintenance, fluorescent, CFL and LED, and HID lamps. Coverage is completed with environmental and maintenance factors and coordinating lamp life with energy retrofits.
M6L11 – Lumens
Learners examine lumens and photometry, relationship between lumens, candela, footcandles and lux, and practical meaning of each quantity in lighting design and energy audits. It also addresses importance of luminaire distribution and room characteristics, identifying opportunities to reduce lumens (fewer lamps, lower BF, dimming) while maintaining adequate levels, lumen ratings of lamps, conversions and examples, and installed load efficacy and lumens. Additional emphasis is placed on evaluating under-lighting.
M6L12 – Dimming
The material explains dimming fundamentals, dimming in daylight integration and visual comfort, and efficacy and cost trade-offs vs simple switching strategies. Further coverage includes avoiding flicker and instability through compatible drivers and controls, use of occupancy and daylight sensors in combination with dimming to maximize savings, dimmer types, HID dimming and bi-level operation, and controls and interfaces. The final areas cover common pitfalls.
M6L13 – Glare Control with Reflectors, Diffusers and Uplighting
Coverage develops an understanding of understanding glare, discomfort vs disability glare and their impact on performance, and high-reflectance materials: white paints, silver laminates, anodized aluminum. The content then considers lens types (prismatic, opal, micro-structured) and their visual impressions, benefits: low direct glare, uniform brightness on ceiling and upper walls, use of task lighting plus lower ambient levels to manage glare while saving energy, glare in typical indoor environments, reflectors for glare reduction and efficiency, and louvers and parabolic optics. It further examines design considerations and verification and adjustments.
M6L14 – Footcandles
The discussion focuses on illuminance units and definitions, conversion between footcandles and lux (1 fc ≈ 10.76 lux), and when to use low, medium or high values based on task criticality, contrast and errors. Related areas include comparing measured averages with design targets and code requirements, use of LLF and maintenance factors to ensure long-term compliance, measuring illuminance, sector-specific values, and diagnosing over- and under-lighting. The treatment also includes integration with ILER and LPD.
M6L15 – Inverse Square Law
Key areas include the inverse square law, E ∝ 1/d² relationship and its assumptions (point source, uniform medium), and accounting for tilt and angle (cosine law) conceptually. Attention is also given to effect of doubling mounting height on illuminance (¼ original), implications for high-bay retrofits and relighting projects, basic formula and units, limitations and real-world corrections, and combining multiple sources. Learners also consider communication and education.
M6L16 – Zonal Cavity Design Method
The content explores indoor lighting calculations, distinction between average illuminance and point-by-point analysis, and room index (RI) as dimensionless ratio capturing room geometry. The discussion extends to definitions of LLF (light loss factor) and its components (LLD, LDD, RSD, etc.), calculating RI, selecting CU, estimating luminaires required, methods for average level calculations, coefficient of utilization (CU), and calculation steps. Coverage is completed with verification and adjustments.
M6L17 – IES Lighting Standard
Learners build knowledge of lighting standards, national standards (e.g., IS 3646, ECBC) referencing or aligning with IES guidance, and examples of recommended levels for industrial and commercial spaces. It also addresses ECBC requirements for daylight controls and automatic reduction in daylit zones, feeding these into zonal cavity method and ILER assessments, scope of lighting standards, other quality parameters, and use of standards in audits and retrofits. Additional emphasis is placed on documentation and compliance.
M6L18 – Coefficient of Utilization
The material covers definition and role of CU, incorporation of fixture efficiency, mounting height and room reflectances, and influence of reflectors, louvers and lenses on CU. Further coverage includes selecting correct CU for given combination of room geometry and reflectances, reducing luminaire count by increasing CU while maintaining illuminance, CU vs fixture efficiency, room geometry and reflectances, and CU in zonal cavity and lumen method. The final areas cover CU and energy savings.
M6L19 – Lamp Lumen Depreciation
Coverage centres on lamp lumen depreciation (LLD), LLD as a dimensionless multiplier between 0 and 1 in illuminance calculations, and arc tube darkening and chemical changes in HID lamps. The content then considers conservatism vs realism in selecting LLD for new designs, use of lumen maintenance curves from manufacturers to project performance, LLD and mean lumens, operating and environmental conditions, and LLD in maintenance planning. It further examines retrofit considerations.
M6L20 – Light Loss Factors
The material introduces definition and purpose of light loss factors (LLF), distinction between recoverable and non-recoverable factors, and LLF restoration through cleaning and repainting. Related areas include permanent changes in room finishes and geometry, example showing effect of different LLF assumptions on required fixture count, LLF components, scheduled maintenance, and design allowances. The treatment also includes LLF improvement as energy measure.
M6L21 – Lighting Retrofits
The discussion examines drivers and goals of lighting retrofits, supporting HVAC savings through reduced internal loads, and optimizing ballast factor and system configuration (e.g., 4-lamp to 2-lamp + reflector). Attention is also given to addressing glare, distribution and compatibility with existing controls, including HVAC interaction and maintenance savings in financial analysis, typical retrofit triggers, fixture and optical upgrades, and integrating controls and daylighting. Learners also consider performance verification.
M6L22 – Lighting Controls
Learners consider lighting controls, enhancing visual comfort, flexibility and integration with HCL, and placement guidelines and common applications (offices, washrooms, storerooms). The discussion extends to integration with building energy management systems (BEMS), task tuning: setting lower-than-maximum light levels to match needs, types of control strategies, photo sensors and daylight controls, and time switches and astronomical clocks. Coverage is completed with advanced control features and commissioning and persistence of savings.
M6L23 – Luminaire Specific Lighting Controls
Learners examine concept of luminaire-level lighting controls, comparison with traditional circuit-/room-level controls, and LED drivers designed for local control and communication (wired/wireless). It also addresses retrofit approaches: replacing fixtures with integrated-control luminaires vs adding sensor modules, leveraging bi-level HID fixtures and LED luminaires with integrated controls in warehouses and parking lots, benefits, communication and networking, and configuration and commissioning. Additional emphasis is placed on maintenance and analytics.
M6L24 – Natural Lighting (Skylights, Solar Tubes, Light Shelfs, etc.)
The material explains fundamentals of daylighting, non-energy benefits: improved visual comfort, productivity and health, and window placement, size and head height for deeper daylight penetration. Further coverage includes integration of blinds, louvers and shading devices to control glare, placing daylight sensors for closed-loop or open-loop control strategies, example strategies to prevent glare in industrial plants (diffusing glass, translucent panels), challenges and design issues, roof-based daylighting, and solar tubes and advanced collectors. The final areas cover electric lighting response and CEM’s role in daylighting projects.
Module 7 – HVAC Systems and Building Envelope
M7L1 – Vapor Compression Cycle
Coverage develops an understanding of refrigeration fundamentals and thermodynamic basis, component functions and state-point behavior, and cycle representation and practical interpretation. The content then considers performance and efficiency calculations, controls and part-load behavior (cycle-level view), energy manager’s diagnostic checklist (cycle-centric), refrigeration cycles in energy management, evaporator process (low-pressure heat absorption), and condenser process (high-pressure heat rejection). It further examines pressure–enthalpy (P–h) diagram use, capacity expressions used by practitioners, common operating issues tied to the cycle, and high-impact corrective actions (cycle drivers).
M7L2 – HVAC Equipment Types
The discussion focuses on HVAC system classification and selection criteria, direct expansion (DX) and unitary cooling equipment, and central plant and hydronic equipment. Related areas include refrigeration system types and applications (beyond comfort cooling), compressor technologies and application fit, ventilation, humidity-control, and air quality equipment, thermal storage and ice bank systems (equipment type perspective), equipment-focused energy saving opportunities and good practice features, major HVAC system families (how systems as commonly categorized), common DX equipment forms, and heating equipment taxonomy (as interfaces with air systems). The treatment also includes cold storage systems overview, practical considerations, ice bank/thermal storage concept, and maintenance and operating practices for sustained performance.
M7L3 – Refrigerants and Global Warming Potential Factors
Key areas include refrigerant role and required properties, refrigerant families, naming, and common refrigerants, and ozone depletion impacts and the Montreal protocol context. Attention is also given to global warming impacts and GWP interpretation, safety, codes, and risk management (refrigerant-focused), refrigerant management, retrofits, and performance impacts, the importance of refrigerant selection, common refrigerants and application examples, and refrigerant selection tradeoffs for systems and retrofits. Learners also consider phase-out / phase-down timelines and transition concepts, practical implications, safety considerations and risk controls, and retrofit impacts on capacity and efficiency.
M7L4 – Performance Ratings (COP, EER, kW/ton)
The content explores the importance of performance ratings in CEM work, cooling capacity and ton fundamentals, and COP, EER, and kW/ton definitions and conversions. The discussion extends to part-load performance ratings and why they matter, system-level performance (what CEMs must measure), common pitfalls and interpretation traps, applications of ratings, COP and EER relationships, and kW/ton interpretation. Coverage is completed with integrated part load value (IPLV) concept and limitations, total system efficiency boundary, boundary and unit errors, and misinterpretation of ratings vs conditions.
M7L5 – Cooling Towers
Learners build knowledge of cooling tower role in HVAC and refrigeration plants, cooling tower types and selection, and cooling tower components and materials. It also addresses performance parameters and calculations, controls and flow strategies for efficiency, efficient operation, maintenance, and reliability, energy saving opportunities and verification, areas where cooling towers fit in the heat rejection chain, draft, airflow, and fill configurations, and materials and durability considerations. Additional emphasis is placed on mass/energy relationships for tower operation, flow control strategies and operational optimization, water treatment and health/safety management, and measurement and validation approach.
M7L6 – Variable Refrigerant Flow
The material covers VRF fundamentals and relationship to vapor compression systems, VRF system architecture and major components, and operating modes and control sequences. Further coverage includes design and commissioning considerations, energy performance evaluation and audit considerations, common issues and mitigation strategies, VRF as a variable-capacity application of the vapor compression cycle, outdoor unit equipment and control, and heat pump vs heat recovery VRF modes. The final areas cover refrigerant charge, safety, and compliance planning, integration with ventilation and humidity control (practical CEM focus), what to measure to verify performance, and best practices for sustained efficiency.
M7L7 – HVAC Economizers
Coverage centres on economizer purpose and energy savings mechanisms, economizer types and psychrometric decision logic, and economizer hardware and system integration. The content then considers control sequences and commissioning priorities, energy savings estimation and M&V, free cooling concept and when it is beneficial, air-side economizers (most common), and water-side economizers. It further examines typical control logic and common control problems, verification and functional testing steps (CEM field workflow), estimating economizer savings, and persistence strategies.
M7L8 – Air Distribution Systems (Reheat, Multizone, VAV)
The material introduces air distribution objectives and core components, reheat systems and their energy implications, and multizone and dual-duct systems. Related areas include variable air volume (VAV) systems, controls optimization and common problems, functions that air distribution systems must accomplish, constant volume reheat systems, and strategies to reduce reheat energy. The treatment also includes multizone system fundamentals, VAV principle and why it is typically more efficient, high-impact tuning opportunities (air-side), and diagnostics for energy waste.
M7L9 – Chillers
The discussion examines chiller plant overview and system boundaries, chiller types and key component differences, and chilled water system design configurations. Attention is also given to performance measurement and modeling, controls, sequencing, and optimization, O&M, troubleshooting, and performance degradation, energy conservation measures (ECMs) for chiller plants, what the chiller system includes for energy accounting, compressor-based chiller categories, and key performance metrics for chillers. Learners also consider plant sequencing strategies, high-impact optimization levers, commissioning and continuous monitoring practices, and integration touchpoints (brief).
M7L10 – Absorption Cycle
Learners consider absorption refrigeration fundamentals, working fluids and operating constraints, and components and cycle processes. The discussion extends to performance characteristics and metrics, heat source integration and best-fit applications, O&M and reliability considerations, how absorption differs from vapor compression, common working pairs and where each is used, and major components and flow paths. Coverage is completed with COP and practical performance levels, heat sources and integration concepts, common operational issues, and commissioning and continuous efficiency management.
M7L11 – Chilled Beam Systems
Learners examine chilled beam concept and system types, heat transfer and comfort fundamentals, and psychrometric constraints and humidity control. It also addresses water-side design and control considerations, energy performance and application fit, commissioning, O&M, and troubleshooting, definition and system positioning among HVAC options, cooling mechanisms and comfort outcomes, and condensation risk and dewpoint management. Additional emphasis is placed on chilled water temperature strategy, energy benefits and tradeoffs (CEM evaluation), and practical field issues.
M7L12 – Heat Pumps
The material explains heat pump principle and relationship to refrigeration, COP and efficiency drivers, and heat pump types and configurations. Further coverage includes applications and integration opportunities, design, controls, and commissioning, heat pump as a reversed cycle that delivers useful heat, COP definitions and theoretical maximum (carnot), and temperature dependence and part-load behavior. The final areas cover major heat pump categories, common building and process applications, key design constraints, and commissioning checks for performance.
M7L13 – Energy Consumption Estimates
Coverage develops an understanding of estimation scope and boundary definition, inputs and assumptions for HVAC energy estimates, and cooling energy estimation using TR and kW/ton. The content then considers heating energy estimation using UA/BLC and weather, fan and pump energy estimation, part-load and annualization methods, regression-based estimation using utility bills, documentation, uncertainty, and validation, choosing the right boundary for the question being answered, field capacity estimation and TR-hours approach, and total system energy estimate (plant perspective). It further examines degree-day method and BLC-based estimation, IPLV and why part-load dominates annual energy, building load coefficient and base energy via linear regression, and accuracy expectations and best practices.
M7L14 – Enthalpy
The discussion focuses on enthalpy fundamentals, enthalpy in energy balances for open systems, and moist air enthalpy and HVAC relevance. Related areas include enthalpy change in common HVAC processes, enthalpy in cooling tower and evaporative processes, enthalpy-based controls (application linkage), calculation workflow and common pitfalls, definition, units, and why enthalpy is used, steady-flow energy equation, and enthalpy of moist air on the psychrometric chart. The treatment also includes heating, cooling, humidification, and dehumidification (enthalpy perspective), tower heat transfer expressed via air enthalpy rise, enthalpy control concepts in HVAC, and practical calculation discipline.
M7L15 – Heat Transfer Equations
Key areas include modes of heat transfer and when each dominates, conduction equations (steady-state), and convection equations. Attention is also given to radiation equations (building and HVAC relevance), overall heat transfer coefficient and the UA approach, HVAC load equations and equipment-relevant forms, transient effects (intro for later thermal mass lectures), conduction, convection, and radiation overview, plane-wall conduction and composite assemblies, and newton’s law of cooling (q = hAΔT) and film coefficients. Learners also consider surface-to-surface and solar-driven radiation concepts, U-factor concept and instantaneous heat transfer equation, air-side sensible and latent load calculation concepts, and steady vs transient heat transfer.
M7L16 – Psychrometric Chart
The content explores moist air properties used in HVAC analysis, psychrometric chart structure and how to read it, and core air-conditioning processes on the chart. The discussion extends to mixing of air streams and economizer relevance, coil analysis and practical HVAC diagnostics, common mistakes and best practices, core psychrometric variables, chart axes, curves, and lines, and sensible heating/cooling and humidity change interpretation. Coverage is completed with evaporative cooling and humidification concepts, mixed air conditions (outdoor + return air), coil loads using enthalpy difference, and chart use pitfalls.
M7L17 – Building Envelope
Learners build knowledge of building envelope scope and energy functions, envelope heat transfer pathways, and fenestration performance and solar-related metrics. It also addresses moisture control, condensation, and durability, diagnostics and measurement for envelope performance, envelope retrofit measures and load reduction strategies, standards and code context (how envelope requirements are set), envelope components and the conditioned boundary, conduction through components (U, R, and UA), and infiltration and ventilation as envelope-related loads. Additional emphasis is placed on moisture transport mechanisms and why they matter, field assessment tools (CEM practice), high-impact retrofit options, and energy code framework for envelope performance.
M7L18 – Thermally Light and Heavy Facilities
The material covers thermal mass fundamentals, definitions and classification, and impact on loads, sizing, and operating profiles. Further coverage includes thermal weight and energy estimation accuracy, operational strategies that leverage thermal mass, retrofit implications for CEM decision-making, the meaning of thermal mass in building energy behavior, thermally light vs thermally heavy buildings, and peak vs average load behavior. The final areas cover how simple temperature-dependent methods can lose accuracy, use of regression indicators to infer thermal weight, practical control strategies, and estimating envelope savings in light vs heavy buildings.
M7L19 – Thermal Resistance, Conductance and Conductivity
Coverage centres on definitions and units (what each term means), relationships and calculation structures, and surface films and overall performance. The content then considers thermal bridging and effective R-values, temperature, moisture, and aging effects, practical examples and audit pitfalls, conductivity (k), conductance (C), resistance (R), and U-factor, unit discipline and conversion awareness, and converting among k, R, and U. It further examines inside/outside film coefficients (why U includes more than insulation), how bridging reduces real-world performance, how k and R can change in service, and typical calculation examples.
M7L20 – Insulation
The material introduces insulation role in HVAC and envelope energy performance, insulation material families and forms, and installation quality and real-world performance. Related areas include moisture control, vapor barriers, and condensation prevention, economic thickness and lifecycle decision-making, key applications in this module’s scope, inspection, monitoring, and maintenance, the importance of insulation for CEM outcomes, application forms, and common installation defects and energy consequences. The treatment also includes condensation control requirements, building envelope insulation strategies, cold storage insulation and load reduction (topic linkage), and sustaining insulation performance.
M7L21 – Degree Days
The discussion examines degree day concept and terminology, reference temperature and balance temperature, and degree day calculation methods. Attention is also given to applications in energy management, limitations and adjustments, HDD and CDD definitions and how they represent weather severity, reasons a reference temperature is used (and typical values), and computing degree days from temperature data. Learners also consider energy normalization and benchmarking, predictive energy estimation, and reasons degree-day method is approximate (and how to improve it).
M7L22 – Seasonal Heat Transfer Estimation
Learners consider seasonal vs instantaneous estimation frameworks, degree-day method for seasonal heat transfer, and temperature bin method for seasonal estimation. The discussion extends to utility-bill regression approach to seasonal estimation, savings estimation for envelope improvements, validation and documentation, applications of seasonal estimation, translating temperature-dependent heat loss into annual energy, and use of BLC directly for seasonal estimates. Coverage is completed with bin method procedure and benefits, regression formulation and interpretation, adjusting BLC/UA for retrofit scenarios, and ensuring credible seasonal estimates.
M7L23 – Instantaneous Heat Transfer Estimation
Learners examine instantaneous estimation purpose and conditions, component-by-component envelope heat transfer, and infiltration and ventilation instantaneous loads. It also addresses building load coefficient (BLC) as a consolidated method, additional instantaneous gain/loss contributors, practical use in the field, applications of instantaneous estimates, instantaneous conduction through components, and infiltration rate estimation and load calculation example. Additional emphasis is placed on BLC definition and calculation structure, total instantaneous building heat loss using BLC, solar and internal gains at design condition, and rapid diagnostic checks.
M7L24 – Solar Heat Gain
The material explains solar radiation fundamentals (as a heat gain source), solar heat gain pathways in buildings, and key metrics and how they are used. Further coverage includes solar gain calculation approaches (CEM-appropriate), strategies to reduce solar heat gain (without shifting topics to shading lecture), measurement and verification considerations, components of solar radiation relevant to buildings, fenestration as the dominant solar heat gain pathway, and opaque envelope solar effects. The final areas cover simplified calculation frameworks, cooling load implications, primary reduction strategies, and field indicators and verification methods.
M7L25 – Solar Shading
Coverage develops an understanding of shading objectives and design principles, external shading devices and geometry, and glazing-based solar control (films and coatings). The content then considers interior shading and operational controls, evaluating shading performance, integration with HVAC and passive strategies, reasons shading is a high-value load reduction measure, common external shading strategies, and solar geometry and shading effectiveness. It further examines low-e and solar-control glazing, interior blinds and shades (limitations and benefits), performance metrics and evaluation approach, and coordinating shading with HVAC controls.
M7L26 – Passive Design
The discussion focuses on passive design framework and climate-responsive thinking, passive solar design principles, and passive solar heating techniques. Related areas include passive cooling strategies, thermal mass and insulation as passive enablers, daylighting and internal load reduction, practical evaluation and commissioning of passive features, the meaning of passive design, core principles and site/building orientation, and direct gain, indirect gain, isolated gain. The treatment also includes natural ventilation and air movement, solar control as passive cooling, daylighting as a passive solar strategy, and ensuring passive design delivers real savings.
Coverage develops an understanding of refrigeration fundamentals and thermodynamic basis, component functions and state-point behavior, and cycle representation and practical interpretation. The content then considers performance and efficiency calculations, controls and part-load behavior (cycle-level view), energy manager’s diagnostic checklist (cycle-centric), refrigeration cycles in energy management, evaporator process (low-pressure heat absorption), and condenser process (high-pressure heat rejection). It further examines pressure–enthalpy (P–h) diagram use, capacity expressions used by practitioners, common operating issues tied to the cycle, and high-impact corrective actions (cycle drivers).
M7L2 – HVAC Equipment Types
The discussion focuses on HVAC system classification and selection criteria, direct expansion (DX) and unitary cooling equipment, and central plant and hydronic equipment. Related areas include refrigeration system types and applications (beyond comfort cooling), compressor technologies and application fit, ventilation, humidity-control, and air quality equipment, thermal storage and ice bank systems (equipment type perspective), equipment-focused energy saving opportunities and good practice features, major HVAC system families (how systems as commonly categorized), common DX equipment forms, and heating equipment taxonomy (as interfaces with air systems). The treatment also includes cold storage systems overview, practical considerations, ice bank/thermal storage concept, and maintenance and operating practices for sustained performance.
M7L3 – Refrigerants and Global Warming Potential Factors
Key areas include refrigerant role and required properties, refrigerant families, naming, and common refrigerants, and ozone depletion impacts and the Montreal protocol context. Attention is also given to global warming impacts and GWP interpretation, safety, codes, and risk management (refrigerant-focused), refrigerant management, retrofits, and performance impacts, the importance of refrigerant selection, common refrigerants and application examples, and refrigerant selection tradeoffs for systems and retrofits. Learners also consider phase-out / phase-down timelines and transition concepts, practical implications, safety considerations and risk controls, and retrofit impacts on capacity and efficiency.
M7L4 – Performance Ratings (COP, EER, kW/ton)
The content explores the importance of performance ratings in CEM work, cooling capacity and ton fundamentals, and COP, EER, and kW/ton definitions and conversions. The discussion extends to part-load performance ratings and why they matter, system-level performance (what CEMs must measure), common pitfalls and interpretation traps, applications of ratings, COP and EER relationships, and kW/ton interpretation. Coverage is completed with integrated part load value (IPLV) concept and limitations, total system efficiency boundary, boundary and unit errors, and misinterpretation of ratings vs conditions.
M7L5 – Cooling Towers
Learners build knowledge of cooling tower role in HVAC and refrigeration plants, cooling tower types and selection, and cooling tower components and materials. It also addresses performance parameters and calculations, controls and flow strategies for efficiency, efficient operation, maintenance, and reliability, energy saving opportunities and verification, areas where cooling towers fit in the heat rejection chain, draft, airflow, and fill configurations, and materials and durability considerations. Additional emphasis is placed on mass/energy relationships for tower operation, flow control strategies and operational optimization, water treatment and health/safety management, and measurement and validation approach.
M7L6 – Variable Refrigerant Flow
The material covers VRF fundamentals and relationship to vapor compression systems, VRF system architecture and major components, and operating modes and control sequences. Further coverage includes design and commissioning considerations, energy performance evaluation and audit considerations, common issues and mitigation strategies, VRF as a variable-capacity application of the vapor compression cycle, outdoor unit equipment and control, and heat pump vs heat recovery VRF modes. The final areas cover refrigerant charge, safety, and compliance planning, integration with ventilation and humidity control (practical CEM focus), what to measure to verify performance, and best practices for sustained efficiency.
M7L7 – HVAC Economizers
Coverage centres on economizer purpose and energy savings mechanisms, economizer types and psychrometric decision logic, and economizer hardware and system integration. The content then considers control sequences and commissioning priorities, energy savings estimation and M&V, free cooling concept and when it is beneficial, air-side economizers (most common), and water-side economizers. It further examines typical control logic and common control problems, verification and functional testing steps (CEM field workflow), estimating economizer savings, and persistence strategies.
M7L8 – Air Distribution Systems (Reheat, Multizone, VAV)
The material introduces air distribution objectives and core components, reheat systems and their energy implications, and multizone and dual-duct systems. Related areas include variable air volume (VAV) systems, controls optimization and common problems, functions that air distribution systems must accomplish, constant volume reheat systems, and strategies to reduce reheat energy. The treatment also includes multizone system fundamentals, VAV principle and why it is typically more efficient, high-impact tuning opportunities (air-side), and diagnostics for energy waste.
M7L9 – Chillers
The discussion examines chiller plant overview and system boundaries, chiller types and key component differences, and chilled water system design configurations. Attention is also given to performance measurement and modeling, controls, sequencing, and optimization, O&M, troubleshooting, and performance degradation, energy conservation measures (ECMs) for chiller plants, what the chiller system includes for energy accounting, compressor-based chiller categories, and key performance metrics for chillers. Learners also consider plant sequencing strategies, high-impact optimization levers, commissioning and continuous monitoring practices, and integration touchpoints (brief).
M7L10 – Absorption Cycle
Learners consider absorption refrigeration fundamentals, working fluids and operating constraints, and components and cycle processes. The discussion extends to performance characteristics and metrics, heat source integration and best-fit applications, O&M and reliability considerations, how absorption differs from vapor compression, common working pairs and where each is used, and major components and flow paths. Coverage is completed with COP and practical performance levels, heat sources and integration concepts, common operational issues, and commissioning and continuous efficiency management.
M7L11 – Chilled Beam Systems
Learners examine chilled beam concept and system types, heat transfer and comfort fundamentals, and psychrometric constraints and humidity control. It also addresses water-side design and control considerations, energy performance and application fit, commissioning, O&M, and troubleshooting, definition and system positioning among HVAC options, cooling mechanisms and comfort outcomes, and condensation risk and dewpoint management. Additional emphasis is placed on chilled water temperature strategy, energy benefits and tradeoffs (CEM evaluation), and practical field issues.
M7L12 – Heat Pumps
The material explains heat pump principle and relationship to refrigeration, COP and efficiency drivers, and heat pump types and configurations. Further coverage includes applications and integration opportunities, design, controls, and commissioning, heat pump as a reversed cycle that delivers useful heat, COP definitions and theoretical maximum (carnot), and temperature dependence and part-load behavior. The final areas cover major heat pump categories, common building and process applications, key design constraints, and commissioning checks for performance.
M7L13 – Energy Consumption Estimates
Coverage develops an understanding of estimation scope and boundary definition, inputs and assumptions for HVAC energy estimates, and cooling energy estimation using TR and kW/ton. The content then considers heating energy estimation using UA/BLC and weather, fan and pump energy estimation, part-load and annualization methods, regression-based estimation using utility bills, documentation, uncertainty, and validation, choosing the right boundary for the question being answered, field capacity estimation and TR-hours approach, and total system energy estimate (plant perspective). It further examines degree-day method and BLC-based estimation, IPLV and why part-load dominates annual energy, building load coefficient and base energy via linear regression, and accuracy expectations and best practices.
M7L14 – Enthalpy
The discussion focuses on enthalpy fundamentals, enthalpy in energy balances for open systems, and moist air enthalpy and HVAC relevance. Related areas include enthalpy change in common HVAC processes, enthalpy in cooling tower and evaporative processes, enthalpy-based controls (application linkage), calculation workflow and common pitfalls, definition, units, and why enthalpy is used, steady-flow energy equation, and enthalpy of moist air on the psychrometric chart. The treatment also includes heating, cooling, humidification, and dehumidification (enthalpy perspective), tower heat transfer expressed via air enthalpy rise, enthalpy control concepts in HVAC, and practical calculation discipline.
M7L15 – Heat Transfer Equations
Key areas include modes of heat transfer and when each dominates, conduction equations (steady-state), and convection equations. Attention is also given to radiation equations (building and HVAC relevance), overall heat transfer coefficient and the UA approach, HVAC load equations and equipment-relevant forms, transient effects (intro for later thermal mass lectures), conduction, convection, and radiation overview, plane-wall conduction and composite assemblies, and newton’s law of cooling (q = hAΔT) and film coefficients. Learners also consider surface-to-surface and solar-driven radiation concepts, U-factor concept and instantaneous heat transfer equation, air-side sensible and latent load calculation concepts, and steady vs transient heat transfer.
M7L16 – Psychrometric Chart
The content explores moist air properties used in HVAC analysis, psychrometric chart structure and how to read it, and core air-conditioning processes on the chart. The discussion extends to mixing of air streams and economizer relevance, coil analysis and practical HVAC diagnostics, common mistakes and best practices, core psychrometric variables, chart axes, curves, and lines, and sensible heating/cooling and humidity change interpretation. Coverage is completed with evaporative cooling and humidification concepts, mixed air conditions (outdoor + return air), coil loads using enthalpy difference, and chart use pitfalls.
M7L17 – Building Envelope
Learners build knowledge of building envelope scope and energy functions, envelope heat transfer pathways, and fenestration performance and solar-related metrics. It also addresses moisture control, condensation, and durability, diagnostics and measurement for envelope performance, envelope retrofit measures and load reduction strategies, standards and code context (how envelope requirements are set), envelope components and the conditioned boundary, conduction through components (U, R, and UA), and infiltration and ventilation as envelope-related loads. Additional emphasis is placed on moisture transport mechanisms and why they matter, field assessment tools (CEM practice), high-impact retrofit options, and energy code framework for envelope performance.
M7L18 – Thermally Light and Heavy Facilities
The material covers thermal mass fundamentals, definitions and classification, and impact on loads, sizing, and operating profiles. Further coverage includes thermal weight and energy estimation accuracy, operational strategies that leverage thermal mass, retrofit implications for CEM decision-making, the meaning of thermal mass in building energy behavior, thermally light vs thermally heavy buildings, and peak vs average load behavior. The final areas cover how simple temperature-dependent methods can lose accuracy, use of regression indicators to infer thermal weight, practical control strategies, and estimating envelope savings in light vs heavy buildings.
M7L19 – Thermal Resistance, Conductance and Conductivity
Coverage centres on definitions and units (what each term means), relationships and calculation structures, and surface films and overall performance. The content then considers thermal bridging and effective R-values, temperature, moisture, and aging effects, practical examples and audit pitfalls, conductivity (k), conductance (C), resistance (R), and U-factor, unit discipline and conversion awareness, and converting among k, R, and U. It further examines inside/outside film coefficients (why U includes more than insulation), how bridging reduces real-world performance, how k and R can change in service, and typical calculation examples.
M7L20 – Insulation
The material introduces insulation role in HVAC and envelope energy performance, insulation material families and forms, and installation quality and real-world performance. Related areas include moisture control, vapor barriers, and condensation prevention, economic thickness and lifecycle decision-making, key applications in this module’s scope, inspection, monitoring, and maintenance, the importance of insulation for CEM outcomes, application forms, and common installation defects and energy consequences. The treatment also includes condensation control requirements, building envelope insulation strategies, cold storage insulation and load reduction (topic linkage), and sustaining insulation performance.
M7L21 – Degree Days
The discussion examines degree day concept and terminology, reference temperature and balance temperature, and degree day calculation methods. Attention is also given to applications in energy management, limitations and adjustments, HDD and CDD definitions and how they represent weather severity, reasons a reference temperature is used (and typical values), and computing degree days from temperature data. Learners also consider energy normalization and benchmarking, predictive energy estimation, and reasons degree-day method is approximate (and how to improve it).
M7L22 – Seasonal Heat Transfer Estimation
Learners consider seasonal vs instantaneous estimation frameworks, degree-day method for seasonal heat transfer, and temperature bin method for seasonal estimation. The discussion extends to utility-bill regression approach to seasonal estimation, savings estimation for envelope improvements, validation and documentation, applications of seasonal estimation, translating temperature-dependent heat loss into annual energy, and use of BLC directly for seasonal estimates. Coverage is completed with bin method procedure and benefits, regression formulation and interpretation, adjusting BLC/UA for retrofit scenarios, and ensuring credible seasonal estimates.
M7L23 – Instantaneous Heat Transfer Estimation
Learners examine instantaneous estimation purpose and conditions, component-by-component envelope heat transfer, and infiltration and ventilation instantaneous loads. It also addresses building load coefficient (BLC) as a consolidated method, additional instantaneous gain/loss contributors, practical use in the field, applications of instantaneous estimates, instantaneous conduction through components, and infiltration rate estimation and load calculation example. Additional emphasis is placed on BLC definition and calculation structure, total instantaneous building heat loss using BLC, solar and internal gains at design condition, and rapid diagnostic checks.
M7L24 – Solar Heat Gain
The material explains solar radiation fundamentals (as a heat gain source), solar heat gain pathways in buildings, and key metrics and how they are used. Further coverage includes solar gain calculation approaches (CEM-appropriate), strategies to reduce solar heat gain (without shifting topics to shading lecture), measurement and verification considerations, components of solar radiation relevant to buildings, fenestration as the dominant solar heat gain pathway, and opaque envelope solar effects. The final areas cover simplified calculation frameworks, cooling load implications, primary reduction strategies, and field indicators and verification methods.
M7L25 – Solar Shading
Coverage develops an understanding of shading objectives and design principles, external shading devices and geometry, and glazing-based solar control (films and coatings). The content then considers interior shading and operational controls, evaluating shading performance, integration with HVAC and passive strategies, reasons shading is a high-value load reduction measure, common external shading strategies, and solar geometry and shading effectiveness. It further examines low-e and solar-control glazing, interior blinds and shades (limitations and benefits), performance metrics and evaluation approach, and coordinating shading with HVAC controls.
M7L26 – Passive Design
The discussion focuses on passive design framework and climate-responsive thinking, passive solar design principles, and passive solar heating techniques. Related areas include passive cooling strategies, thermal mass and insulation as passive enablers, daylighting and internal load reduction, practical evaluation and commissioning of passive features, the meaning of passive design, core principles and site/building orientation, and direct gain, indirect gain, isolated gain. The treatment also includes natural ventilation and air movement, solar control as passive cooling, daylighting as a passive solar strategy, and ensuring passive design delivers real savings.
Module 8 – Building Automation, Controls and Artificial Intelligence Systems
M8L1 – Basic Controls
Key areas include building controls in energy management, control loops, and digital control basics in buildings. Attention is also given to good control as a prerequisite for savings, control objectives in buildings, what an EMS/BAS controls and monitors, and open-loop vs closed-loop control. Learners also consider typical building control examples, direct digital control (DDC) concept, common performance killers, and control documentation and maintainability.
M8L2 – Terminology
The content explores control-loop and instrumentation terminology, BAS/EMS vocabulary (operator-facing), and network and integration terminology. The discussion extends to practical exam traps and ambiguities, variables and signals, measurement quality terms, and system naming and scope. Coverage is completed with points and databases, communication concepts, same acronym, different meaning, and operator terms that hide real control states.
M8L3 – Signal Communication Options (Analog vs Digital)
Learners build knowledge of signal types used in building controls, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog concepts, and noise, reliability, and installation considerations. It also addresses analog vs digital in system selection, analog signals, digital signals, and A/D conversion in DDC controllers. Additional emphasis is placed on sources of error and distortion, commissioning checks, when simple wins, and when smart devices win.
M8L4 – Power Line Carriers
The material covers the definition and scope of power line carrier (PLC) communication, advantages and disadvantages for building controls, and design and commissioning considerations. Further coverage includes integration into wider BAS architectures, principle of operation, areas where PLC fits in BAS communications, and advantages. The final areas cover electrical distribution constraints, verification and troubleshooting, gateways and bridging to IP networks, and use-case examples.
M8L5 – Self-Tuning Control Loops
Coverage centres on the importance of tuning in building systems, adaptive/self-tuning concepts, and self-tuning methods used in practice. The content then considers practical deployment guidance, energy, comfort, and stability impacts, loop variability in real buildings, and the meaning of adaptive/self-tuning in EMS/DDC. It further examines closed-loop autotune, open-loop identification, areas where self-tuning works well, and failure modes and safeguards.
M8L6 – P, PI, and PID Controls
The material introduces proportional (P) control, proportional-integral (PI) control, and proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control. Related areas include tuning and performance assessment, common pitfalls and troubleshooting, control law and behavior, reasons integral action is used, and PI in HVAC applications. The treatment also includes PID role in DDC EMS, practical tuning workflow, symptoms-to-causes mapping, and mechanical causes masquerading as tuning problems.
M8L7 – Hardware: Pneumatic, Electric and Direct Digital Control
The discussion examines control hardware building blocks, pneumatic controls, and electric/electromechanical controls. Attention is also given to DDC controllers and EMS hardware, hardware commissioning essentials, sensors and transducers, typical pneumatic system characteristics, and DDC–pneumatic hybrid retrofit considerations. Learners also consider relays, contactors, interlocks, safeties, controller types and applications, point-to-point and functional performance tests, and maintainability design.
M8L8 – Central and Distributed Control
Learners consider control system architectures in buildings, peer-to-peer/token passing networks, and practical design tradeoffs. The discussion extends to supervisory vs local control roles, centralized (poll/response) concepts, distributed (panelized/peer) concepts, and how peer networks behave. Coverage is completed with resilience and single points of failure, performance considerations, functions that must remain local, and functions that can be supervisory.
M8L9 – Communication Protocols and Integrating Systems
Learners examine communication technologies used by EMS/BAS, protocols vs physical media (terminology), and integrating multi-vendor/multi-system environments. It also addresses integration lifecycle management, hardwired communications (baseline), fiber optic backbones, and what a protocol provides. Additional emphasis is placed on IP as an enterprise backbone enabler, systems integration roles, point naming/metadata standardization, O&M implications, field buses, controller networks, physical layer basics, data framing, addressing, object models, read/write services, when to use integration consultants; ensuring interoperability across devices, and driver maintenance, firmware updates, vendor dependencies, troubleshooting workflow.
M8L10 – Open Protocol Systems
The material explains the importance of open protocols, major open protocols referenced in EMS/BAS, and open pitfalls and verification. Further coverage includes selecting an open protocol strategy, interoperability and near plug-and-play value, BACnet, and LonWorks. The final areas cover Modbus, how open can become effectively proprietary, architecture patterns, procurement requirements, example: chiller sharing data with VFD/pumps to reduce energy use, IP-based approach using ethernet packets (as described), one-way interfacing that traps the open network inside a proprietary ecosystem, and performance-based specs, interoperability requirements, submittal review approach.
M8L11 – Energy Information Systems
Coverage develops an understanding of EIS purpose and scope within EMS/BAS, data acquisition and point strategy, and visualization and dashboards. The content then considers analytics and continuous improvement, reporting, verification, and business value, transition from control to information, metering and submetering, and trend logs and event/alarm data. It further examines web-style GUIs and dashboards, fault detection, proactive maintenance cues, management reports and accountability, and measuring savings from controls.
M8L12 – Control Strategies (Set-Back, Reset, Optimized Start/Stop, and others)
The discussion focuses on scheduling-based strategies, temperature strategies, and ventilation and economizer strategies. Related areas include electrical demand and load management, implementation and verification workflow, time-of-day and holiday scheduling, occupancy overrides and after-hours control, and setback/setup (unoccupied). The treatment also includes outdoor air control and free cooling, demand limiting and shedding, duty cycling strategies, and functional testing of sequences.
M8L13 – Building Automation & Energy Management Systems
Key areas include EMS/BAS/BMS definitions and scope, EMS architecture and components, and functional requirements and selection. Attention is also given to design, specifications, and procurement, benefits beyond energy, EMS capabilities and reach, hierarchical controller structure, and user interface and operator interaction. Learners also consider matching system sophistication to owner needs, performance-based specification approach, operational benefits, and value drivers.
M8L14 – Energy Management Strategies, Optimization and Sequencing
The content explores optimization mindset for EMS/BAS, equipment sequencing strategies (plant and airside), and controller capabilities enabling optimization. The discussion extends to implementation workflow: trend, analyze, and refine, quantifying and sustaining savings, transition from basic control to optimized operation, boiler/hot water strategies, and airside strategies. Coverage is completed with optimization libraries and supervisory routines, trend-based verification, savings estimation challenges, and persistence management.
M8L15 – Internet Of Things (IOT)
Learners build knowledge of IoT concept in the building controls context, connectivity options for IoT deployments, and data quality and interoperability. It also addresses operationalizing IoT for energy outcomes, connected end devices in EMS/BAS, typical IoT device categories, and wireless options. Additional emphasis is placed on data integrity basics, interoperability patterns, use cases, lifecycle management, how network-compatible devices communicate over the network and simplify integration, radio-versus-cellular tradeoffs for remote locations, timestamping, synchronization, loss handling, calibration tracking, and battery management, firmware updates, device provisioning, spares strategy.
M8L16 – Web or Cloud Based Systems
The material covers web-based user interfaces in EMS/BAS, cloud-based architectures, and enterprise networking and IT alignment. Further coverage includes reliability, latency, and control boundary, procurement and acceptance, web browser UI as the standard, typical architecture layers, and data storage and retention strategy. The final areas cover BAS on IP backbone, functions that must stay on-prem, requirements definition, and commissioning tests.
M8L17 – Artificial Intelligence
Coverage centres on AI in building automation: where it fits, machine learning for operations and energy, and AI-enabled control approaches. The content then considers implementation lifecycle, AI-adjacent methods referenced for further study, AI vs traditional control/optimization, AI-ready prerequisites, and anomaly detection and FDD. It further examines model predictive control (MPC) concepts, reinforcement learning (RL) in practice, deployment and governance, and fuzzy logic and advanced loop behavior topics.
M8L18 – Expert Systems
The material introduces what an expert system is in BAS/EMS, expert system building blocks, and use cases in building automation. Related areas include fuzzy expert systems, deployment considerations, rule-based decision support, knowledge acquisition, and inference and conflict resolution. The treatment also includes fault detection and guided troubleshooting, fuzzy logic basics, maintainability and governance, and integration points.
M8L19 – Cyber-Security and Information Technology Issues
The discussion examines reasons cybersecurity is a BAS/EMS issue, governance, roles, and maintenance models, and core cybersecurity controls for BAS. Attention is also given to hardening and monitoring, standards and further study topics, converged IT/OT reality, IT capability requirements, and policies and procedures. Learners also consider identity and access management, endpoint and controller hardening, detection and response, and BAS-focused security references.
Key areas include building controls in energy management, control loops, and digital control basics in buildings. Attention is also given to good control as a prerequisite for savings, control objectives in buildings, what an EMS/BAS controls and monitors, and open-loop vs closed-loop control. Learners also consider typical building control examples, direct digital control (DDC) concept, common performance killers, and control documentation and maintainability.
M8L2 – Terminology
The content explores control-loop and instrumentation terminology, BAS/EMS vocabulary (operator-facing), and network and integration terminology. The discussion extends to practical exam traps and ambiguities, variables and signals, measurement quality terms, and system naming and scope. Coverage is completed with points and databases, communication concepts, same acronym, different meaning, and operator terms that hide real control states.
M8L3 – Signal Communication Options (Analog vs Digital)
Learners build knowledge of signal types used in building controls, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog concepts, and noise, reliability, and installation considerations. It also addresses analog vs digital in system selection, analog signals, digital signals, and A/D conversion in DDC controllers. Additional emphasis is placed on sources of error and distortion, commissioning checks, when simple wins, and when smart devices win.
M8L4 – Power Line Carriers
The material covers the definition and scope of power line carrier (PLC) communication, advantages and disadvantages for building controls, and design and commissioning considerations. Further coverage includes integration into wider BAS architectures, principle of operation, areas where PLC fits in BAS communications, and advantages. The final areas cover electrical distribution constraints, verification and troubleshooting, gateways and bridging to IP networks, and use-case examples.
M8L5 – Self-Tuning Control Loops
Coverage centres on the importance of tuning in building systems, adaptive/self-tuning concepts, and self-tuning methods used in practice. The content then considers practical deployment guidance, energy, comfort, and stability impacts, loop variability in real buildings, and the meaning of adaptive/self-tuning in EMS/DDC. It further examines closed-loop autotune, open-loop identification, areas where self-tuning works well, and failure modes and safeguards.
M8L6 – P, PI, and PID Controls
The material introduces proportional (P) control, proportional-integral (PI) control, and proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control. Related areas include tuning and performance assessment, common pitfalls and troubleshooting, control law and behavior, reasons integral action is used, and PI in HVAC applications. The treatment also includes PID role in DDC EMS, practical tuning workflow, symptoms-to-causes mapping, and mechanical causes masquerading as tuning problems.
M8L7 – Hardware: Pneumatic, Electric and Direct Digital Control
The discussion examines control hardware building blocks, pneumatic controls, and electric/electromechanical controls. Attention is also given to DDC controllers and EMS hardware, hardware commissioning essentials, sensors and transducers, typical pneumatic system characteristics, and DDC–pneumatic hybrid retrofit considerations. Learners also consider relays, contactors, interlocks, safeties, controller types and applications, point-to-point and functional performance tests, and maintainability design.
M8L8 – Central and Distributed Control
Learners consider control system architectures in buildings, peer-to-peer/token passing networks, and practical design tradeoffs. The discussion extends to supervisory vs local control roles, centralized (poll/response) concepts, distributed (panelized/peer) concepts, and how peer networks behave. Coverage is completed with resilience and single points of failure, performance considerations, functions that must remain local, and functions that can be supervisory.
M8L9 – Communication Protocols and Integrating Systems
Learners examine communication technologies used by EMS/BAS, protocols vs physical media (terminology), and integrating multi-vendor/multi-system environments. It also addresses integration lifecycle management, hardwired communications (baseline), fiber optic backbones, and what a protocol provides. Additional emphasis is placed on IP as an enterprise backbone enabler, systems integration roles, point naming/metadata standardization, O&M implications, field buses, controller networks, physical layer basics, data framing, addressing, object models, read/write services, when to use integration consultants; ensuring interoperability across devices, and driver maintenance, firmware updates, vendor dependencies, troubleshooting workflow.
M8L10 – Open Protocol Systems
The material explains the importance of open protocols, major open protocols referenced in EMS/BAS, and open pitfalls and verification. Further coverage includes selecting an open protocol strategy, interoperability and near plug-and-play value, BACnet, and LonWorks. The final areas cover Modbus, how open can become effectively proprietary, architecture patterns, procurement requirements, example: chiller sharing data with VFD/pumps to reduce energy use, IP-based approach using ethernet packets (as described), one-way interfacing that traps the open network inside a proprietary ecosystem, and performance-based specs, interoperability requirements, submittal review approach.
M8L11 – Energy Information Systems
Coverage develops an understanding of EIS purpose and scope within EMS/BAS, data acquisition and point strategy, and visualization and dashboards. The content then considers analytics and continuous improvement, reporting, verification, and business value, transition from control to information, metering and submetering, and trend logs and event/alarm data. It further examines web-style GUIs and dashboards, fault detection, proactive maintenance cues, management reports and accountability, and measuring savings from controls.
M8L12 – Control Strategies (Set-Back, Reset, Optimized Start/Stop, and others)
The discussion focuses on scheduling-based strategies, temperature strategies, and ventilation and economizer strategies. Related areas include electrical demand and load management, implementation and verification workflow, time-of-day and holiday scheduling, occupancy overrides and after-hours control, and setback/setup (unoccupied). The treatment also includes outdoor air control and free cooling, demand limiting and shedding, duty cycling strategies, and functional testing of sequences.
M8L13 – Building Automation & Energy Management Systems
Key areas include EMS/BAS/BMS definitions and scope, EMS architecture and components, and functional requirements and selection. Attention is also given to design, specifications, and procurement, benefits beyond energy, EMS capabilities and reach, hierarchical controller structure, and user interface and operator interaction. Learners also consider matching system sophistication to owner needs, performance-based specification approach, operational benefits, and value drivers.
M8L14 – Energy Management Strategies, Optimization and Sequencing
The content explores optimization mindset for EMS/BAS, equipment sequencing strategies (plant and airside), and controller capabilities enabling optimization. The discussion extends to implementation workflow: trend, analyze, and refine, quantifying and sustaining savings, transition from basic control to optimized operation, boiler/hot water strategies, and airside strategies. Coverage is completed with optimization libraries and supervisory routines, trend-based verification, savings estimation challenges, and persistence management.
M8L15 – Internet Of Things (IOT)
Learners build knowledge of IoT concept in the building controls context, connectivity options for IoT deployments, and data quality and interoperability. It also addresses operationalizing IoT for energy outcomes, connected end devices in EMS/BAS, typical IoT device categories, and wireless options. Additional emphasis is placed on data integrity basics, interoperability patterns, use cases, lifecycle management, how network-compatible devices communicate over the network and simplify integration, radio-versus-cellular tradeoffs for remote locations, timestamping, synchronization, loss handling, calibration tracking, and battery management, firmware updates, device provisioning, spares strategy.
M8L16 – Web or Cloud Based Systems
The material covers web-based user interfaces in EMS/BAS, cloud-based architectures, and enterprise networking and IT alignment. Further coverage includes reliability, latency, and control boundary, procurement and acceptance, web browser UI as the standard, typical architecture layers, and data storage and retention strategy. The final areas cover BAS on IP backbone, functions that must stay on-prem, requirements definition, and commissioning tests.
M8L17 – Artificial Intelligence
Coverage centres on AI in building automation: where it fits, machine learning for operations and energy, and AI-enabled control approaches. The content then considers implementation lifecycle, AI-adjacent methods referenced for further study, AI vs traditional control/optimization, AI-ready prerequisites, and anomaly detection and FDD. It further examines model predictive control (MPC) concepts, reinforcement learning (RL) in practice, deployment and governance, and fuzzy logic and advanced loop behavior topics.
M8L18 – Expert Systems
The material introduces what an expert system is in BAS/EMS, expert system building blocks, and use cases in building automation. Related areas include fuzzy expert systems, deployment considerations, rule-based decision support, knowledge acquisition, and inference and conflict resolution. The treatment also includes fault detection and guided troubleshooting, fuzzy logic basics, maintainability and governance, and integration points.
M8L19 – Cyber-Security and Information Technology Issues
The discussion examines reasons cybersecurity is a BAS/EMS issue, governance, roles, and maintenance models, and core cybersecurity controls for BAS. Attention is also given to hardening and monitoring, standards and further study topics, converged IT/OT reality, IT capability requirements, and policies and procedures. Learners also consider identity and access management, endpoint and controller hardening, detection and response, and BAS-focused security references.
Module 9 – Energy Storage Systems
M9L1 – Design Strategies
Learners consider energy storage in CEM and HVAC plant design, economic and tariff-driven design basis, and cooling-load analysis as the foundation of storage design. The discussion extends to selecting plant architecture and storage topology, key design parameters that determine TES effectiveness, design workflow and deliverables (CEM-oriented), measurement, verification, and continuous improvement, energy storage objectives in facilities, designing for performance factors that protect savings, and storage configuration decision criteria. Coverage is completed with interface to existing HVAC systems, auxiliary energy and pumping impacts (design tradeoffs), concept design to detailed design path, and savings verification methods.
M9L2 – Chilled Water Storage
Learners examine chilled water storage (CHW TES), system configurations and tank arrangements, and thermal performance and stratification. It also addresses heat gain management (tank efficiency), energy impacts and auxiliary energy, controls, O&M, and reliability, definition and purpose, multiple-tank vs single-tank approaches, and stratification as a key performance mechanism. Additional emphasis is placed on primary design factors, environmental exposure and hold-time effects, auxiliary energy considerations, and maintenance and operational issues.
M9L3 – Partial Storage Systems
The material explains partial storage concept and objectives, partial storage operating profiles and load shapes, and optional partial storage (two-chiller variant). Further coverage includes seasonal performance and flexibility, design and operational considerations, the purpose of partial storage, interpretation of partial-storage demand behavior, and partial storage with storage discharge supplementing chiller output. The final areas cover concept and operating sequence, shoulder-season transition behavior, key design decisions specific to partial storage, and control complexity and commissioning focus.
M9L4 – Full Storage Systems
Coverage develops an understanding of full storage concept and objectives, storage capacity requirements and performance targets, and charging window and chiller sizing implications. The content then considers application fit and use cases, controls and operational requirements, the purpose of full storage, required storage capacity and output, and performance comparison framing. It further examines charging feasibility, high demand-charge or limited on-peak power sites, full-storage discharge control, and commissioning and validation.
M9L5 – Operating Strategies
The discussion focuses on charge/discharge modes and sequence of operation, strategy selection by season, load, and tariff window, and reliability, contingency, and demand-response operation. Related areas include controls integration and BAS implementation, performance monitoring and M&V during operation, core TES operating modes, seasonal operating adjustments, and efficiency-driven operation. The treatment also includes storage as resilience capacity, control architecture, metering and data structure for ongoing optimization, and analytics approaches.
M9L6 – Advantages and Limitations
Key areas include advantages of TES in facility energy management, advantages of chilled water as a storage medium, and advantages and limitations of ice storage. Attention is also given to advantages and limitations of PCMs (eutectic salts), cross-cutting limitations and common pitfalls, cost and demand advantages (tariff-aligned), operational and resilience benefits, and performance and auxiliary energy advantages. Learners also consider advantages, limitations, control and commissioning risks, and space, constructability, and lifecycle concerns.
M9L7 – Storage Media
The content explores thermal storage fundamentals (media selection basis), water as a storage medium (chilled water TES), and ice as a storage medium. The discussion extends to phase change materials (PCM) as storage media, media selection and tradeoff evaluation (CEM framing), sensible vs latent heat mechanisms, how water stores cooling, and water medium advantages. Coverage is completed with ice system categories (media utilization approach), PCM system implementation approach, PCM performance implications, and practical selection criteria.
M9L8 – Sizing
Learners build knowledge of sizing inputs and problem definition, configuration-level sizing outputs, and medium-specific sizing adjustments and loss allowances. It also addresses system comparison and selection support, validation, sensitivity, and commissioning checks (CEM best practice), load data needed for TES sizing, required storage capacity and maximum output, and chiller capacity implications (configuration dependent). Additional emphasis is placed on PCM (eutectic salt) sizing methodology (latent heat based), comparing configurations with consistent metrics, comparing medium options within a configuration, and commissioning verification.
M9L9 – Ice Storage
The material covers ice storage concept and value proposition, ice storage system categories, and charge/discharge operation (ice-specific considerations). Further coverage includes plant integration and equipment impacts, advantages and limitations (ice storage), practical implementation topics (CEM readiness), use of latent heat of fusion for high energy density storage, static ice storage systems, and charging cycle fundamentals. The final areas cover chiller temperature and efficiency implications, relative performance vs other media, limitations, and acceptance testing.
M9L10 – Phase Change Materials (PCM)
Coverage centres on PCM fundamentals for thermal energy storage, PCM system configuration and operation, and PCM performance characteristics. The content then considers auxiliary energy and hydraulic impacts, practical engineering considerations (CEM emphasis), PCM value proposition, physical arrangement, and charge cycle. It further examines energy density and space impacts, pumping through block arrays, relative auxiliary energy comparison framing, and controls and commissioning.
M9L11 – Thermal Storage for Heating
The material introduces heating TES applications and objectives, heat storage fundamentals for heating systems, and sensible heat storage system types. Related areas include integration and operating strategies (heating), sizing and performance verification (heating TES), reasons store thermal energy for heating, sensible and latent heat concepts, and key design variables. The treatment also includes hot water thermal storage tanks, integration with boilers and heat pumps, sizing approach, and commissioning and M&V.
M9L12 – Electric Energy Storage
The discussion examines electric energy storage in energy management, key technical metrics for specifying electrical storage, and electric energy storage technologies. Attention is also given to facility applications and design patterns, sizing methodology (CEM-ready), safety, controls, and O&M, energy management drivers, power vs energy, and mechanical storage. Learners also consider behind-the-meter (BTM) applications, establishment of the use case and constraints, inverter and interconnection considerations, and O&M and lifecycle planning.
Learners consider energy storage in CEM and HVAC plant design, economic and tariff-driven design basis, and cooling-load analysis as the foundation of storage design. The discussion extends to selecting plant architecture and storage topology, key design parameters that determine TES effectiveness, design workflow and deliverables (CEM-oriented), measurement, verification, and continuous improvement, energy storage objectives in facilities, designing for performance factors that protect savings, and storage configuration decision criteria. Coverage is completed with interface to existing HVAC systems, auxiliary energy and pumping impacts (design tradeoffs), concept design to detailed design path, and savings verification methods.
M9L2 – Chilled Water Storage
Learners examine chilled water storage (CHW TES), system configurations and tank arrangements, and thermal performance and stratification. It also addresses heat gain management (tank efficiency), energy impacts and auxiliary energy, controls, O&M, and reliability, definition and purpose, multiple-tank vs single-tank approaches, and stratification as a key performance mechanism. Additional emphasis is placed on primary design factors, environmental exposure and hold-time effects, auxiliary energy considerations, and maintenance and operational issues.
M9L3 – Partial Storage Systems
The material explains partial storage concept and objectives, partial storage operating profiles and load shapes, and optional partial storage (two-chiller variant). Further coverage includes seasonal performance and flexibility, design and operational considerations, the purpose of partial storage, interpretation of partial-storage demand behavior, and partial storage with storage discharge supplementing chiller output. The final areas cover concept and operating sequence, shoulder-season transition behavior, key design decisions specific to partial storage, and control complexity and commissioning focus.
M9L4 – Full Storage Systems
Coverage develops an understanding of full storage concept and objectives, storage capacity requirements and performance targets, and charging window and chiller sizing implications. The content then considers application fit and use cases, controls and operational requirements, the purpose of full storage, required storage capacity and output, and performance comparison framing. It further examines charging feasibility, high demand-charge or limited on-peak power sites, full-storage discharge control, and commissioning and validation.
M9L5 – Operating Strategies
The discussion focuses on charge/discharge modes and sequence of operation, strategy selection by season, load, and tariff window, and reliability, contingency, and demand-response operation. Related areas include controls integration and BAS implementation, performance monitoring and M&V during operation, core TES operating modes, seasonal operating adjustments, and efficiency-driven operation. The treatment also includes storage as resilience capacity, control architecture, metering and data structure for ongoing optimization, and analytics approaches.
M9L6 – Advantages and Limitations
Key areas include advantages of TES in facility energy management, advantages of chilled water as a storage medium, and advantages and limitations of ice storage. Attention is also given to advantages and limitations of PCMs (eutectic salts), cross-cutting limitations and common pitfalls, cost and demand advantages (tariff-aligned), operational and resilience benefits, and performance and auxiliary energy advantages. Learners also consider advantages, limitations, control and commissioning risks, and space, constructability, and lifecycle concerns.
M9L7 – Storage Media
The content explores thermal storage fundamentals (media selection basis), water as a storage medium (chilled water TES), and ice as a storage medium. The discussion extends to phase change materials (PCM) as storage media, media selection and tradeoff evaluation (CEM framing), sensible vs latent heat mechanisms, how water stores cooling, and water medium advantages. Coverage is completed with ice system categories (media utilization approach), PCM system implementation approach, PCM performance implications, and practical selection criteria.
M9L8 – Sizing
Learners build knowledge of sizing inputs and problem definition, configuration-level sizing outputs, and medium-specific sizing adjustments and loss allowances. It also addresses system comparison and selection support, validation, sensitivity, and commissioning checks (CEM best practice), load data needed for TES sizing, required storage capacity and maximum output, and chiller capacity implications (configuration dependent). Additional emphasis is placed on PCM (eutectic salt) sizing methodology (latent heat based), comparing configurations with consistent metrics, comparing medium options within a configuration, and commissioning verification.
M9L9 – Ice Storage
The material covers ice storage concept and value proposition, ice storage system categories, and charge/discharge operation (ice-specific considerations). Further coverage includes plant integration and equipment impacts, advantages and limitations (ice storage), practical implementation topics (CEM readiness), use of latent heat of fusion for high energy density storage, static ice storage systems, and charging cycle fundamentals. The final areas cover chiller temperature and efficiency implications, relative performance vs other media, limitations, and acceptance testing.
M9L10 – Phase Change Materials (PCM)
Coverage centres on PCM fundamentals for thermal energy storage, PCM system configuration and operation, and PCM performance characteristics. The content then considers auxiliary energy and hydraulic impacts, practical engineering considerations (CEM emphasis), PCM value proposition, physical arrangement, and charge cycle. It further examines energy density and space impacts, pumping through block arrays, relative auxiliary energy comparison framing, and controls and commissioning.
M9L11 – Thermal Storage for Heating
The material introduces heating TES applications and objectives, heat storage fundamentals for heating systems, and sensible heat storage system types. Related areas include integration and operating strategies (heating), sizing and performance verification (heating TES), reasons store thermal energy for heating, sensible and latent heat concepts, and key design variables. The treatment also includes hot water thermal storage tanks, integration with boilers and heat pumps, sizing approach, and commissioning and M&V.
M9L12 – Electric Energy Storage
The discussion examines electric energy storage in energy management, key technical metrics for specifying electrical storage, and electric energy storage technologies. Attention is also given to facility applications and design patterns, sizing methodology (CEM-ready), safety, controls, and O&M, energy management drivers, power vs energy, and mechanical storage. Learners also consider behind-the-meter (BTM) applications, establishment of the use case and constraints, inverter and interconnection considerations, and O&M and lifecycle planning.
Module 10 – Boiler and Steam Systems
M10L1 – Combustion Efficiency (as it relates to: Oxygen to Fuel Ratio, Fouling and Heat Recovery)
Learners consider combustion efficiency fundamentals in boiler plants, oxygen-to-fuel ratio and excess air control, and avoidable combustion-related losses and how they show up. The discussion extends to fouling and scale as hidden efficiency killers, heat recovery linkages to combustion efficiency (stack temperature focus), continuous improvement: tuning, verification, and control strategy, key efficiency terms and what they include/exclude, stoichiometric air, excess air, and practical operating targets, and principal losses used in boiler heat-loss (indirect) thinking. Coverage is completed with fireside fouling (soot/ash) impacts on combustion efficiency indicators, prevention and cleaning strategies, excess-air-control program structure, and common pitfalls and troubleshooting workflow.
M10L2 – HHV and LHV
Learners examine heating value terminology used in energy management, reasons HHV differs from LHV, and efficiency reporting basis and standards implications. It also addresses condensing and >100% efficiency discussions (basis-driven), practical applications for CEM work, definitions and common equivalents, water formation from fuel hydrogen, and relationship expressions and practical magnitude. Additional emphasis is placed on reasons efficiency depends on HHV/LHV basis, interactions between latent heat recovery and HHV/LHV, fuel comparisons and fuel-switching studies, and use of heating value in boiler efficiency equations.
M10L3 – Boiler Economizers & Waste Heat Recovery
The material explains waste heat in boiler plants: where it comes from, boiler economizer fundamentals, and design constraints and control features. Further coverage includes estimating performance and savings, related waste heat recovery technologies (non-condensing focus), installation, O&M, and verification, flue gas sensible heat and stack losses, what an economizer does and how it saves fuel, and gas-side and liquid-side pressure drop considerations. The final areas cover dew point and corrosion limits (practical minimum exhaust temperature), calculation workflow for CEM audits, heat recovery to other plant loads, and measurement & verification.
M10L4 – Condensing Boilers
Coverage develops an understanding of what makes a boiler condensing, condensation physics, dew point, and corrosion risks, and system integration requirements for successful condensing operation. The content then considers applications and limitations, efficiency metrics and reporting, O&M practices for sustained condensing performance, sensible vs latent heat recovery in flue gas, flue gas water vapor origin and condensation conditions, and hydraulic and temperature design. It further examines application categories, how practical limits and selection criteria, commissioning checks, and preventing unintended corrosion elsewhere in the system.
M10L5 – Enthalpy from Saturated and Superheated Steam Tables
The discussion focuses on steam thermodynamics essentials for boiler/steam-system analysis, saturated steam tables (how to read and apply), and wet steam and quality (dryness fraction) calculations. Related areas include superheated steam tables (how to read and interpolate), applied enthalpy problems in boiler and steam systems, common mistakes and calculation and interpretation checks, key properties and why enthalpy is the workhorse, saturation relationships, and selecting the correct table basis and units. The treatment also includes enthalpy of wet steam from saturated table values, boiler direct-method efficiency calculation workflow, condensate return and heat recovery quantification, and reasonableness checks.
M10L6 – Steam Traps
Key areas include purpose and performance requirements of steam traps, trap types and operating principles, and selection and sizing. Attention is also given to installation best practices, testing, monitoring, and maintenance programs, failure modes, symptoms, and energy impacts, functions that a steam trap must do, mechanical traps, and thermodynamic traps. Learners also consider sizing workflow and safety factors, avoiding common field problems, trap management programs, and quantifying losses for CEM opportunities.
M10L7 – Condensate Return
The content explores reasons condensate return is a high-value steam-system practice, condensate return system configurations, and flash steam within condensate return networks. The discussion extends to heat recovery from condensate and flash, design, O&M, and reliability considerations, energy value of hot condensate, open (atmospheric) return systems, and pumped return systems. Coverage is completed with managing flash steam to reduce losses and issues, condensate heat recovery methods, piping and hydraulics, and measurement & economics for project justification.
M10L8 – Boiler Blowdown
Learners build knowledge of blowdown and the water-quality drivers, blowdown types and operational practice, and blowdown rate calculations and efficiency impact. It also addresses strategies to reduce blowdown without risking boiler integrity, heat recovery from blowdown, safety, reliability, and compliance, reasons blowdown is required, continuous (surface) blowdown, and mass balance relationship for blowdown fraction. Additional emphasis is placed on improve water treatment to allow higher cycles of concentration, automatic blowdown control, integration points and constraints, and environmental and cost accounting.
M10L9 – Flash Steam
The material covers flash steam fundamentals and where it appears, thermodynamic basis and calculation methods, and flash tanks: operation and sizing. Further coverage includes flash steam recovery and utilization, managing flash losses from receivers and condensate systems, economics and M&V for flash steam projects, definition and physical explanation, flash fraction equation using steam tables, and how a flash tank works. The final areas cover best uses for recovered flash steam, system integration patterns, field identification and troubleshooting, and verification and ongoing performance.
M10L10 – Turbulators
Coverage centres on heat transfer in firetube boilers: why turbulators are used, turbulator designs and operating mechanisms, and performance impacts and constraints. The content then considers selection and implementation workflow, measurement, verification, and economics, firetube convection basics, common turbulator geometries, and how turbulators improve performance. It further examines pressure drop and combustion system interactions, screening criteria, installation and commissioning steps, and economic evaluation.
Learners consider combustion efficiency fundamentals in boiler plants, oxygen-to-fuel ratio and excess air control, and avoidable combustion-related losses and how they show up. The discussion extends to fouling and scale as hidden efficiency killers, heat recovery linkages to combustion efficiency (stack temperature focus), continuous improvement: tuning, verification, and control strategy, key efficiency terms and what they include/exclude, stoichiometric air, excess air, and practical operating targets, and principal losses used in boiler heat-loss (indirect) thinking. Coverage is completed with fireside fouling (soot/ash) impacts on combustion efficiency indicators, prevention and cleaning strategies, excess-air-control program structure, and common pitfalls and troubleshooting workflow.
M10L2 – HHV and LHV
Learners examine heating value terminology used in energy management, reasons HHV differs from LHV, and efficiency reporting basis and standards implications. It also addresses condensing and >100% efficiency discussions (basis-driven), practical applications for CEM work, definitions and common equivalents, water formation from fuel hydrogen, and relationship expressions and practical magnitude. Additional emphasis is placed on reasons efficiency depends on HHV/LHV basis, interactions between latent heat recovery and HHV/LHV, fuel comparisons and fuel-switching studies, and use of heating value in boiler efficiency equations.
M10L3 – Boiler Economizers & Waste Heat Recovery
The material explains waste heat in boiler plants: where it comes from, boiler economizer fundamentals, and design constraints and control features. Further coverage includes estimating performance and savings, related waste heat recovery technologies (non-condensing focus), installation, O&M, and verification, flue gas sensible heat and stack losses, what an economizer does and how it saves fuel, and gas-side and liquid-side pressure drop considerations. The final areas cover dew point and corrosion limits (practical minimum exhaust temperature), calculation workflow for CEM audits, heat recovery to other plant loads, and measurement & verification.
M10L4 – Condensing Boilers
Coverage develops an understanding of what makes a boiler condensing, condensation physics, dew point, and corrosion risks, and system integration requirements for successful condensing operation. The content then considers applications and limitations, efficiency metrics and reporting, O&M practices for sustained condensing performance, sensible vs latent heat recovery in flue gas, flue gas water vapor origin and condensation conditions, and hydraulic and temperature design. It further examines application categories, how practical limits and selection criteria, commissioning checks, and preventing unintended corrosion elsewhere in the system.
M10L5 – Enthalpy from Saturated and Superheated Steam Tables
The discussion focuses on steam thermodynamics essentials for boiler/steam-system analysis, saturated steam tables (how to read and apply), and wet steam and quality (dryness fraction) calculations. Related areas include superheated steam tables (how to read and interpolate), applied enthalpy problems in boiler and steam systems, common mistakes and calculation and interpretation checks, key properties and why enthalpy is the workhorse, saturation relationships, and selecting the correct table basis and units. The treatment also includes enthalpy of wet steam from saturated table values, boiler direct-method efficiency calculation workflow, condensate return and heat recovery quantification, and reasonableness checks.
M10L6 – Steam Traps
Key areas include purpose and performance requirements of steam traps, trap types and operating principles, and selection and sizing. Attention is also given to installation best practices, testing, monitoring, and maintenance programs, failure modes, symptoms, and energy impacts, functions that a steam trap must do, mechanical traps, and thermodynamic traps. Learners also consider sizing workflow and safety factors, avoiding common field problems, trap management programs, and quantifying losses for CEM opportunities.
M10L7 – Condensate Return
The content explores reasons condensate return is a high-value steam-system practice, condensate return system configurations, and flash steam within condensate return networks. The discussion extends to heat recovery from condensate and flash, design, O&M, and reliability considerations, energy value of hot condensate, open (atmospheric) return systems, and pumped return systems. Coverage is completed with managing flash steam to reduce losses and issues, condensate heat recovery methods, piping and hydraulics, and measurement & economics for project justification.
M10L8 – Boiler Blowdown
Learners build knowledge of blowdown and the water-quality drivers, blowdown types and operational practice, and blowdown rate calculations and efficiency impact. It also addresses strategies to reduce blowdown without risking boiler integrity, heat recovery from blowdown, safety, reliability, and compliance, reasons blowdown is required, continuous (surface) blowdown, and mass balance relationship for blowdown fraction. Additional emphasis is placed on improve water treatment to allow higher cycles of concentration, automatic blowdown control, integration points and constraints, and environmental and cost accounting.
M10L9 – Flash Steam
The material covers flash steam fundamentals and where it appears, thermodynamic basis and calculation methods, and flash tanks: operation and sizing. Further coverage includes flash steam recovery and utilization, managing flash losses from receivers and condensate systems, economics and M&V for flash steam projects, definition and physical explanation, flash fraction equation using steam tables, and how a flash tank works. The final areas cover best uses for recovered flash steam, system integration patterns, field identification and troubleshooting, and verification and ongoing performance.
M10L10 – Turbulators
Coverage centres on heat transfer in firetube boilers: why turbulators are used, turbulator designs and operating mechanisms, and performance impacts and constraints. The content then considers selection and implementation workflow, measurement, verification, and economics, firetube convection basics, common turbulator geometries, and how turbulators improve performance. It further examines pressure drop and combustion system interactions, screening criteria, installation and commissioning steps, and economic evaluation.
Module 11 – Distributed Generation & Renewable Energy Systems
M11L1 – CHP Regulations, Enablers and Barriers to Entry
The material introduces CHP regulatory & market landscape, interconnection, tariffs, and export rules, and policy enablers and project make-or-break conditions. Related areas include barriers to entry and mitigation, utility price signals and grid programs that shape CHP dispatch, CHP project development checklist, CHP adoption drivers, interconnection pathway and technical requirements, and load/operating prerequisites for viability. The treatment also includes financing and commercial structures (barriers/enablers), regulatory/permitting barriers, dispatch coordination with utility programs, and implementation readiness.
M11L2 – District Energy Systems
The discussion examines district energy fundamentals and value proposition, system architecture: production, distribution, and end-use, and hydraulics, controls, and ΔT management. Attention is also given to metering, billing, and customer programs, reliability, O&M, and lifecycle management, district energy + CHP + renewables integration, the definition and scope of district energy, central plant production options, and pumping strategies and variable flow. Learners also consider monitoring and continuous optimization, customer-side engagement, distribution asset management, and future-ready district energy.
M11L3 – Prime Movers
Learners consider prime mover role in distributed generation (DG) and CHP, steam turbines (condensing, back-pressure, extraction), and gas turbines. The discussion extends to reciprocating engines (spark ignition and diesel), microturbines, fuel cells and emerging prime movers, selection framework and comparative screening, prime mover definition and output types, typical applications and fit, and best-fit applications. Coverage is completed with operational considerations, limitations, other emerging options, and technology shortlist output.
M11L4 – Fuel Selection
Learners examine fuel selection fundamentals (what CEMs must evaluate), fuel options by prime mover type, and practical selection considerations. It also addresses environmental and permitting impacts of fuel choice, fuel logistics, storage, and safety, fuel strategy in the CHP business case, key fuel properties impacting DG/CHP, steam systems and boilers (steam turbines), and site fuel constraints and practicality. Additional emphasis is placed on operational resilience, community and siting constraints, alternative fuels, and decarbonization trajectory.
M11L5 – Operating Strategies
The material explains core operating modes for DG/CHP, CHP dispatch logic: heat-led vs power-led, and utility price signals and demand-side programs. Further coverage includes plant-level control strategies and constraints, reliability and resiliency operating strategies, performance monitoring and continuous improvement, baseload operation, heat-led (thermal-led) dispatch, and RTP/TOU-based dispatch. The final areas cover smart metering and automation, operational constraints, power quality and protection coordination, and optimization cycle.
M11L6 – Thermal Efficiencies
Coverage develops an understanding of efficiency metrics for CHP and DG (definitions and why they matter), component-level efficiency contributors, and CHP useful heat accounting (avoid common pitfalls). The content then considers part-load and seasonal effects on efficiency, measurement, verification, and calculations, improving thermal efficiency (actions CEMs recommend), electrical efficiency, prime mover performance drivers, and what counts as useful thermal output. It further examines boundary conditions (CEM best practice), seasonal thermal demand mismatch, reporting and benchmarking, and operational tuning.
M11L7 – Heat Recovery Steam Generators
The discussion focuses on HRSG role in CHP and combined-cycle systems, HRSG components and flow path, and thermodynamics and performance parameters. Related areas include supplementary firing and flexibility, controls, protection, and safety, O&M and reliability issues, HRSG performance improvement opportunities, what an HRSG does, heat transfer sections, and pinch/approach concepts. The treatment also includes tradeoffs, protection systems, inspection and maintenance planning, and instrumentation upgrades.
M11L8 – Topping, Bottoming, and Combined Cycle Generation
Key areas include thermodynamic cycle concepts for CEMs, topping-cycle CHP configurations, and bottoming-cycle configurations. Attention is also given to combined-cycle generation and CHP, performance, economics, and operating strategy, practical implementation considerations, topping cycles, reciprocating engine CHP, and waste-heat-to-power (steam Rankine). Learners also consider integration constraints, trigeneration (CCHP), project screening and feasibility, controls and M&V, production of electricity followed by recovery of waste heat for thermal use, industrial furnaces, kilns, incinerators producing steam for turbine generation, use of recovered heat for absorption cooling to increase annual utilization, and metering for overall efficiency and contract performance.
M11L9 – Wind, Biomass, Geothermal and Hydropower
The content explores renewable DG fundamentals (common evaluation framework), wind power systems, and biomass power and CHP. The discussion extends to geothermal energy systems, hydropower systems, controls, storage, and hybridization, implementation checklist, resource assessment basics, wind turbine components and operation, and conversion pathways. Coverage is completed with direct-use and district heating integration, turbine selection concepts, operational forecasting, and M&V and performance tracking.
M11L10 – Solar Photovoltaic Systems & Batteries
Learners build knowledge of solar PV fundamentals, PV system architecture and components, and PV performance modeling and derates. It also addresses compensation mechanisms and tariffs, battery energy storage system (BESS) fundamentals, PV + battery operating strategies, O&M and lifecycle management, PV energy conversion basics, major components, and site and design impacts. Additional emphasis is placed on tariff evolution at high PV saturation, BESS system components, resilience and backup, and performance monitoring and M&V.
M11L11 – Solar Thermal Systems
The material covers solar thermal technology landscape, system design and integration, and concentrating solar power (CSP) and thermal storage. Further coverage includes applications in buildings and industry, O&M, reliability, and performance, economics and project development, basic system classifications, hydronic integration, and CSP concepts and plant layout. The final areas cover dispatchable solar thermal electricity, solar-assisted cooling, maintenance practices, and implementation roadmap.
M11L12 – Micro-Grids
Coverage centres on microgrid fundamentals and use cases, microgrid architectures and assets, and controls and energy management systems (EMS). The content then considers protection, interconnection, and islanding, operating strategies, planning, sizing, and economics, cybersecurity and operational governance, definitions and boundaries, DER portfolio design, and price-signal response and automation. It further examines islanding detection and seamless transfer, islanded operations, business models, and compliance and documentation.
M11L13 – Building to Grid Integration
The material introduces building-to-grid concept and grid-interactive buildings, enabling infrastructure: metering, controls, and communications, and load flexibility strategies in buildings. Related areas include DER integration at the building level, utility programs, tariffs, and market participation, measurement, verification, and performance tracking, implementation roadmap, the meaning of building-to-grid, smart/interval metering and data, and load shifting with thermal storage. The treatment also includes battery integration, RTP adoption and customer participation, continuous commissioning tie-in, and operation and optimization.
M11L14 – Waste to Energy
The discussion examines waste-to-energy (WTE) scope and waste stream fundamentals, WTE technology pathways, and energy conversion and integration options. Attention is also given to environmental controls and compliance, plant operations and reliability, economics, contracts, and project development, performance evaluation and CEM-relevant KPIs, WTE definition and objectives, incineration/combustion, and engine/turbine generation from biogas/syngas. Learners also consider ash and residue handling, O&M planning, financial and stakeholder risks, and continuous improvement.
The material introduces CHP regulatory & market landscape, interconnection, tariffs, and export rules, and policy enablers and project make-or-break conditions. Related areas include barriers to entry and mitigation, utility price signals and grid programs that shape CHP dispatch, CHP project development checklist, CHP adoption drivers, interconnection pathway and technical requirements, and load/operating prerequisites for viability. The treatment also includes financing and commercial structures (barriers/enablers), regulatory/permitting barriers, dispatch coordination with utility programs, and implementation readiness.
M11L2 – District Energy Systems
The discussion examines district energy fundamentals and value proposition, system architecture: production, distribution, and end-use, and hydraulics, controls, and ΔT management. Attention is also given to metering, billing, and customer programs, reliability, O&M, and lifecycle management, district energy + CHP + renewables integration, the definition and scope of district energy, central plant production options, and pumping strategies and variable flow. Learners also consider monitoring and continuous optimization, customer-side engagement, distribution asset management, and future-ready district energy.
M11L3 – Prime Movers
Learners consider prime mover role in distributed generation (DG) and CHP, steam turbines (condensing, back-pressure, extraction), and gas turbines. The discussion extends to reciprocating engines (spark ignition and diesel), microturbines, fuel cells and emerging prime movers, selection framework and comparative screening, prime mover definition and output types, typical applications and fit, and best-fit applications. Coverage is completed with operational considerations, limitations, other emerging options, and technology shortlist output.
M11L4 – Fuel Selection
Learners examine fuel selection fundamentals (what CEMs must evaluate), fuel options by prime mover type, and practical selection considerations. It also addresses environmental and permitting impacts of fuel choice, fuel logistics, storage, and safety, fuel strategy in the CHP business case, key fuel properties impacting DG/CHP, steam systems and boilers (steam turbines), and site fuel constraints and practicality. Additional emphasis is placed on operational resilience, community and siting constraints, alternative fuels, and decarbonization trajectory.
M11L5 – Operating Strategies
The material explains core operating modes for DG/CHP, CHP dispatch logic: heat-led vs power-led, and utility price signals and demand-side programs. Further coverage includes plant-level control strategies and constraints, reliability and resiliency operating strategies, performance monitoring and continuous improvement, baseload operation, heat-led (thermal-led) dispatch, and RTP/TOU-based dispatch. The final areas cover smart metering and automation, operational constraints, power quality and protection coordination, and optimization cycle.
M11L6 – Thermal Efficiencies
Coverage develops an understanding of efficiency metrics for CHP and DG (definitions and why they matter), component-level efficiency contributors, and CHP useful heat accounting (avoid common pitfalls). The content then considers part-load and seasonal effects on efficiency, measurement, verification, and calculations, improving thermal efficiency (actions CEMs recommend), electrical efficiency, prime mover performance drivers, and what counts as useful thermal output. It further examines boundary conditions (CEM best practice), seasonal thermal demand mismatch, reporting and benchmarking, and operational tuning.
M11L7 – Heat Recovery Steam Generators
The discussion focuses on HRSG role in CHP and combined-cycle systems, HRSG components and flow path, and thermodynamics and performance parameters. Related areas include supplementary firing and flexibility, controls, protection, and safety, O&M and reliability issues, HRSG performance improvement opportunities, what an HRSG does, heat transfer sections, and pinch/approach concepts. The treatment also includes tradeoffs, protection systems, inspection and maintenance planning, and instrumentation upgrades.
M11L8 – Topping, Bottoming, and Combined Cycle Generation
Key areas include thermodynamic cycle concepts for CEMs, topping-cycle CHP configurations, and bottoming-cycle configurations. Attention is also given to combined-cycle generation and CHP, performance, economics, and operating strategy, practical implementation considerations, topping cycles, reciprocating engine CHP, and waste-heat-to-power (steam Rankine). Learners also consider integration constraints, trigeneration (CCHP), project screening and feasibility, controls and M&V, production of electricity followed by recovery of waste heat for thermal use, industrial furnaces, kilns, incinerators producing steam for turbine generation, use of recovered heat for absorption cooling to increase annual utilization, and metering for overall efficiency and contract performance.
M11L9 – Wind, Biomass, Geothermal and Hydropower
The content explores renewable DG fundamentals (common evaluation framework), wind power systems, and biomass power and CHP. The discussion extends to geothermal energy systems, hydropower systems, controls, storage, and hybridization, implementation checklist, resource assessment basics, wind turbine components and operation, and conversion pathways. Coverage is completed with direct-use and district heating integration, turbine selection concepts, operational forecasting, and M&V and performance tracking.
M11L10 – Solar Photovoltaic Systems & Batteries
Learners build knowledge of solar PV fundamentals, PV system architecture and components, and PV performance modeling and derates. It also addresses compensation mechanisms and tariffs, battery energy storage system (BESS) fundamentals, PV + battery operating strategies, O&M and lifecycle management, PV energy conversion basics, major components, and site and design impacts. Additional emphasis is placed on tariff evolution at high PV saturation, BESS system components, resilience and backup, and performance monitoring and M&V.
M11L11 – Solar Thermal Systems
The material covers solar thermal technology landscape, system design and integration, and concentrating solar power (CSP) and thermal storage. Further coverage includes applications in buildings and industry, O&M, reliability, and performance, economics and project development, basic system classifications, hydronic integration, and CSP concepts and plant layout. The final areas cover dispatchable solar thermal electricity, solar-assisted cooling, maintenance practices, and implementation roadmap.
M11L12 – Micro-Grids
Coverage centres on microgrid fundamentals and use cases, microgrid architectures and assets, and controls and energy management systems (EMS). The content then considers protection, interconnection, and islanding, operating strategies, planning, sizing, and economics, cybersecurity and operational governance, definitions and boundaries, DER portfolio design, and price-signal response and automation. It further examines islanding detection and seamless transfer, islanded operations, business models, and compliance and documentation.
M11L13 – Building to Grid Integration
The material introduces building-to-grid concept and grid-interactive buildings, enabling infrastructure: metering, controls, and communications, and load flexibility strategies in buildings. Related areas include DER integration at the building level, utility programs, tariffs, and market participation, measurement, verification, and performance tracking, implementation roadmap, the meaning of building-to-grid, smart/interval metering and data, and load shifting with thermal storage. The treatment also includes battery integration, RTP adoption and customer participation, continuous commissioning tie-in, and operation and optimization.
M11L14 – Waste to Energy
The discussion examines waste-to-energy (WTE) scope and waste stream fundamentals, WTE technology pathways, and energy conversion and integration options. Attention is also given to environmental controls and compliance, plant operations and reliability, economics, contracts, and project development, performance evaluation and CEM-relevant KPIs, WTE definition and objectives, incineration/combustion, and engine/turbine generation from biogas/syngas. Learners also consider ash and residue handling, O&M planning, financial and stakeholder risks, and continuous improvement.
Module 12 – Industrial Systems
M12L1 – Industrial Energy Management
Learners consider industrial energy management foundations, energy management program structure, and ISO 50001-based energy management system (EnMS). The discussion extends to industrial energy auditing and opportunity identification, measurement & verification (M&V) and performance reporting, project development, economics, and implementation, sustaining industrial energy performance, industrial energy use and system-thinking mindset, organization, roles, and responsibilities, and ISO 50001 structure and PDCA cycle. Coverage is completed with audit types and scoping for industrial sites, building credible savings calculations, technical-to-financial translation, and continuous improvement culture.
M12L2 – Pumps, System and Performance Curves
Learners examine pumping system fundamentals (what a pump system must deliver), pump performance curves (pump capability), and system curves (system demand). It also addresses flow control strategies and energy implications, common pumping problems that degrade efficiency, pump system assessment, savings estimation, and verification, pumping terminology and key variables, reading manufacturer pump curves, and building the system curve. Additional emphasis is placed on throttling control (valve control), speed control (VSD/VFD) and staging, operational issues, and quantifying savings and confirming persistence.
M12L3 – Compressed Air Systems
The material explains compressed air as an industrial utility (why it matters), core system elements and how they interact, and system measurement, monitoring, and assessment. Further coverage includes system-level energy-efficiency opportunities, reliability, maintenance, and air quality overview, compressed air good practice checklist (wrap-up), industrial roles and end-uses, supply side vs demand side framing, and measurement plan for compressed air. The final areas cover reduction of required pressure and improvement of pressure control, recovery of useful energy from compression, air quality and suitability, and common pitfalls.
M12L4 – Compressed Air Equipment, Supply, Control, Treatment and Distribution
Coverage develops an understanding of compressor technologies and selection (supply equipment), supply-side control strategies (single and multiple compressors), and air treatment and conditioning. The content then considers storage design and management, distribution system design and performance, O&M for supply, treatment, and distribution, compressor types and where they fit, individual compressor controls, and dryers and moisture control. It further examines condensate management and drains, distribution architecture and layout, controls and instrumentation in distribution, and commissioning and performance validation.
M12L5 – Compressed Air Demand
The discussion focuses on compressed air demand behavior, leak management as a demand-reduction strategy, and eliminating inappropriate uses of compressed air. Related areas include pressure management to reduce demand, demand-side controls and operational practices, quantifying demand reductions and sustaining savings, demand profile concepts, leak fundamentals and impact, and typical misuses. The treatment also includes system pressure reduction (demand-side driven), point-of-use controls and governance, operator behavior and standard work, and persistence and continuous improvement.
M12L6 – Industrial Process Steam Systems
Key areas include steam system fundamentals for industrial processes, steam generation (boiler plant), and steam distribution network. Attention is also given to condensate recovery and return, steam traps and condensate management, steam system auditing and optimization, safety, reliability, and operational excellence, reasons steam is used and where it is used, boiler types and major components, and piping, insulation, and heat loss. Learners also consider value of condensate, steam trap purpose and operating principles, common steam-side energy conservation measures, and water treatment and corrosion control.
M12L7 – Turbines
The content explores turbine fundamentals and thermodynamic context, steam turbines in industrial applications, and gas turbines and industrial power generation. The discussion extends to turbine applications: mechanical drives and generation, efficiency improvement opportunities and diagnostics, operations, protection, and safety, economic evaluation and decision-making, what a turbine does (energy conversion), steam turbine configurations, and gas turbine cycle basics (Brayton). Coverage is completed with mechanical drive turbines, steam turbine performance improvement, maintenance strategy, and project screening.
M12L8 – Industrial Fan Types and Applications
Learners build knowledge of fan fundamentals and industrial relevance, industrial fan types and selection basics, and fan performance curves and system curves. It also addresses fan applications and common industrial systems, fan control methods and energy efficiency measures, testing, monitoring, and maintenance, safety and compliance, what fans do and where they are used, axial fans and variants, and reading fan curves. Additional emphasis is placed on ventilation and process exhaust, control approaches and their efficiency, equipment-side improvements, and safe fan operation.
M12L9 – Industrial Refrigeration
The material covers refrigeration fundamentals for industrial applications, refrigerants and industrial system architectures, and major industrial refrigeration components. Further coverage includes controls and part-load optimization, energy efficiency opportunities in industrial refrigeration, maintenance, safety, and reliability, performance tracking and verification, refrigeration purpose and energy performance, refrigerant selection, and compressors. The final areas cover setpoint strategies, demand-side reduction of refrigeration load, maintenance practices that protect efficiency, and post-project verification.
M12L10 – Waste Heat Recovery
Coverage centres on waste heat recovery (WHR) fundamentals, matching heat sources to heat sinks, and WHR technology options. The content then considers design constraints and practical engineering, quantifying savings and economics, industrial WHR applications and implementation, what qualifies as waste heat, identifying useful sinks in industrial facilities, and common industrial WHR equipment. It further examines upgrading low-grade heat, pressure drop and system impacts, project evaluation and risk, and implementation workflow.
M12L11 – Heat Exchanger Types
The material introduces heat exchanger fundamentals (classification and performance language), shell-and-tube heat exchangers, and plate heat exchangers. Related areas include finned-tube and air-cooled heat exchangers, double-pipe, spiral, and specialized exchangers, heat exchanger selection criteria (industrial decision framework), performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and best practices, direct vs indirect contact exchangers, construction and components, and performance issues and troubleshooting. The treatment also includes extended surface concept and air-side constraints, spiral and other fouling-service exchangers, mechanical and materials considerations, and practical troubleshooting workflow.
Learners consider industrial energy management foundations, energy management program structure, and ISO 50001-based energy management system (EnMS). The discussion extends to industrial energy auditing and opportunity identification, measurement & verification (M&V) and performance reporting, project development, economics, and implementation, sustaining industrial energy performance, industrial energy use and system-thinking mindset, organization, roles, and responsibilities, and ISO 50001 structure and PDCA cycle. Coverage is completed with audit types and scoping for industrial sites, building credible savings calculations, technical-to-financial translation, and continuous improvement culture.
M12L2 – Pumps, System and Performance Curves
Learners examine pumping system fundamentals (what a pump system must deliver), pump performance curves (pump capability), and system curves (system demand). It also addresses flow control strategies and energy implications, common pumping problems that degrade efficiency, pump system assessment, savings estimation, and verification, pumping terminology and key variables, reading manufacturer pump curves, and building the system curve. Additional emphasis is placed on throttling control (valve control), speed control (VSD/VFD) and staging, operational issues, and quantifying savings and confirming persistence.
M12L3 – Compressed Air Systems
The material explains compressed air as an industrial utility (why it matters), core system elements and how they interact, and system measurement, monitoring, and assessment. Further coverage includes system-level energy-efficiency opportunities, reliability, maintenance, and air quality overview, compressed air good practice checklist (wrap-up), industrial roles and end-uses, supply side vs demand side framing, and measurement plan for compressed air. The final areas cover reduction of required pressure and improvement of pressure control, recovery of useful energy from compression, air quality and suitability, and common pitfalls.
M12L4 – Compressed Air Equipment, Supply, Control, Treatment and Distribution
Coverage develops an understanding of compressor technologies and selection (supply equipment), supply-side control strategies (single and multiple compressors), and air treatment and conditioning. The content then considers storage design and management, distribution system design and performance, O&M for supply, treatment, and distribution, compressor types and where they fit, individual compressor controls, and dryers and moisture control. It further examines condensate management and drains, distribution architecture and layout, controls and instrumentation in distribution, and commissioning and performance validation.
M12L5 – Compressed Air Demand
The discussion focuses on compressed air demand behavior, leak management as a demand-reduction strategy, and eliminating inappropriate uses of compressed air. Related areas include pressure management to reduce demand, demand-side controls and operational practices, quantifying demand reductions and sustaining savings, demand profile concepts, leak fundamentals and impact, and typical misuses. The treatment also includes system pressure reduction (demand-side driven), point-of-use controls and governance, operator behavior and standard work, and persistence and continuous improvement.
M12L6 – Industrial Process Steam Systems
Key areas include steam system fundamentals for industrial processes, steam generation (boiler plant), and steam distribution network. Attention is also given to condensate recovery and return, steam traps and condensate management, steam system auditing and optimization, safety, reliability, and operational excellence, reasons steam is used and where it is used, boiler types and major components, and piping, insulation, and heat loss. Learners also consider value of condensate, steam trap purpose and operating principles, common steam-side energy conservation measures, and water treatment and corrosion control.
M12L7 – Turbines
The content explores turbine fundamentals and thermodynamic context, steam turbines in industrial applications, and gas turbines and industrial power generation. The discussion extends to turbine applications: mechanical drives and generation, efficiency improvement opportunities and diagnostics, operations, protection, and safety, economic evaluation and decision-making, what a turbine does (energy conversion), steam turbine configurations, and gas turbine cycle basics (Brayton). Coverage is completed with mechanical drive turbines, steam turbine performance improvement, maintenance strategy, and project screening.
M12L8 – Industrial Fan Types and Applications
Learners build knowledge of fan fundamentals and industrial relevance, industrial fan types and selection basics, and fan performance curves and system curves. It also addresses fan applications and common industrial systems, fan control methods and energy efficiency measures, testing, monitoring, and maintenance, safety and compliance, what fans do and where they are used, axial fans and variants, and reading fan curves. Additional emphasis is placed on ventilation and process exhaust, control approaches and their efficiency, equipment-side improvements, and safe fan operation.
M12L9 – Industrial Refrigeration
The material covers refrigeration fundamentals for industrial applications, refrigerants and industrial system architectures, and major industrial refrigeration components. Further coverage includes controls and part-load optimization, energy efficiency opportunities in industrial refrigeration, maintenance, safety, and reliability, performance tracking and verification, refrigeration purpose and energy performance, refrigerant selection, and compressors. The final areas cover setpoint strategies, demand-side reduction of refrigeration load, maintenance practices that protect efficiency, and post-project verification.
M12L10 – Waste Heat Recovery
Coverage centres on waste heat recovery (WHR) fundamentals, matching heat sources to heat sinks, and WHR technology options. The content then considers design constraints and practical engineering, quantifying savings and economics, industrial WHR applications and implementation, what qualifies as waste heat, identifying useful sinks in industrial facilities, and common industrial WHR equipment. It further examines upgrading low-grade heat, pressure drop and system impacts, project evaluation and risk, and implementation workflow.
M12L11 – Heat Exchanger Types
The material introduces heat exchanger fundamentals (classification and performance language), shell-and-tube heat exchangers, and plate heat exchangers. Related areas include finned-tube and air-cooled heat exchangers, double-pipe, spiral, and specialized exchangers, heat exchanger selection criteria (industrial decision framework), performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and best practices, direct vs indirect contact exchangers, construction and components, and performance issues and troubleshooting. The treatment also includes extended surface concept and air-side constraints, spiral and other fouling-service exchangers, mechanical and materials considerations, and practical troubleshooting workflow.
Module 13 – Operations, Maintenance and Commissioning
M13L1 – Maintenance Strategies: Reactive, Preventive and Predictive
The discussion examines maintenance as an energy-performance lever, maintenance strategy spectrum and selection, and preventive maintenance practices for energy systems. Attention is also given to predictive / condition-based maintenance methods, reactive maintenance: managing the inevitable, program management, documentation, and skills, maintenance KPIs and continuous improvement, effects of maintenance on energy use and reliability, preventive (time/usage-based) maintenance, and heat transfer surfaces and fluid systems. Learners also consider diagnostics for major equipment, capturing learning from failures, training and competency, and continuous improvement cadence.
M13L2 – Computerized Maintenance Management System
Learners consider CMMS purpose and value in energy management, CMMS foundations: data model and setup, and work management workflows. The discussion extends to preventive and predictive maintenance in CMMS, materials, inventory, and procurement, reporting, KPIs, and decision support, integration with BAS/EMS and digital tools, implementation roadmap and pitfalls, core CMMS objectives, failure coding and standard work libraries, and closeout quality and history. Coverage is completed with spare parts strategy for energy systems, energy-aligned KPIs, data governance, and common failure modes.
M13L3 – Quantifying Losses from Compressed Air Leaks
Learners examine the importance of compressed air leaks, leak identification and survey methods, and quantifying leak flow (cfm). It also addresses converting leak flow to energy and cost, repair prioritization and economic screening, control and verification, compressed air as a high-cost utility, operating-condition walkdown, and orifice-based estimation. Additional emphasis is placed on system-level leakage estimation, annual energy cost calculation, simple payback framing, and sustaining the leak management program.
M13L4 – Quantifying Losses from Uninsulated Pipes
The material explains heat loss fundamentals for piping, data collection for heat loss estimation, and determining heat loss rate (W/m or Btu/hr-ft). Further coverage includes converting heat loss to energy and cost, insulation selection and implementation, verification and persistence, mechanisms of loss, required inputs, and use of insulation economic thickness methods. The final areas cover annual energy loss, cost and emissions framing, common pitfalls, and documentation.
M13L5 – Quantifying Steam Leaks
Coverage develops an understanding of steam leaks in the context of steam system efficiency, leak characterization and field assessment, and estimating steam leak rate. The content then considers converting leak rate to energy and cost, repair planning and verification, areas where steam leaks occur, leak type classification, and orifice/choked-flow estimation methods. It further examines energy content of lost steam, boiler fuel impact, repair prioritization, and prevention practices.
M13L6 – Quantifying Losses from Steam Trap Malfunction
The discussion focuses on steam traps: function and energy relevance, steam trap failure modes and symptoms, and testing and survey methods. Related areas include quantifying losses from malfunctioning traps, corrective actions and program sustainment, steam traps, stuck open / blowing through, and installation/selection issues. The treatment also includes diagnostic tools, annual energy and cost calculation, repair vs replace decision criteria, and KPI tracking.
M13L7 – Quantifying Losses from Boiler Scale or Soot
Key areas include boiler heat transfer and efficiency basics (for loss quantification), formation mechanisms and risk factors, and detecting and measuring scale/soot impact. Attention is also given to quantifying energy losses, mitigation and prevention, maintenance program integration, areas where heat transfer is lost, water-side scale drivers, and performance indicators. Learners also consider efficiency-based method, total cost impact, fire-side soot control actions, and documentation.
M13L8 – Water Treatment
The content explores water treatment objectives in energy systems, boiler feedwater and makeup water treatment, and condensate system treatment and return. The discussion extends to boiler water control and blowdown, cooling tower and closed-loop water treatment (as applicable), monitoring, testing, and control, safety, compliance, and vendor management, troubleshooting common water-treatment problems, the importance of water treatment, chemical control fundamentals, and condensate treatment basics. Coverage is completed with quantifying blowdown losses (energy + water), key parameters and test frequency, contractor/chemical vendor coordination, and carryover and foaming.
M13L9 – Group Relamping
Learners build knowledge of lighting maintenance as a performance strategy, group relamping concepts, and quantifying the business case. It also addresses planning and execution, integration with lighting retrofits, environmental, safety, and disposal, post-implementation verification, the importance of lighting maintenance, when group relamping is justified, and energy and performance framing. Additional emphasis is placed on scheduling and logistics, controls and commissioning checks, safe handling, and maintenance plan update.
M13L10 – Human Behavior in Energy Management
The material covers human factors as an energy resource, motivation and engagement foundations, and communication that works. Further coverage includes training as a behavior enabler, incentives, recognition, and social reinforcement, structuring participation and continuous improvement, measuring and sustaining behavior-based savings, areas where behavior impacts energy, ownership and accountability, and point-of-action prompts. The final areas cover use of audits and walkdowns as training, social influence and teams, standard work and routines, and common pitfalls to avoid.
M13L11 – Purpose and Benefits of Commissioning
Coverage centres on commissioning definition and scope, the performance gap and why it happens, and benefits of commissioning. The content then considers types of commissioning, business case and ROI, commissioning integration with O&M, the definition and scope of commissioning, common causes of underperformance, and energy benefits. It further examines new building commissioning, ongoing/continuous commissioning, value framing, and persistence planning.
M13L12 – Commissioning New Buildings
The material introduces planning and requirements definition, design phase commissioning activities, and construction and installation verification. Related areas include functional performance testing, turnover, training, and documentation, post-occupancy and seasonal verification, owner’s requirements and success criteria, design reviews, and prefunctional checklists. The treatment also includes TAB coordination, acceptance criteria, transition to ongoing operations, and establishing monitoring routines.
M13L13 – Re-Commissioning
The discussion examines definition and scope, triggers for re-commissioning, and re-commissioning process. Attention is also given to common findings and fixes, sustainment, the meaning of re-commissioning, performance indicators, and periodic recommissioning strategy. Learners also consider investigation, control drift and overrides, O&M gaps, updating design intent documentation, reapplying commissioning methods to restore/confirm intended performance, scheduled re-checks to preserve performance over time, disabled schedules, manual overrides left in place, sensor bias, and keeping sequences, setpoints, and diagrams current after changes.
M13L14 – Retro-Commissioning
Learners consider definition and objectives, planning and scoping, and investigation and diagnostics. The discussion extends to implementation of measures, handoff and persistence, the definition and scope of retro-commissioning, selecting candidate buildings/systems, and baseline establishment. Coverage is completed with field functional testing, operational coordination, documentation updates, savings verification approach, commissioning process applied to existing buildings not previously commissioned, pre-project energy and operational performance baseline, schedule corrections, setpoint resets, economizer fixes, tuning loops, and tracking post-implementation energy and key operational metrics.
M13L15 – Real Time and Continuous Commissioning
Learners examine concepts and definitions, data and infrastructure requirements, and analytics and fault detection. It also addresses workflow: from detection to verified fix, governance and program management, sustaining continuous commissioning, ongoing commissioning vs continuous commissioning, minimum data set, and data quality management. Additional emphasis is placed on prioritization of findings, verification, KPI dashboarding, and continuous improvement.
M13L16 – Phases of Commissioning
The material explains new building commissioning phases, existing building commissioning phases (retro-Cx / re-Cx), and deliverables by phase. Further coverage includes quality gates and controls, planning phase, construction phase, and occupancy and operations phase. The final areas cover investigation, core deliverables, measurement deliverables, change control, definition of owner requirements, scope, roles, and commissioning plan, training, documentation turnover, seasonal testing, early tuning, commissioning plan, checklists, test scripts, issue log, final report, and managing design and field changes that affect intent and performance.
M13L17 – Commissioning Agent/Authority
Coverage develops an understanding of the commissioning agent/authority (CxA), qualifications and skills, and scope definition and contracting. The content then considers managing the commissioning process, post-project support (as applicable), primary responsibilities, technical competencies, and communication competencies. It further examines integrating Cx into project delivery, deliverable expectations, test management, warranty and seasonal testing follow-through, planning, coordination, documentation, testing, and verification of system performance, facilitation, documentation discipline, schedule coordination, and closure of unresolved issues and persistence of performance.
M13L18 – Need for Commissioning
The discussion focuses on drivers for commissioning, symptoms that indicate commissioning is needed, and commissioning vs energy audits (positioning). Related areas include value beyond energy, establishing a commissioning policy, technical drivers, risk drivers, and energy symptoms. The treatment also includes differences in focus, comfort and IAQ outcomes, organizational outcomes, resourcing strategy, system complexity, integrated controls, variable-load operation, rising energy intensity without production/occupancy explanation, reduced hot/cold calls and improved control stability, and budgeting and staffing to sustain commissioning outcomes.
M13L19 – Facility Design Intent
Key areas include definitions and relationships, capturing design intent, and translating intent into operations. Attention is also given to managing intent through change, design intent as a troubleshooting tool, facility design intent, the need for intent to be explicit, and operational requirements. Learners also consider sequences of operation, change control, use of intent to resolve disputes, and training value.
M13L20 – Commissioning Documentation
The content explores reasons documentation is central to commissioning, core commissioning document set, and turnover documentation. The discussion extends to document control and accessibility, final commissioning report, documentation as proof of performance, common documentation problems, and verification documents. Coverage is completed with O&M manuals and as-built drawings, version control and ownership, integration with CMMS, and persistence recommendations.
M13L21 – Measurement in Support of Commissioning
Learners build knowledge of measurement objectives for commissioning, data sources and instrumentation, and trending strategy and data quality. It also addresses measurement during functional performance testing, quantifying savings and persistence, reporting measurement results, functions that measurement must support, BAS/EMS trend data, and portable test instruments. Additional emphasis is placed on normalization needs, documenting results, ongoing monitoring and exception reporting, and closing the loop.
The discussion examines maintenance as an energy-performance lever, maintenance strategy spectrum and selection, and preventive maintenance practices for energy systems. Attention is also given to predictive / condition-based maintenance methods, reactive maintenance: managing the inevitable, program management, documentation, and skills, maintenance KPIs and continuous improvement, effects of maintenance on energy use and reliability, preventive (time/usage-based) maintenance, and heat transfer surfaces and fluid systems. Learners also consider diagnostics for major equipment, capturing learning from failures, training and competency, and continuous improvement cadence.
M13L2 – Computerized Maintenance Management System
Learners consider CMMS purpose and value in energy management, CMMS foundations: data model and setup, and work management workflows. The discussion extends to preventive and predictive maintenance in CMMS, materials, inventory, and procurement, reporting, KPIs, and decision support, integration with BAS/EMS and digital tools, implementation roadmap and pitfalls, core CMMS objectives, failure coding and standard work libraries, and closeout quality and history. Coverage is completed with spare parts strategy for energy systems, energy-aligned KPIs, data governance, and common failure modes.
M13L3 – Quantifying Losses from Compressed Air Leaks
Learners examine the importance of compressed air leaks, leak identification and survey methods, and quantifying leak flow (cfm). It also addresses converting leak flow to energy and cost, repair prioritization and economic screening, control and verification, compressed air as a high-cost utility, operating-condition walkdown, and orifice-based estimation. Additional emphasis is placed on system-level leakage estimation, annual energy cost calculation, simple payback framing, and sustaining the leak management program.
M13L4 – Quantifying Losses from Uninsulated Pipes
The material explains heat loss fundamentals for piping, data collection for heat loss estimation, and determining heat loss rate (W/m or Btu/hr-ft). Further coverage includes converting heat loss to energy and cost, insulation selection and implementation, verification and persistence, mechanisms of loss, required inputs, and use of insulation economic thickness methods. The final areas cover annual energy loss, cost and emissions framing, common pitfalls, and documentation.
M13L5 – Quantifying Steam Leaks
Coverage develops an understanding of steam leaks in the context of steam system efficiency, leak characterization and field assessment, and estimating steam leak rate. The content then considers converting leak rate to energy and cost, repair planning and verification, areas where steam leaks occur, leak type classification, and orifice/choked-flow estimation methods. It further examines energy content of lost steam, boiler fuel impact, repair prioritization, and prevention practices.
M13L6 – Quantifying Losses from Steam Trap Malfunction
The discussion focuses on steam traps: function and energy relevance, steam trap failure modes and symptoms, and testing and survey methods. Related areas include quantifying losses from malfunctioning traps, corrective actions and program sustainment, steam traps, stuck open / blowing through, and installation/selection issues. The treatment also includes diagnostic tools, annual energy and cost calculation, repair vs replace decision criteria, and KPI tracking.
M13L7 – Quantifying Losses from Boiler Scale or Soot
Key areas include boiler heat transfer and efficiency basics (for loss quantification), formation mechanisms and risk factors, and detecting and measuring scale/soot impact. Attention is also given to quantifying energy losses, mitigation and prevention, maintenance program integration, areas where heat transfer is lost, water-side scale drivers, and performance indicators. Learners also consider efficiency-based method, total cost impact, fire-side soot control actions, and documentation.
M13L8 – Water Treatment
The content explores water treatment objectives in energy systems, boiler feedwater and makeup water treatment, and condensate system treatment and return. The discussion extends to boiler water control and blowdown, cooling tower and closed-loop water treatment (as applicable), monitoring, testing, and control, safety, compliance, and vendor management, troubleshooting common water-treatment problems, the importance of water treatment, chemical control fundamentals, and condensate treatment basics. Coverage is completed with quantifying blowdown losses (energy + water), key parameters and test frequency, contractor/chemical vendor coordination, and carryover and foaming.
M13L9 – Group Relamping
Learners build knowledge of lighting maintenance as a performance strategy, group relamping concepts, and quantifying the business case. It also addresses planning and execution, integration with lighting retrofits, environmental, safety, and disposal, post-implementation verification, the importance of lighting maintenance, when group relamping is justified, and energy and performance framing. Additional emphasis is placed on scheduling and logistics, controls and commissioning checks, safe handling, and maintenance plan update.
M13L10 – Human Behavior in Energy Management
The material covers human factors as an energy resource, motivation and engagement foundations, and communication that works. Further coverage includes training as a behavior enabler, incentives, recognition, and social reinforcement, structuring participation and continuous improvement, measuring and sustaining behavior-based savings, areas where behavior impacts energy, ownership and accountability, and point-of-action prompts. The final areas cover use of audits and walkdowns as training, social influence and teams, standard work and routines, and common pitfalls to avoid.
M13L11 – Purpose and Benefits of Commissioning
Coverage centres on commissioning definition and scope, the performance gap and why it happens, and benefits of commissioning. The content then considers types of commissioning, business case and ROI, commissioning integration with O&M, the definition and scope of commissioning, common causes of underperformance, and energy benefits. It further examines new building commissioning, ongoing/continuous commissioning, value framing, and persistence planning.
M13L12 – Commissioning New Buildings
The material introduces planning and requirements definition, design phase commissioning activities, and construction and installation verification. Related areas include functional performance testing, turnover, training, and documentation, post-occupancy and seasonal verification, owner’s requirements and success criteria, design reviews, and prefunctional checklists. The treatment also includes TAB coordination, acceptance criteria, transition to ongoing operations, and establishing monitoring routines.
M13L13 – Re-Commissioning
The discussion examines definition and scope, triggers for re-commissioning, and re-commissioning process. Attention is also given to common findings and fixes, sustainment, the meaning of re-commissioning, performance indicators, and periodic recommissioning strategy. Learners also consider investigation, control drift and overrides, O&M gaps, updating design intent documentation, reapplying commissioning methods to restore/confirm intended performance, scheduled re-checks to preserve performance over time, disabled schedules, manual overrides left in place, sensor bias, and keeping sequences, setpoints, and diagrams current after changes.
M13L14 – Retro-Commissioning
Learners consider definition and objectives, planning and scoping, and investigation and diagnostics. The discussion extends to implementation of measures, handoff and persistence, the definition and scope of retro-commissioning, selecting candidate buildings/systems, and baseline establishment. Coverage is completed with field functional testing, operational coordination, documentation updates, savings verification approach, commissioning process applied to existing buildings not previously commissioned, pre-project energy and operational performance baseline, schedule corrections, setpoint resets, economizer fixes, tuning loops, and tracking post-implementation energy and key operational metrics.
M13L15 – Real Time and Continuous Commissioning
Learners examine concepts and definitions, data and infrastructure requirements, and analytics and fault detection. It also addresses workflow: from detection to verified fix, governance and program management, sustaining continuous commissioning, ongoing commissioning vs continuous commissioning, minimum data set, and data quality management. Additional emphasis is placed on prioritization of findings, verification, KPI dashboarding, and continuous improvement.
M13L16 – Phases of Commissioning
The material explains new building commissioning phases, existing building commissioning phases (retro-Cx / re-Cx), and deliverables by phase. Further coverage includes quality gates and controls, planning phase, construction phase, and occupancy and operations phase. The final areas cover investigation, core deliverables, measurement deliverables, change control, definition of owner requirements, scope, roles, and commissioning plan, training, documentation turnover, seasonal testing, early tuning, commissioning plan, checklists, test scripts, issue log, final report, and managing design and field changes that affect intent and performance.
M13L17 – Commissioning Agent/Authority
Coverage develops an understanding of the commissioning agent/authority (CxA), qualifications and skills, and scope definition and contracting. The content then considers managing the commissioning process, post-project support (as applicable), primary responsibilities, technical competencies, and communication competencies. It further examines integrating Cx into project delivery, deliverable expectations, test management, warranty and seasonal testing follow-through, planning, coordination, documentation, testing, and verification of system performance, facilitation, documentation discipline, schedule coordination, and closure of unresolved issues and persistence of performance.
M13L18 – Need for Commissioning
The discussion focuses on drivers for commissioning, symptoms that indicate commissioning is needed, and commissioning vs energy audits (positioning). Related areas include value beyond energy, establishing a commissioning policy, technical drivers, risk drivers, and energy symptoms. The treatment also includes differences in focus, comfort and IAQ outcomes, organizational outcomes, resourcing strategy, system complexity, integrated controls, variable-load operation, rising energy intensity without production/occupancy explanation, reduced hot/cold calls and improved control stability, and budgeting and staffing to sustain commissioning outcomes.
M13L19 – Facility Design Intent
Key areas include definitions and relationships, capturing design intent, and translating intent into operations. Attention is also given to managing intent through change, design intent as a troubleshooting tool, facility design intent, the need for intent to be explicit, and operational requirements. Learners also consider sequences of operation, change control, use of intent to resolve disputes, and training value.
M13L20 – Commissioning Documentation
The content explores reasons documentation is central to commissioning, core commissioning document set, and turnover documentation. The discussion extends to document control and accessibility, final commissioning report, documentation as proof of performance, common documentation problems, and verification documents. Coverage is completed with O&M manuals and as-built drawings, version control and ownership, integration with CMMS, and persistence recommendations.
M13L21 – Measurement in Support of Commissioning
Learners build knowledge of measurement objectives for commissioning, data sources and instrumentation, and trending strategy and data quality. It also addresses measurement during functional performance testing, quantifying savings and persistence, reporting measurement results, functions that measurement must support, BAS/EMS trend data, and portable test instruments. Additional emphasis is placed on normalization needs, documenting results, ongoing monitoring and exception reporting, and closing the loop.
Module 14 – Energy Savings Performance Contracting and Measurement & Verification
M14L1 – Loans, Stocks and Bonds
The material covers energy-project financing fundamentals, loans, and bonds. Further coverage includes stocks (equity financing), selecting among loans, bonds, and equity for energy projects, the importance of financing in energy management, core loan structure and terminology, and loan repayment and project feasibility. The final areas cover bonds for capital programs, green and sustainability-linked debt, circumstances where equity is relevant to energy initiatives, and practical selection workflow.
M14L2 – Capital and Operating Leases
Coverage centres on lease financing in energy projects, operating (true) leases, and capital (finance) leases. The content then considers lease vs buy analysis for ECMs, contracting details that drive outcomes, reasons leases are used for energy equipment, operating lease structure and characteristics, and pros/cons for the host organization. It further examines financial statement and budgeting implications, core evaluation methods, risk and performance considerations, and key clauses to scrutinize.
M14L3 – Utility Financing
The material introduces utility roles in funding and enabling energy projects, utility incentive design and cost-effectiveness, and utility financing mechanisms. Related areas include managing rate/tariff impacts in project economics, utility-driven program types, customer value streams from utility programs, and common cost-effectiveness tests used in programs. The treatment also includes on-bill and tariff-based approaches, utility-supported loan/revolving fund concepts, tariff structure implications, and pitfalls and good practice.
M14L4 – Energy Service Companies
The discussion examines ESCO fundamentals, ESCO roles and project participants, and ESCO business models and compensation. Attention is also given to ESCO selection and procurement, what an ESCO is and what it provides, ESCO value proposition vs traditional contracting, and typical participants and responsibilities. Learners also consider compensation structures, scope boundaries and lifecycle services, ESCO evaluation criteria, and contractual protections.
M14L5 – Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC)
Learners consider ESPC concept and suitability, ESPC structure and transaction flow, and ESPC development phases (end-to-end). The discussion extends to ESPC financial mechanics and cash-flow realities, common ESPC pitfalls and good practices, the definition and scope of an ESPC, parties and cash-flow pathways, and guarantee and baseline concepts. Coverage is completed with detailed development and implementation, construction period savings crediting, key economic sensitivities, and best practices.
M14L6 – Project Development Agreements
Learners examine purpose and structure of project development agreements (PDAs), technical design and feasibility requirements, and contracting and contractor management. It also addresses project planning techniques for control, implementation monitoring and performance tracking, what a PDA governs, feasibility study components, and organizational readiness. Additional emphasis is placed on incentives, penalties, and performance enforcement, planning methods to structure execution, change and configuration control, and measurement needs for project control.
M14L7 – Shared Savings as well as Guaranteed Savings Contracts
The material explains contract model overview, guaranteed savings contracts, and shared savings contracts. Further coverage includes hybrid structures and reconciliation mechanisms, measurement, verification, and dispute resolution integration, reasons savings-sharing models exist, guaranteed fixed-dollar savings, and percentage-of-savings structure. The final areas cover practical challenges and tensions, hybrid contract concepts, M&V as burden of proof, and dispute pathways.
M14L8 – Utility Energy Services Contract (UESC)
Coverage develops an understanding of UESC fundamentals, UESC project structure, and UESC vs ESPC. The content then considers M&V and reporting expectations under UESC, the definition and scope of a UESC, areas where UESCs are commonly used, and roles and responsibilities. It further examines key differences in approach, selecting between UESC and ESPC, right-sizing M&V for UESC projects, and closeout and handoff.
M14L9 – Measurement and Verification Protocols
The discussion focuses on purpose and scope of M&V protocols, core M&V standards and guidance families, and IPMVP option framework (protocol selection view). Related areas include general protocol-based selection workflow, protocol governance in performance contracts, dual role of M&V, IPMVP concepts (protocol-level view), and federal/project guideline families. The treatment also includes options A–D, selecting an option based on risk and practicality, protocol deliverables, and handling contingencies under protocol rules.
M14L10 – Savings and/or Avoided Cost Calculations and/or Verification
Key areas include savings and avoided cost fundamentals, baseline development and adjustment methods, and whole-building (option C–style) calculations. Attention is also given to retrofit isolation calculations (option A/B–style), avoided cost treatment in verification, sampling, uncertainty, and persistence in verification, definitions used in verification, data sources for baselines, and utility-bill analysis approaches. Learners also consider measurement strategy selection by system behavior, avoided costs under changed facility conditions, sampling strategies to reduce M&V cost, and reporting and documentation.
M14L11 – Risk Assessment
The content explores risk assessment in performance-based energy projects, financial and contractual risk drivers, and technical and operational risks impacting savings. The discussion extends to M&V-related risks and how M&V reduces them, utility rate and market risks, practical risk management tools, reasons risk assessment is essential, term alignment and repayment risk, and design and implementation defects. Coverage is completed with interactive effects and hidden cost risks, right-sizing M&V by risk, commodity and escalation uncertainty, and project controls that reduce delivery risk.
The material covers energy-project financing fundamentals, loans, and bonds. Further coverage includes stocks (equity financing), selecting among loans, bonds, and equity for energy projects, the importance of financing in energy management, core loan structure and terminology, and loan repayment and project feasibility. The final areas cover bonds for capital programs, green and sustainability-linked debt, circumstances where equity is relevant to energy initiatives, and practical selection workflow.
M14L2 – Capital and Operating Leases
Coverage centres on lease financing in energy projects, operating (true) leases, and capital (finance) leases. The content then considers lease vs buy analysis for ECMs, contracting details that drive outcomes, reasons leases are used for energy equipment, operating lease structure and characteristics, and pros/cons for the host organization. It further examines financial statement and budgeting implications, core evaluation methods, risk and performance considerations, and key clauses to scrutinize.
M14L3 – Utility Financing
The material introduces utility roles in funding and enabling energy projects, utility incentive design and cost-effectiveness, and utility financing mechanisms. Related areas include managing rate/tariff impacts in project economics, utility-driven program types, customer value streams from utility programs, and common cost-effectiveness tests used in programs. The treatment also includes on-bill and tariff-based approaches, utility-supported loan/revolving fund concepts, tariff structure implications, and pitfalls and good practice.
M14L4 – Energy Service Companies
The discussion examines ESCO fundamentals, ESCO roles and project participants, and ESCO business models and compensation. Attention is also given to ESCO selection and procurement, what an ESCO is and what it provides, ESCO value proposition vs traditional contracting, and typical participants and responsibilities. Learners also consider compensation structures, scope boundaries and lifecycle services, ESCO evaluation criteria, and contractual protections.
M14L5 – Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC)
Learners consider ESPC concept and suitability, ESPC structure and transaction flow, and ESPC development phases (end-to-end). The discussion extends to ESPC financial mechanics and cash-flow realities, common ESPC pitfalls and good practices, the definition and scope of an ESPC, parties and cash-flow pathways, and guarantee and baseline concepts. Coverage is completed with detailed development and implementation, construction period savings crediting, key economic sensitivities, and best practices.
M14L6 – Project Development Agreements
Learners examine purpose and structure of project development agreements (PDAs), technical design and feasibility requirements, and contracting and contractor management. It also addresses project planning techniques for control, implementation monitoring and performance tracking, what a PDA governs, feasibility study components, and organizational readiness. Additional emphasis is placed on incentives, penalties, and performance enforcement, planning methods to structure execution, change and configuration control, and measurement needs for project control.
M14L7 – Shared Savings as well as Guaranteed Savings Contracts
The material explains contract model overview, guaranteed savings contracts, and shared savings contracts. Further coverage includes hybrid structures and reconciliation mechanisms, measurement, verification, and dispute resolution integration, reasons savings-sharing models exist, guaranteed fixed-dollar savings, and percentage-of-savings structure. The final areas cover practical challenges and tensions, hybrid contract concepts, M&V as burden of proof, and dispute pathways.
M14L8 – Utility Energy Services Contract (UESC)
Coverage develops an understanding of UESC fundamentals, UESC project structure, and UESC vs ESPC. The content then considers M&V and reporting expectations under UESC, the definition and scope of a UESC, areas where UESCs are commonly used, and roles and responsibilities. It further examines key differences in approach, selecting between UESC and ESPC, right-sizing M&V for UESC projects, and closeout and handoff.
M14L9 – Measurement and Verification Protocols
The discussion focuses on purpose and scope of M&V protocols, core M&V standards and guidance families, and IPMVP option framework (protocol selection view). Related areas include general protocol-based selection workflow, protocol governance in performance contracts, dual role of M&V, IPMVP concepts (protocol-level view), and federal/project guideline families. The treatment also includes options A–D, selecting an option based on risk and practicality, protocol deliverables, and handling contingencies under protocol rules.
M14L10 – Savings and/or Avoided Cost Calculations and/or Verification
Key areas include savings and avoided cost fundamentals, baseline development and adjustment methods, and whole-building (option C–style) calculations. Attention is also given to retrofit isolation calculations (option A/B–style), avoided cost treatment in verification, sampling, uncertainty, and persistence in verification, definitions used in verification, data sources for baselines, and utility-bill analysis approaches. Learners also consider measurement strategy selection by system behavior, avoided costs under changed facility conditions, sampling strategies to reduce M&V cost, and reporting and documentation.
M14L11 – Risk Assessment
The content explores risk assessment in performance-based energy projects, financial and contractual risk drivers, and technical and operational risks impacting savings. The discussion extends to M&V-related risks and how M&V reduces them, utility rate and market risks, practical risk management tools, reasons risk assessment is essential, term alignment and repayment risk, and design and implementation defects. Coverage is completed with interactive effects and hidden cost risks, right-sizing M&V by risk, commodity and escalation uncertainty, and project controls that reduce delivery risk.