The world is changing rapidly, and with it, the energy demand is also increasing. As we rely more on energy to power our daily lives, it is important to explore sustainable practices and embrace emerging energy sources. One crucial aspect of this pursuit is energy efficiency and conservation, and the key players in this field are the Energy Efficiency Practitioners.
In the Visayas region, which is home to several economic zones, Information Technology parks, and hundreds of large establishments such as hospitals, schools, and manufacturing companies, there is a need for a lot of these green energy professionals. Certified Energy Conservation Officers (CECOs) and Certified Energy Managers (CEMs) are two roles responsible for guiding designated establishments, private sector companies, and even individuals in managing their energy consumption in compliance with Philippine Republic Act 11285. They play a vital role in ensuring that energy is used efficiently and effectively in every sector, whether private, public, industrial, or commercial.
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Circular Number DC 2021-01-0001 set out guidelines for the certification process of Energy Conservation Officers and Energy Managers. This means that these professionals are recognized and regulated by the government, highlighting their importance in promoting sustainable energy practices.
What are Certified Energy Conservation Officers?
CECOs are individuals who demonstrate high levels of proficiency, competency, and ethical fitness in energy management. They are responsible for the supervision and maintenance of the facilities of Type 1 Designated Establishments (DE), where the annual energy consumption is between 500,000 to 4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) kWh per year. A Type 1 DE can select a CECO internally, or they may recruit externally.
What are Certified Energy Managers?
CEMs are professionals with an engineering degree who demonstrate high ethical fitness in energy management. These licensed engineers are responsible for planning, leading, managing, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating the energy management systems of Type 2 DEs, or those whose energy consumption exceeds 4 million kilowatt hours (kWh). Type 2 establishments can either appoint a CEM from within the company or recruit a new employee.
Responsibilities
A CECO or CEM manages the energy consumption of facilities, equipment, and devices. He or she must administer the following in their assigned designated establishment:
- Implement and improve energy efficiency measures
- Conduct regular energy audits
- Monitor and manage energy control and consumption
- Prepare periodic energy consumption and energy conservation program reports.
How to Become a Certified Energy Conservation Officer or a Certified Energy Manager
According to Department Circular DC2022-03-0007, a CECO should have, at minimum, 2 years of hands-on experience in the installation, operation, and maintenance of energy-consuming machines and equipment in facilities with energy consumption Type 1 DE.
DC2022-03-0008 outlines the qualifications for a CEM. He or she must be a licensed engineer or a graduate of a 4-year course or its equivalent. He or she must have at least 3 years of continuous hands-on experience in the installation, operation, and maintenance of energy-consuming machines and equipment in facilities of Type 2 DEs.
Training regulations for the Certification of Energy Conservation Officers and Energy Managers have been developed by the DOE in conjunction with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other relevant stakeholders. Interested individuals may apply to join courses at any Recognized Training Institution (RTI). RTIs are entities recognized by the DOE for complying with the requirements identified by TESDA. These RTIs offer a variety of learning modes (onsite learning, or online via Zoom), and conduct training sessions several times a year.
Trained individuals must pass a certification examination and assessment of TESDA prescribed for CECOs and CEMs. They are also required to register with the DOE Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB), and must submit the following:
- Duly accomplished Application Form
- Certified True Copy of PRC License, if applicable (for CEMs)
- Certified True Copy of Academic Credentials (for CECOs)
- Certified True Copy of Diploma and Transcript of Records (for CEMs)
- Proof of Experience duly certified by the human resource management head or similar office (for CEMs)
- Endorsement letter from the head of the Type 1 or Type 2 Designated Establishment
- Sworn Statement of the applicant in discharging functions of ECOs or EMs
- Proof of payment of Php 1,000 for the Application Fee for Certification
Certified individuals must also undergo continuous energy efficiency and conservation seminars conducted by TESDA or any third-party institutions duly approved by TESDA. Recertification will be done every 3 years.
The government may have RA 11285 to promote energy efficiency, but it takes a collective effort to implement it successfully. If you would like to be at the forefront of green jobs in Cebu and the greater Visayas region, consider a career as a CECO or as a CEM and play a crucial role in shaping a better future for all.