The Skills and Qualifications to Look
for in an Energy Manager
Reading Time: Approximately 7-8 minutes
Key Takeaway: Are you a business owner or facility manager
in Malaysia feeling the pinch of rising electricity bills? Perhaps you're
worried about your company's carbon footprint or struggling to meet new energy
efficiency regulations, especially with Malaysia's Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Act (EECA) 2024 now in effect. Many companies know they need to
save energy but aren't sure who can truly make a difference. This is where a
skilled Energy Manager comes in. This article, The Skills and Qualifications to
Look for in an Energy Manager, will be your guide, breaking down exactly what
kind of expertise and experience you need to find. We'll show you how the right
Energy Manager can transform your energy consumption from a cost burden into a
strategic asset, saving you money and boosting your sustainability efforts.
Problem: Many businesses in Malaysia, particularly large
energy consumers and building owners, are facing increasing pressure to reduce
energy consumption due to rising costs and new regulations like the Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) 2024. However, they often lack the
in-house expertise to effectively identify, implement, and monitor
energy-saving initiatives, leading to missed opportunities for significant cost
savings and compliance issues.
Agitate: Without the right Energy Manager, companies risk
continuous high energy bills, potential penalties under EECA for
non-compliance, and a lagging position in a market that increasingly values
sustainability. The complexity of energy systems, the need for accurate data
analysis, and the challenge of driving behavioral change mean that a general
facilities manager might not have The Skills and Qualifications to Look for in
an Energy Manager to truly make an impact, leaving money on the table and your
business vulnerable.
Solve: This article will provide The Skills and
Qualifications to Look for in an Energy Manager, detailing the essential
technical expertise, professional certifications, and soft skills necessary for
this critical role. By understanding what makes an effective Energy Manager,
you can make an informed hiring decision that will lead to substantial energy
cost reductions, ensure regulatory compliance under EECA, and position your
company as a leader in sustainable operations.
Summary
When looking for an Energy Manager, especially with
Malaysia's new EECA 2024 in place, you need someone who can truly help
your business save energy and money. Here are The Skills and Qualifications
to Look for in an Energy Manager:
- What
is an Energy Manager? A professional who helps
organizations use energy more efficiently, reduce costs, and lower their
environmental impact.
- Why
You Need One (Especially in Malaysia):
- EECA
2024: If your facility is a "designated
energy consumer" (using a lot of energy), you must appoint a Registered
Energy Manager (REM).
- Cost
Savings: Identify wasteful practices and
implement solutions to cut utility bills.
- Sustainability:
Help your company reduce its carbon footprint and meet environmental
goals.
- Compliance:
Ensure your business follows all relevant energy laws and regulations.
- Better
Operations: Improve how your equipment runs, making
it last longer and perform better.
- Key
Skills:
- Technical
Knowledge: Understanding of electrical, mechanical,
and thermal systems, energy auditing, data analysis, and energy-saving
technologies.
- Problem-Solving:
Ability to find solutions to complex energy challenges.
- Project
Management: Can plan, lead, and complete energy
efficiency projects on time and within budget.
- Communication:
Explains complex ideas clearly to everyone, from engineers to top
management.
- Persuasion/Negotiation:
Convinces people to adopt new practices and gets support for projects.
- Key
Qualifications (especially in Malaysia):
- Registered
Energy Manager (REM) / Registered Electrical Energy Manager (REEM)
certification: This is often a legal requirement under
EECA for designated energy consumers. You'll need to check if you need
REM Type 1 or Type 2.
- Relevant
Degree: Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical,
Chemical, Civil), Science, or Architecture.
- Experience:
Practical experience in energy management, energy audits, or related
fields.
- Knowledge
of Standards: Familiarity with ISO 50001 (Energy
Management Systems) and other energy efficiency standards.
1. What Exactly Does an Energy Manager
Do?
Before we talk about The Skills and Qualifications to
Look for in an Energy Manager, let's understand what this role is all
about.
Imagine your business is like a big machine that uses
energy (electricity, gas, chilled water, etc.) to run. An Energy Manager is the
person who understands how all parts of that machine use energy. Their main job
is to:
- Find
out where energy is being wasted: Like finding a leaky
tap, but for energy. They look at your electricity bills, check your
equipment, and walk through your buildings to spot inefficiencies.
- Plan
ways to save energy: Once they know where energy is
wasted, they come up with smart ideas to fix it. This could be anything
from upgrading old lights to more efficient ones, fixing leaky pipes, or
improving how your air conditioning system works.
- Make
sure these plans happen: They don't just suggest
ideas; they help put them into action. This means working with engineers,
contractors, and even regular employees.
- Keep
track of energy use: They set up systems to monitor how
much energy your business uses, so you can see if the changes are actually
saving money.
- Help
your business follow the rules: With new laws like
Malaysia's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) 2024, they
make sure your company is doing what it needs to do to avoid fines and
stay compliant.
- Report
on progress: They prepare reports that show how much
energy you're saving, how much money you're cutting from your bills, and
how you're helping the environment.
In short, an Energy Manager is like a detective, a planner,
a project leader, and a reporter all rolled into one, with the ultimate goal of
making your business more energy-efficient and sustainable.
2. Why is an Energy Manager So
Important in Malaysia Right Now? (The EECA 2024 Connection)
If you're operating a business or managing a building in
Malaysia, hiring a qualified Energy Manager isn't just a good idea; it's
becoming a legal necessity for many. The big reason for this is
Malaysia's new Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) 2024.
What is the EECA 2024?
This new law, which came into effect recently (fully
effective from around January 2025), is a big step for Malaysia to save energy
and reduce its carbon footprint. It replaces older regulations and covers more
types of energy use, not just electricity.
Who does EECA 2024 affect most?
The EECA 2024 mainly applies to:
- "Designated
Energy Consumers": These are businesses or
facilities (like factories, large commercial buildings, or industrial
plants) that use a lot of energy. The specific thresholds for how
much energy makes you a "designated energy consumer" are set by
the Energy Commission (EC). If your consumption meets the prescribed
threshold, you fall under this category.
- Specific
Buildings: Certain types of large buildings (e.g.,
office buildings above a certain size) also have new requirements, like
displaying an Energy Intensity Label.
What does EECA 2024 require from Designated Energy
Consumers?
One of the most important requirements under EECA 2024 is
the mandatory appointment of a Registered Energy Manager (REM).
- You
MUST Appoint a REM: If your facility is a designated
energy consumer, you are legally required to appoint a REM who is
registered with the Energy Commission (EC). This REM will be responsible
for overseeing your energy management efforts.
- Types
of REM: The EECA 2024 has introduced two types of
Registered Energy Managers:
- REM
Type 1: For facilities consuming between 21,600
GJ/year and 50,000 GJ/year (often focuses on electrical energy systems).
- REM
Type 2: For facilities consuming 50,000 GJ/year
or more (includes knowledge of thermal energy systems, like steam or
chilled water, in addition to electrical).
- REM's
Duties under EECA: The appointed REM has several key
duties, including:
- Implementing
and monitoring your company's Energy Management System (EnMS).
- Preparing
and submitting Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) Reports
to the EC.
- Advising
your company on energy-saving measures.
- Ensuring
the accuracy of reported energy data.
- Helping
to conduct regular Energy Audits (often with a Registered Energy
Auditor, REA).
So, if your business falls under the EECA's scope, finding
a qualified and Registered Energy Manager (REM) isn't just about saving
money; it's about staying on the right side of the law. This makes knowing The
Skills and Qualifications to Look for in an Energy Manager even more
crucial.
3. Essential Skills: What an Energy
Manager Needs to Do
Beyond the legal requirements, a great Energy Manager needs
a mix of "hard" (technical) skills and "soft" (people)
skills to be truly effective.
A. Technical Skills (The "Hard"
Skills):
These are the core knowledge areas an Energy Manager must
have to understand how energy is used and how to save it.
- Energy
Audit Expertise: This is fundamental. An Energy Manager
must know how to:
- Conduct
detailed energy surveys and walk-throughs of buildings and industrial
processes.
- Use
special tools (like power analyzers, thermal cameras) to measure energy
use and find hotspots.
- Analyze
historical utility bills and consumption data to identify trends and
anomalies.
- Develop
energy audit reports that clearly outline findings and recommend actions.
- Understanding
of Energy Systems: They need to be knowledgeable about
various energy systems used in buildings and factories, including:
- Electrical
Systems: Motors, lighting (LEDs, smart lighting),
power distribution, variable speed drives, power factor correction.
- Mechanical
Systems: HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning), chillers, boilers, pumps, fans, compressed air systems,
steam systems.
- Thermal
Energy: Understanding heat transfer, insulation,
waste heat recovery, and efficient use of fuels like natural gas or
biomass.
- Renewable
Energy: Basic knowledge of solar PV, solar
thermal, and other renewable technologies for potential integration.
- Data
Analysis & Digital Literacy:
- Ability
to collect, organize, and interpret large amounts of energy data.
- Familiarity
with energy monitoring software and building management systems (BMS).
- Using
spreadsheets (like Excel) effectively for calculations and tracking.
- Understanding
of energy performance indicators (EnPIs) and how to set baselines and
targets.
- Project
Management:
- Energy
efficiency projects often involve many steps: identifying opportunities,
getting approvals, managing contractors, overseeing installation, and
verifying savings.
- An
Energy Manager needs skills in planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk
management, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within
budget.
- Knowledge
of Energy-Saving Technologies:
- Staying
updated on the latest energy-efficient equipment, materials, and
technologies (e.g., smart sensors, advanced controls, high-efficiency
motors).
- Understanding
the pros and cons of different technologies and which ones are best
suited for specific applications.
- Financial
Analysis:
- Energy-saving
projects often require investment. An Energy Manager needs to be able to
calculate the financial benefits, such as:
- Return
on Investment (ROI)
- Payback
period
- Life
cycle cost analysis
- This
helps them make a strong business case for proposed projects.
B. Soft Skills (The "People" Skills):
Even with all the technical knowledge, an Energy Manager
won't succeed without strong communication and people skills.
- Communication
Skills:
- Ability
to explain complex technical ideas in simple terms to non-technical
staff, including top management.
- Excellent
written communication for reports, proposals, and presentations.
- Good
listening skills to understand the needs and concerns of different
departments.
- Leadership
& Influence:
- Inspiring
others to adopt energy-saving practices.
- Motivating
teams (from maintenance staff to production managers) to support energy
efficiency initiatives.
- Championing
energy management within the organization.
- Problem-Solving
& Critical Thinking:
- Energy
challenges are often unique and complex. An Energy Manager needs to be
able to analyze problems from different angles and come up with creative,
practical solutions.
- Negotiation
& Persuasion:
- Convincing
management to approve budgets for energy projects.
- Negotiating
with vendors and contractors for the best deals on energy-efficient
equipment and services.
- Overcoming
resistance to change from employees who might be set in their ways.
- Attention
to Detail & Organization:
- Accurate
data collection and meticulous record-keeping are vital for measuring
savings and meeting reporting requirements.
- Managing
multiple projects and tasks efficiently.
- Adaptability
& Continuous Learning:
- The
energy landscape is always changing, with new technologies and
regulations. A good Energy Manager is always learning and adapting.
4. Key Qualifications: What Paperwork
and Experience You Need
Now that we know the skills, let's look at the formal
qualifications.
- 1.
Malaysian Citizen (for REM): To be registered as a
Registered Energy Manager (REM) with the Energy Commission (EC) in
Malaysia, the individual must be a Malaysian citizen.
- 2.
Academic Qualifications:
- A
Bachelor's Degree in Science, Engineering, Technology, or Architecture
from a recognized university. Common degrees include Electrical
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil
Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or relevant science degrees.
- For
those with a Diploma in these fields, they typically need more years of
working experience (e.g., 10 years for a Diploma holder, as opposed to
1-2 years for a Degree holder, depending on the specific REM type and
pathway).
- 3.
Professional Experience:
- Practical
working experience in energy management or related fields is crucial. The
specific number of years varies based on academic qualifications and the
type of REM (Type 1 or Type 2) you're aiming for. For example, a degree
holder might need at least one year of experience in efficient energy
management at an installation.
- Experience
in conducting energy audits, implementing energy management systems
(EnMS), or managing energy efficiency projects is highly valued.
- 4.
Registered Energy Manager (REM) / Registered Electrical Energy Manager
(REEM) Certification:
- This
is the most important qualification in Malaysia, especially if your
facility is a "designated energy consumer" under EECA 2024.
- To
become a REM, candidates typically need to:
- Attend
specific REM training courses (e.g., 5-day courses for REM Type 1
and Type 2 offered by Registered Training Institutions (RTIs) approved
by the Energy Commission).
- Pass
examinations at the end of these courses.
- Sometimes,
pass an oral presentation/interview where they present an energy
saving project paper.
- Existing
Registered Electrical Energy Managers (REEM) from the previous
regulations (Efficient Management of Electrical Energy Regulations 2008)
can transition to REM Type 1 or take an exam to become REM Type 2.
- The
certification needs to be renewed periodically (e.g., every few years),
which often requires participation in Continuous Professional
Development (CPD) programs.
- 5.
Knowledge of ISO 50001 (Energy Management Systems):
- While
not always a strict legal requirement, knowledge of ISO 50001 is highly
desirable. This international standard provides a framework for
organizations to develop and implement an effective Energy Management
System (EnMS).
- An
Energy Manager with ISO 50001 experience can help your company structure
its energy management efforts, making them more systematic and
sustainable.
- 6.
Other Relevant Certifications (Optional but Valued):
- Certified
Energy Manager (CEM): A globally recognized certification
by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). While not legally mandated
in Malaysia like REM, it signifies broad energy management expertise.
- Certified
Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP):
For those specializing in verifying energy savings.
- Green
Building Index (GBI) Facilitator/Auditor:
If the role also involves green building initiatives.
In summary, choosing the right Energy Manager
is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your business's bottom
line and environmental performance. With the Energy Efficiency
and Conservation Act (EECA) 2024 now mandating the appointment of Registered
Energy Managers (REM) for designated energy consumers, identifying The Skills
and Qualifications to Look for in an Energy Manager has become more crucial
than ever. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in technical
areas like energy auditing, system optimization, and data analysis,
complemented by essential soft skills such as communication, project
management, and the ability to influence change. Beyond academic degrees and
practical experience, the REM certification (Type 1 or Type 2, depending on
your facility's energy consumption) is paramount for legal compliance in
Malaysia. By investing in a well-qualified Energy Manager, you can not only
meet regulatory obligations but also unlock substantial energy cost savings,
enhance operational efficiency, and advance your company's sustainability
goals.
Is your organization ready to comply with EECA
2024 and significantly reduce its energy costs? Finding an Energy Manager with
the perfect blend of technical expertise and practical experience can be
challenging, especially when navigating the specific requirements for
Registered Energy Managers in Malaysia. Our specialized recruitment and
consulting services connect businesses with top-tier energy management
professionals, ensuring you find the right fit for your unique needs. Don't let
energy waste drain your profits or compliance issues slow you down. WhatsApp or
call us today at 0133006284 for expert guidance on securing your
energy-efficient future.
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