The Northwest Energy Education Institute (NEEI) today introduced a unique energy management certification program that employs a "hands-on" approach to teach participants about energy-saving techniques -- providing immediate workplace experience for energy professionals, and energy-cost savings for schools, government agencies, and commercial businesses.

NEEI's new Energy Management Certification (EMC) program, which combines classroom instruction with on-the-job project implementation, teaches energy management personnel to quickly identify areas of potential savings and to maximize energy efficiency throughout a building, facility, plant or campus. EMC's professional curriculum is specifically designed for engineers, technicians, architects, facilities managers, maintenance and energy managers, and representatives from utilities, governments and schools.

"There's no better way to learn what is needed," said Elin Shepard, Resource Conservation Manager for the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, who participated in NEEI's pilot certification program. "NEEI's program emphasizes learning by doing, and in the process accelerates energy-cost savings."

"To earn certification each candidate must implement a project," said Roger Ebbage, Director of the Northwest Energy Education Institute. "We are the only professional energy certification program that actually requires participants to apply the principles being taught and then measure the results."

NEEI's Energy Management Certification program helps business, industry and government meet the urgent need to reduce energy consumption. Upon completion graduates are able to identify and implement a broad range of energy management initiatives, which substantially reduce energy use and utility costs. Employers in turn receive a sizable return on their investment in training and energy efficiency.

The curriculum includes 11 days of classroom training covering: electric power and energy management; energy use in the buildings; lighting and electrical fundamentals; insulation; heating and cooling; secondary HVAC systems; controls; energy auditing; and advanced conservation methods.

NEEI's first annual Energy Management Certification Program will begin July 9, 2001 in Eugene, OR. The cost of tuition is $3,500 per person, which includes room and board for the in-residence portion of the program, and ongoing interaction with NEEI throughout the project phase of the program.

Funded by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, The Northwest Energy Education Institute provides innovative training in energy efficiency for facilities and energy management personnel.