Course Description

Energy is one of the major inputs for economic activity, especially for developing economies in the Asia-Pacific region. Energy consumption is increasing at a rapid pace, while available resources such as fossil fuels are limited. The reliance on fossil fuels results in releases of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants to the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and related adverse effects like acid rain, ozone layer depletion, global warming, loss of biodiversity, etc.

The adoption of energy-efficient conservation measures by using appropriate tools, techniques, and management protocols systematically and conducting periodic energy audits enable continuous improvements. Along with energy-efficient measures, transitioning to renewable sources will lower energy costs and reduce carbon footprints besides helping APO member countries to enhance energy security and meet national energy conservation targets. These measures will also aid in fulfilling nationally determined contribution (NDC) targets under the Paris Agreement.

This self-learning e-course focuses on general aspects of energy management and auditing and is intended primarily to address the energy sustainability element of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reduce green house gases (GHG) emissions. The main objectives of the course are:

• Acquainting participants with the global energy scenario and environmental issues;
• Familiarizing participants with international agreements on climate change, international standards for energy management systems, renewable energy sources, and basic concepts of energy audits; and
• Building the capacity of participants to conduct energy audits based on monitoring & targeting, financial management, project management, and material & energy balance.

The course covers the following modules:

Module 1: The Global Energy Scenario

Module 2: Global Environmental Issues

Module 3: International Agreements on Climate Change and Policies

Module 4: Energy Management and Audit

Module 5: Material and Energy (M&E) Balance

Module 6: Overview of International Standards for Energy Management Systems (ISO 50001)

Module 7: Energy Monitoring and Targeting (M&T)

Module 8: Financial Management

Module 9: Project Management

Module 10: New and Renewable Energy Sources

Each module is in a prerecorded video format where experts deliver their presentations by describing each slide. Participants can access the video by clicking on the link provided under the title of each module.

Important Notes:

1) Participants who register to take this course and pass the final examination with a score of 70% or higher will be eligible to receive the APO certificate. Please note that the final examination can be taken only once. Therefore, the most appropriate time to take the examination should be chosen carefully. Please note that the self-assessment quizzes are for personal evaluation only and are not related to the final examination results.

2) Participants who perform well in this course and receive the APO certificate will be given preference, on a merit basis, for selection to attend follow-up face-to-face multi-country APO projects on similar topics, when nominated by their NPOs and if slots are available.

3) Notes 1 and 2 are applicable only to participants from APO member countries. Those from nonmember countries are welcome to take the course for self-improvement, although they are not eligible to attend follow-up face-to-face multicountry APO projects.