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Pamela Sloan, Pierre-Olivier Pineau, Olivier Bahn, and Michael Ross

The objective of this MOOC is to help organizations combat climate change through effective energy management. It explains proven strategies to reduce fossil fuel consumption, increase the use of renewable energy, cut greenhouse gases and encourage the transition to a low carbon economy. The RETScreen Expert software, the world’s leading software to empower cleaner energy decisions is used throughout the course.

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The objective of this MOOC is to help organizations combat climate change through effective energy management. It explains proven strategies to reduce fossil fuel consumption, increase the use of renewable energy, cut greenhouse gases and encourage the transition to a low carbon economy. The RETScreen Expert software, the world’s leading software to empower cleaner energy decisions is used throughout the course.

All participants will be able to complete the course with the free version of the RETScreen software that is available online. An additional feature for those who purchase the course certification is a 90-day trial key to RETScreen Expert Professional mode , which allows you to explore the full range of the software's capabilities. Further details can be found when you purchase your verified certificate.

Module 1: Getting Started – The Foundations of Energy Management

This module introduces the course and lays the foundations for energy management. It has three parts:

  • The strategic imperative of energy management for the sustainability of the planet and the crucial role that organizations and their decision-makers play
  • The elements of a strategic approach to energy management
  • An introduction to the RETScreen software

Module 2: Reducing Energy End-Use - Introducing Benchmarking

This module focuses on the reducing energy consumption strategy and highlights the role of benchmarking. It has three parts:

  • The Reducing Energy End-Use strategy
  • RETScreen’s Virtual Energy Analyzer
  • Benchmarking for energy management

Module 3: Increasing Energy Efficiency - Introducing Feasibility Analysis

This module focuses on the increasing efficiency strategy and highlights the role of feasibility analysis. It has three parts:

  • The Increasing Energy Efficiency strategy
  • Financial analysis for energy management
  • Feasibility analysis for real property

Module 4: Optimizing Energy Supply – Introducing Perfomance Analysis

This module focuses on the optimizing energy supply strategy and highlights the role of performance management. It has four parts:

  • The Optimizing Energy Supply strategy
  • Feasibility analysis for power plants
  • Performance analysis for energy management
  • Reporting for energy management

Module 5: Energy Management – A Strategic Approach

This module brings together all of the strategies, and compares and contrasts them. As the final module, it also includes the exam. It has three parts:

  • A framework for action in energy management
  • Achieving multiple objectives: Carbon pricing
  • Portfolio analysis for energy management

Three deals to help you save

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Describe retscreen’s virtual energy analyzer
  • At the end of this course, students should be able to…
  • Module 1
  • Identify the context for energy management by organizations
  • Explain why energy management is a strategic issue for organizations
  • List the factors that influence the management of energy
  • Locate the features and components of retscreen expert
  • Module 2
  • Explain the rationale for reducing energy end-use
  • Recognize the elements of the reducing energy end-use strategy
  • Recognize the steps for using the virtual energy analyzer
  • Explain the role of benchmarking in energy management
  • Recognize the steps of the benchmarking process
  • Module 3
  • Explain the rationale for increasing energy efficiency
  • Recognize the elements of the increasing energy efficiency strategy
  • Match different financial measures to correct definition
  • Explain the role of feasibility analysis in energy management
  • Recognize the steps of feasibility analysis for real property using retscreen expert
  • Module 4
  • Explain the rationale for optimizing energy supply
  • Recognize the elements of the optimizing energy supply strategy
  • Recognize the steps of feasibility analysis for power plants using retscreen expert
  • Recognize the steps of performance analysis using retscreen expert
  • Recognize the steps of reporting using retscreen expert
  • Module 5
  • Explain the rationale for a strategic approach to energy management
  • Recognize the elements of the framework for strategic action in energy management
  • Distinguish the key differences among energy management strategies
  • Explain how to set priorities for energy management initiatives
  • Identify the elements of a strategic organization for energy management
  • Explain approaches for achieving multiple objectives in energy management
  • Recognize the steps for portfolio analysis using retscreen expert

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches Reducing Energy End-Use strategy, which is used in business energy management
Taught by instructors with significant experience in sustainable energy management
Teaches learners how to use industry-standard software for energy management, increasing practical application
Provides opportunities to develop professional skills in energy management
Covers a broad range of energy management strategies, giving learners a comprehensive understanding
Taught by instructors from a reputable institution, adding credibility to the course

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen with these activities:
Create a Green Energy Strategy for Your Home
Completing this tutorial can help you identify and implement strategies to reduce your home's energy consumption.
Browse courses on Energy Efficiency
Show steps
  • Research energy-efficient appliances and technologies.
  • Calculate your home's energy consumption.
  • Develop a plan to reduce your energy use.
  • Implement your plan.
  • Monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Interactive Optimization Tool
Build your own interactive optimization tool using RETScreen Expert's API and Python to optimize energy solutions.
Show steps
  • Learn the RETScreen Expert API
  • Design and build the interactive tool
  • Develop the optimization algorithm
  • Test and refine the tool
Conduct an Energy Efficiency Assessment for Your Community
An energy efficiency assessment can help your community identify and implement strategies to reduce energy waste.
Browse courses on Energy Efficiency
Show steps
  • Gather data on your community's energy use.
  • Identify energy-saving opportunities.
  • Develop a plan to implement the energy-saving measures.
  • Implement the plan.
  • Monitor and evaluate your progress.
Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Energy Analyst
An Energy Analyst is responsible for analyzing energy data and identifying opportunities for improvement. This information can then be used to develop energy management plans that can help reduce energy costs. The Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen course can help an Energy Analyst learn about the different strategies for reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. This knowledge can help them develop more effective energy management plans for their clients.
Sustainability Analyst
A Sustainability Analyst is responsible for analyzing the sustainability of a company or organization. This can include assessing the company's environmental, social, and economic impacts. The Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen course may be useful to a Sustainability Analyst as it can help them understand the different strategies for reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. This knowledge can help them develop more effective sustainability strategies for their company or organization.
Energy Efficiency Program Manager
An Energy Efficiency Program Manager is responsible for developing and managing energy efficiency programs. These programs can help businesses and organizations reduce their energy consumption and improve their energy efficiency. The Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen course can help an Energy Efficiency Program Manager learn about the different strategies for reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. This knowledge can help them develop more effective energy efficiency programs.
Renewable Energy Project Developer
A Renewable Energy Project Developer is responsible for developing and managing renewable energy projects. This can include solar, wind, and geothermal projects. The Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen course can help a Renewable Energy Project Developer learn about the different strategies for reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. This knowledge can help them develop more effective renewable energy projects.
Climate Change Analyst
A Climate Change Analyst is responsible for studying the impacts of climate change and developing strategies to mitigate these impacts. This can include developing plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change. The Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen course may be useful to a Climate Change Analyst as it can help them understand the different strategies for reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. This knowledge can help them develop more effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Energy Policy Analyst
An Energy Policy Analyst is responsible for researching and analyzing energy policies. This information can then be used to develop recommendations for new policies or changes to existing policies. The Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen course may be useful to an Energy Policy Analyst as it can help them understand the different strategies for reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. This knowledge can help them develop more effective energy policies.
Energy Economist
An Energy Economist is responsible for studying the economic impacts of energy production and consumption. This information can then be used to develop policies that promote economic growth and protect the environment. The Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen course may be useful to an Energy Economist as it can help them understand the different strategies for reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. This knowledge can help them develop more effective energy policies.
Building Operator
A Building Operator is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a building. This includes maintaining the building's systems, responding to maintenance requests, and ensuring the safety of the building's occupants. The Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen course may be useful to a Building Operator as it can help them understand the different strategies for reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. This knowledge can help them reduce the operating costs of the building and make it more comfortable for occupants.
Energy Consultant
An Energy Consultant is responsible for providing advice and guidance to businesses and organizations on how to reduce their energy consumption and improve their energy efficiency. The Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen course can help an Energy Consultant learn about the different strategies for reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. This knowledge can help them provide better advice to their clients.
Property Manager
A Property Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a property. This includes managing the property's budget, maintaining the property, and collecting rent from tenants. The Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen course may be useful to a Property Manager as it can help them understand the different strategies for reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. This knowledge can help them reduce the operating costs of the property and make it more attractive to tenants.
Energy Auditor
An Energy Auditor is responsible for assessing a building's energy use and identifying opportunities for improvement. This information can then be used to develop an energy management plan that can help reduce energy costs. The Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen course can help an Energy Auditor learn about the different strategies for reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. This knowledge can help them develop more effective energy management plans for their clients.
Sustainability Manager
A Sustainability Manager is responsible for creating and managing a company's sustainability strategy. This strategy helps companies understand their environmental impact and develop plans to reduce it. The Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen course may be useful to a Sustainability Manager as it can help them understand the different strategies for reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. This knowledge can help them develop more effective sustainability strategies for their company.
Environmental Engineer
An Environmental Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing solutions to environmental problems. This can include developing plans to reduce air and water pollution, as well as developing renewable energy sources. The Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen course may be useful to an Environmental Engineer as it can help them understand the different strategies for reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. This knowledge can help them develop more effective environmental solutions.
Environmental Consultant
An Environmental Consultant is responsible for providing advice and guidance to businesses and organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact. This can include developing plans to reduce air and water pollution, as well as developing renewable energy sources. The Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen course may be useful to an Environmental Consultant as it can help them understand the different strategies for reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. This knowledge can help them provide better advice to their clients.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
A Corporate Social Responsibility Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a company's corporate social responsibility strategy. This strategy helps companies understand their social and environmental impacts and develop plans to reduce these impacts. The Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen course may be useful to a Corporate Social Responsibility Manager as it can help them understand the different strategies for reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. This knowledge can help them develop more effective corporate social responsibility strategies for their company.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Energy Management Powered by RETScreen.
This handbook provides comprehensive coverage of energy management principles and practices, including energy audits, energy efficiency measures, and renewable energy systems.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of energy management and conservation, making it a valuable resource for understanding key concepts and practical strategies. It includes sections on energy auditing, energy efficiency measures, and renewable energy sources.
This guidebook provides a comprehensive overview of energy management, covering topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy auditing. It also includes case studies and examples to illustrate the concepts discussed.
This manual provides a comprehensive overview of energy efficiency, covering topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy auditing. It also includes case studies and examples to illustrate the concepts discussed.

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