Energy Efficiency Technician (Energy Audit Technician)

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Energy Audit Technician. An Energy Audit Technician assesses analyses and reports on the energy performance of an organisation, equipment, system(s) or process (es) and identifies opportunities for the improvement of energy use, cost reductions and efficiency. A qualified learner will be able to: • Determine and collate energy data required for pre- and post- installation energy audits. • Analyse audit data and present findings.

The availability of energy and the need to conserve energy worldwide is a priority especially in South Africa. According to the National Scarce Skills List the Physical and Engineering Science Technicians are considered to be in short supply. Currently energy auditing is regulated by the South African National Standard: Energy Audits Requirements which defines the minimum set of requirements leading to the identification of opportunities for the improvement of energy performance. Furthermore the Department of Energy (DoE) and the National Energy Efficiency Strategy have identified the need to build capacity to conduct high quality building energy audits at national, provincial and local level. These audits need to be conducted so as to achieve 15% improvement in energy efficiency in the commercial and public building sector in South Africa as buildings alone account for an estimated 40% of the total energy consumption of South Africa. Typical learners likely to enrol for this qualification are school leavers from the technical vocational stream (including electrical and mechanical), and who are interested in the field of energy and green technologies. Also qualified electricians and other artisans in the engineering field might also consider this as an opportunity to expand their scope of work and as a stepping stone to higher level qualifications.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: • Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: • Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 4 with mathematics and science or technical subject. Or • Six months work experience as a qualified Artisan.

• Determine and record energy performance data to conduct the energy audit.
• Determine measurement requirements and methods to provide sufficient data to enable a building energy audit.
• Determine measurement requirements and methods to assess specialised industrial energy systems and calculate cost.
• Analyse and interpret energy data to determine energy savings opportunities.
• Present energy audit findings to demonstrate knowledge of the energy audit process and energy audit report format.