Purpose of this curriculum:
Strategic energy management (SEM) is a specialized field within energy efficiency that focuses on the systematic understanding and control of an organization’s energy consumption and demand, with the objective of reducing associated costs and greenhouse gas emissions over time. This approach emphasizes identifying and addressing gaps in areas such as energy and climate policy frameworks, human resource capacity, energy efficiency project development practices, monitoring and reporting systems, and financial resource allocation.
In the absence of a strategic approach, organizations often address energy efficiency through isolated, project-by-project actions, which can lead to unclear results and unsustained reductions in energy use and demand. SEM provides a structured framework that supports a stable, controlled, and predictable cycle of continuous improvement.
How is the material administered?
Self-guided
Assessment Methods (e.g. testing)
Register for the course independently and complete it.
Programs for implementing training
The Strategic Energy Management 101 (SEM 101) course is delivered through multiple modules over a two-day period. Each module provides a comprehensive introduction to key concepts, supported by interactive exercises and practical SEM tools, including templates and worksheets.
Day one focuses on strengthening an organization’s energy management strategy by assessing organizational capacity and identifying gaps in planning, financial resource allocation, and internal communication.
Day two concentrates on identifying and prioritizing energy efficiency initiatives, developing energy efficiency projects, and effectively reporting progress.
Organizations that adopt SEM principles have demonstrated the potential to achieve annual energy and cost reductions of up to 5% across their portfolios. This two-day course equips organizations with the knowledge and skills required to effectively implement SEM. Participants gain the ability to develop a robust energy management strategy, set and communicate clear energy management objectives, and systematically reduce energy consumption in support of climate goals.
In this course, participants learn how to:
• Develop energy efficiency strategies.
• Assess an organization’s capacity to manage energy consumption and GHG emissions.
• Recognize the policies and organizational structures that advance an organization’s energy efficiency goals.
• Identify and prioritize energy efficiency initiatives.
• Communicate the performance of energy efficiency initiatives.