Energy Efficiency, Sustainability and Climate ChangeThe Academic and Quality Manager of Bureau Veritas University Center , Ruth Ballesteros, on the occasion of the presentation of our new Master in Energy Efficiency, Climate Change and Sustainability , reflects on the current need for truly qualified professionals in these areas in companies.
Energy Efficiency
Managing energy resources is one of the most important responsibilities of any organization. The ISO 50001 Energy Management standard provides a company with the ideal framework to take appropriate measures focused on continuous improvement of Energy Efficiency.
For EU countries, the European Union's Energy Efficiency Directive 2012/27/EU offers huge opportunities and jobs . The Directive includes an obligation for large companies to carry out an energy part time data audit at least every four years, with a first energy audit no later than 5 December 2015. Companies with a current ISO 50001 certificate are exempt from this obligation. In addition, there are incentives for SMEs to carry out energy audits to help them identify potential reductions in energy consumption.
Likewise, the programs launched by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, through the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE), have come into force to carry out different lines of action in energy saving and efficiency projects from 2015 onwards . The approved direct aid and financing programs are included in the framework of the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency 2014-2020 and will allow Spain to meet the savings targets derived from Directive 2012/27/EU . This Directive requires Member States to achieve a cumulative energy saving target before 31 December 2020 which, in the case of Spain, has been calculated at 571 ktoe/year.
Ministry Aid Program for Energy Efficiency and Savings Projects in SMEs and large companies in the industrial sector
Sustainability and Climate Change
As a direct consequence of the development of Energy Management Systems, there is a reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, contributing to the preservation of natural resources. These actions must be a priority for companies seeking to comply with and contribute to truly Sustainable Development .
In today's society, any company that wants to be competitive needs to develop and implement a plan to adapt to Climate Change that demonstrates its commitment to the Environment and Sustainable Development .