Going Green and Lean
Energy usage and its sustainability are becoming crucially important
issues facing many organizations. Firms have to evaluate energy
alternatives strategically and manage business processes efficiently to
address the broader stakeholder values: environmental, economic and
social. Simultaneously, engineering activities related to processes,
products and services need to adapt to changing regulatory, tax, supply
chain and demand environments. To achieve this, management and
engineering perspectives need to be integrated for effective energy
management. That's why Oakland University's School of Business
Administration and School of Engineering and Computer Sciences are
partnering to deliver a new professional certificate program that
supports the transition to a new energy economy by preparing
professionals to differentiate themselves in their careers, and help
their organizations become sustainable enterprises. During the previous
decade, jobs in the clean energy economy grew at a national rate of 9.1
percent, compared to traditional job growth of only 3.7 percent. 4.2
million green jobs are expected to be created by 2038, and could provide
as much as 10 percent of new job growth over the next 30 years (see
"U.S. Mayors Green Jobs Report of 2008").
About the Program
This six-week program will educate engineering and business
professionals from any organization interested in reducing energy costs,
boosting bottom line performance and becoming more competitive by
ensuring participants can:
- Understand energy usage and utilization options that lead to cost and energy savings.
- Apply sustainable principles to operations that reduce costs and/or enhance corporate reputation.
- Acquire real-world skills to evaluate, analyze and implement the best conventional and/or alternative energy choices.
Course of Study
The program spans eight weeks and consists of three modules (24
contact hours each). Each module runs for two weeks for a total of six
content weeks. There will be a one-week break before the start of the
second module and before the third module.
Module Descriptions
EM1 Fundamentals of Energy and Energy Management
This module provides an overview of energy supply and usage,
discusses rationale for energy management, and outline principles of
effective energy management. It will review energy conservation
principles, and emphasize effective use of energy to enhance a firm's
competitive position in the market by examining the role of energy in
the firms' overall strategy, its business chain and the corresponding
energy value chain.
EM2 Analysis of Energy Alternatives
In this module. participants are introduced to energy auditing as a
means to determine energy usage in their own organizations, discuss
available energy technologies to meet their organizations' energy
demand, and conduct an economic analysis to determine best
alternative(s). The participants will also be introduced to statistical
analyses of process data and application of lean principles and six
sigma methodology in energy systems.
EM3 Implementation of Energy Strategies
Participants will put their knowledge learned in the first two
modules to use by working on an energy management project. The
participants tour a facility to observe various concepts at work. They
will learn how to establish and maintain an energy management program in
their own organizations. They will also learn about relevant energy
frameworks, standards and practices (eg LEED, Energy Star, etc).
Program Calendar
The fall certification
program begins October 5, 2012 and the winter 2013 program begins
January 11. Fall classes are held Fridays 12:00-4:00 pm and Saturdays,
from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The courses are held in Shotwell-Gustafson
Pavillion, 401 Sunset Lane, Rochester, MI 48309.
Requirements
Successful completion of all three modules is required to earn the Energy Management Certificate of Completion.
Location
Shotwell-Gustafson Pavilion
2200 N. Squirrel Rd.
Rochester MI, 48309