The Association of Energy Engineers has been offering professionals in the engineering and/or energy management field the option of earning the credential of Certified Energy Manager (CEM) for nearly 30 years. They affirm that this credential is recognized internationally and by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Office of Federal Energy Management Programs (FEMP), and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
While being a CEM provides these professionals with an additional credential somewhat like the USGBC does through their LEED programs, the AEE has much stricter guidelines for qualifying for theirs. To begin with, professionals must meet high education and experience requirements to be eligible. For example, if you have a business degree, you must also have at least five years of experience in energy management.
Not only must a CEM applicant meet these criteria, they must also complete at least 11 of the 17 courses offered by the AEE prior to taking the CEM exam. Every CEM must take classes in Codes, Standards and Indoor Air Quality, Energy and Accounting Economics, and Energy Audits and Instrumentation. For the other eight courses, professionals can choose from topics like HVAC systems, building envelope, green buildings, LEED, Energy Star, lighting, and alternate financing.
For a homeowner getting ready to design and build a new home or even remodel an existing home, having a CEM on your dream team would be a wise move. These professionals are clearly qualified and educated, perhaps even more so than a LEED professional.
With a CEM working on your project, you’ll be assured in receiving invaluable information on the energy usage of your home. They are equipped to design the most energy efficient structures in homebuilding and also help you choose the right equipment to save you money in utilities for years to come, including your kitchen appliances, lighting, HVAC systems, thermostats, hot water heaters, and more.
There’s no telling what these professionals charge for their services, but they are an elite group, to be sure, with only 6,000 official CEMs worldwide currently.