Leading the official Qatar Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) recently organized the first in-person Certified Energy Manager (CEM) workshop in Doha, Qatar. The four-day event took place at Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) and was attended by senior members from leading public and private entities, reflecting the growing interest and commitment to energy management and efficiency in Qatar.

The Certified Energy Manager (CEM) program is internationally recognized as one of the leading credentials in the field of energy management. It holds accreditation from ISO IEC 17024, endorsed by the Entidad Nacional de Acreditación (ENAC) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The recent workshop aimed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the rigorous CEM exam, required to earn the prestigious CEM certification which signifies expertise in managing and optimizing energy resources efficiently – an increasingly vital aspect of sustainability and responsible resource management.

Attending the event were representatives from Amana Qatar Contracting, Darwish Computer & Communications, Msheireb Properties, JBK Controls, Leminar Global Distribution & Services WLL, Supreme Committee For Delivery & Legacy, Syscon Safety Systems, Al Khaleej Engineering & Industrial Consultancy, Engie Cofely Mannai Facility Management WLL, and Integra Projects & Facility Management WLL.

Among the participants was Engineer Salem Al-Awi, Manager, Reliability Group at Qatar Foundation, who said, “Qatar Foundation is committed to sustainability, and we are at the forefront of the energy management program in Qatar Foundation City operations. Therefore, we considered the CEM program an excellent opportunity to acquire additional knowledge and learn about the best practices currently being implemented worldwide."

Engineer Jabr Ben Al-Aji, Head Of Reliability – Operations at Qatar Foundation, emphasized that in the past, the availability of platforms offering guidance on energy-saving techniques and controls within systems was limited in Qatar. This necessitated a heavy dependence on external sources of expertise. “So when the opportunity came for an energy management certification [by AEE], it really hit the spot,” he added.

The CEM workshop covered a comprehensive range of topics, including codes and standards, energy accounting and economics, energy audits and instrumentation, electrical power systems and motors, HVAC systems, industrial systems, building envelope, CHP systems and renewable energy, fuel supply and pricing, building automation and control systems, thermal energy storage systems, lighting systems, boiler and steam systems, maintenance and commissioning, energy savings, performance contracting, and measurement & verification.

Engineer Samrat Sarjerao Kadam, Facility Manager for Doha Festival City (DFC), explained that his motivation for participating in the CEM workshop stemmed from his commitment to enhancing energy management at DFC. He expressed that the CEM course had proven to be invaluable, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of the precise steps required to achieve his energy-saving goals. It provided him with the tools and knowledge to accurately calculate and validate measures necessary for success. Reflecting on the workshop's overall usefulness, he praised it, stating, “It's tremendously beneficial. I've gained insights into systems I previously had limited awareness of. The workshop has unveiled significant potential for reducing energy consumption and ensuring the validation of energy savings. I've learned how to measure these savings accurately and identify additional measures we can implement to further curtail our energy usage."

With their newfound knowledge and skills, these professionals are poised to make substantial contributions to reducing energy consumption and advancing energy conservation trends, making a positive impact on Qatar's energy landscape.