ESG – Emergency Sustainability Governance?

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18th August 2023

ESG - Emergency Sustainability Governance?

Emergency Sustainability Governance (ESG) is taking the world by storm in the (rat) Race to Net Zero.

You may be among the many if you need to report your company’s GHG emissions but are still in a daze of what the ESG entails. You may not be the only one to have lost your sense of humor – if you took seriously my alternate definition of the ESG acronym.

The actual ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) may be a rude awakening to many. But then, at our just concluded GHG accounting and reporting workshop this week, being able to mingle face to face with corporations that have chosen to ride on the wind of change is uplifting.

To help drive a lively and vibrant learning experience, we took the liberty to turn on active, problem-based work sessions and discussions to address participants’ real life corporate challenges.

Apart from addressing the core learning outcome of this program, i.e., corporate GHG reporting based ISO 14064 and GHG protocol standard, participants were also kept engaged throughout the two days’ workshop on topics that best resonated with them., from assigning the authority and scope, accounting for product life cycle footprint, to leveraging SBTI, carbon pricing and market tools.

Ultimately, embracing ESG will help build a compelling corporate image across supply chains and stakeholders. Beyond that, working with the community will build long term corporate resilience.

We invite all to join the 8th ENERGISE Talk Series and COPE-BEST 2023 to support imperatives to realise an increasingly utopian net zero world that will help evade looming climate catastrophes.

ESG - Emergency Sustainability Governance?

This article is published on August 18, 2023 by Optimal System Engineering

Embedding ESG@ ENERGISE Webinar, Race to Net Zero @COPE-BEST 2023

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28th July 2023

Embedding ESG@ ENERGISE Webinar, Race to Net Zero @COPE-BEST 2023

Who needs GHG reporting? What are among the emission hot spots for an organisation? How does product carbon footprint (PCF) contribute to the overall organisational emissions? How to synergise GHG inventory and PCF accounting? These were among the key ESG trending questions addressed by Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Lim Jeng Shiun, the Director of Optimal Systems Engineering at 7th ENERGISE Talk Series (ETS) on 20 July 2023.

Over 170 mainly industrial participants were further enlightened on how the Low Carbon Operating System (LCOS) Software can empower organisations to track, analyse, manage and mitigate GHG emissions by Mr. Saiful Adib, the Senior Director of Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC).

To further explore on Embedding ESG for Organisations, the energy and sustainability community are invited to Register for Free for the 8th ETS on 21st August. 

The ETS is organised as prelude to COPE-BEST 2023 which will be held from 2 to 4 October 2023 in conjunction with IGEM 2023. You are also invited to register here by September 15 to grab your free tickets to attend COPE-BEST 2023 and to be part of the Race to Net Zero initiative.

COPE-BEST 2023 Registration Now Open!

For more information about the COPE-BEST 2023, please visit: COPE-BEST | Convention on Promotion of Energy Sustainability Best Practices 

This article is published on July 28, 2023 by Optimal System Engineering

Malaysia’s Green Electricity Tariff (GET), Net Zero Energy and the World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC) 2023

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Malaysia’s Green Electricity Tariff (GET), Net Zero Energy and the World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC) 2023 20
Opening WREC Forum - Global Net Zero Energy Scenario

21st July 2023

Malaysia’s Green Electricity Tariff (GET), Net Zero Energy and the World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC) 2023

Malaysia’s electricity tariff revision that was announced on the 14 July 2023 dropped a bombshell to us at UTM. While I expect the vast majority of Malaysians welcome the news of the conventional tariff imbalanced cost pass-through (ICPT) charge being reduced by 3 cents per kWh, we at UTM could be among the rare breeds and the small minority of those who found the news jaw-dropping.  Being among the pioneer Green Electricity Tariff (GET) subscribers, while the 600% GET tariff rise was hard enough to swallow, the swop from favoring green to gray energy was to us, simply baffling.  So, on that Johor weekend of Friday the 14th, a distressed-sounding Pn Azlinda, one of our energy heroes called me, and we instantly held a “war-room” discussion to principally agree on the immediate and long term solutions.

The tariff revision Breaking News was followed by the 22nd World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC 2023) organized by the world-renown UKM Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) from 16 until 20th July.   Feeling honored to be among the distinguished panelists of the WREC opening forum comprising Dato’ (Dr.) Ir Guntor Tobeng of Gading Kencana, Mr Adlan Ahmad of (PETRONAS) Gentari Hydrogen and Mr Hanif Siraf of TNB Renewables; and also as a plenary speaker, I somehow found the inspiration to pull my COVID-hardened self together to see the silver lining and turn yet another challenge into opportunity.

Malaysia’s Green Electricity Tariff (GET), Net Zero Energy and the World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC) 2023 21
Plenary Talk at WREC 2023 - Energy and Emissions Management for All

I thought the WREC was my best chance to drive the key message that is becoming a blind spot especially among clean energy advocates.  Faced with the prospect of 600% rise in our monthly electricity tariff, I took the liberty to chip in the story of UTM story in Sustainable and Resilient Energy Management program in the opening forum on the Global Scenario on Net Zero Energy, and in the 4th Plenary slot of WREC 2023.

The sacrifice of UTM team to go for the premium GET over a year ago to pioneer Net Zero Energy campus might have tipped the balance for us to be ranked 1st Globally under SDG-7 of Clean and Affordable by the Time Higher Education. Nonetheless, the exponential GET rise threatened to cancel our resolve, such that some members of the team were understandably bent on reverting to the much cheaper conventional tariff. 

Malaysia’s Green Electricity Tariff (GET), Net Zero Energy and the World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC) 2023 22
WREC 2023 light moments with Dato' (Dr) Ir Guntor Tobeng (Gading Kencana) and Mr Ahmad Shah (UMW)

So, I shared to the global WREC audience the powerful message and the precious lesson learnt by our team and our community since we begun our Sustainable Energy Management initiative in 2010.

For us at UTM, the best way to manage not only energy, but also emissions and cost is to stay true to Making Energy Efficiency the 1st Fuel.

This article is published on July 21, 2023 by Optimal System Engineering

Engaging Professionals to Drive EnMS Implementation

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Engaging Professionals to Drive EnMS Implementation 30

14th July 2023

Engaging Professionals to Drive EnMS Implementation

We had the privilege to engage energy professionals from across the country in a virtual OPTIMISE Energy Management Systems (EnMS-ISO50001) workshop this week.  Those with experience coaching management systems standards (MS) including EnMS may agree that sustaining a lively MS workshop can be most challenging due to the highly descriptive nature of management systems standards.  Imagine one that is delivered online. 

So, to avoid “ploughing” through one MS clause after another, we took the liberty to design and deliver the EnMS sessions and clauses through the lens of our real-life experiences. From making a compelling case, planning and aligning the EnMS to suit our unique environment, providing support and resources to monitoring, tracking and performance review – we closely relate the EnMS clauses with our experiments, challenges, failures, innovations and success in driving real-life EnMS implementation at our own backyard – the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.  It is quite encouraging to know that the energy professionals find the sessions engaging and beneficial.

Ts Mohd Mawardi bin Hussain, a Vocational Training Officer from KKTM Sri Gading shared that “This course is tremendously helpful for me to implement the energy management system in my organisation. The syllabus is well explained and full of examples to follow.”

His thoughts were echoed by Mohd Uzaini Mohd Ariff, a Sustainable Development Manager from PETRONAS who found the training useful with “real life examples”.

Wong Tien Yi, a Technical Sales executive from Astronergy New Energy Technology (Singapore) PTE LTD, appreciated the importance of data analysis and performance tracking in energy management.  He said “This training provided up-to-date information and know-how; It is a fruitful sharing delivered by a team of high-level professionals. I shall continue participating with this organisation to gain more in the lovely field.”

 In the closing session, I took the liberty to deliver the concluding clause sprinkled with a Michael “Air” Jordan quote, and another equally famous one by Robert Allen.

“There is no failure, just feedback”  is central to the growth mindset of celebrating continual improvement that cuts across management systems.  It is the one that has defined our energy management initiatives at UTM since the 1990s .  We are pleased to share that UTM has been recently ranked 1st globally among higher education institutions under UN-SDG-7 (Clean and Affordable Energy) by the Times Higher Education.  This is the result of decades of efforts in building our Sustainable and Resilient Energy Management Program (SREMP).

OPTIMISE applauds the participants for their dedication and congratulates them on taking an important step towards driving positive change within their organisations. At OPTIMISE, we remain committed to assisting and empowering organisations on their energy management journey through partnership for the sustainable development goals.

OPTMISE is pleased to invite registration for our upcoming open and in-house workshops on energy, GHG accounting and management, resource, and environmental sustainability available at our website.  For further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or call us at +607-570 4842.

This article is published on July 14, 2023 by Optimal System Engineering

Net Zero by 2090?

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5th July 2023

Net Zero by 2090?

July 4th, 2023 saw another MGTC-UTM and OPTIMISE joint effort in advancing Partnership for the Net Zero Goals at the GHG Awareness Training at MGTC.

While promoting “Energy and Emission Management for All”, Prof Ir Ts Dr Zain shared an IEA scenario whereby a low international co-operation is more likely to veer the world way off its 2050 Net Zero target by at least 40 years, all the way to 2090! He went on to remind participants of the 1.5C “climate emergency” and shared a hexa-framework on how organisations can work together with their staff and communities in managing energy and emissions at work, at home and in everyone’s lives!

Ir Dr Lim Jeng Shiun came next to elaborate on our 6-step energy and emission management framework. His talk focused on the key requirements for GHG reporting; introduced the Science-Based Target Initiatives (SBTI), differentiated mitigation measures related to carbon offsetting and carbon credit; and finally explained on the use of Marginal Abatement Cost Curves (MACC) for cost-effective GHG mitigation project evaluation.

As social advocates, we are grateful to MGTC for the opportunity to share insights and experience to ESG professionals who came from across the country to be part of the effort to shape Malaysia’s pathway to Net Zero 2050.

If you are interested to learn more about GHG emissions management, please feel free to join our upcoming Energise Talk Series #7 on July 20th, 2023 organised together with MGTC. Please refer to the <link/poster> below for more information and to register for free.

Link to Energise Talk Series

OPTIMISE is pleased to invite registration for our upcoming open and in-house workshops on energy, GHG accounting and management, resource and environmental sustainability available at our website.  For further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or call us at +607-570 4842.

This article is published on July 5, 2023 by Optimal System Engineering

Energy Efficiency and Conservation for All

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22nd June 2023

Energy Efficiency and Conservation for All

June 22nd, 2023 marks the second session of the Dyson in-house energy awareness program – Now, Everyone Can Contribute to Energy Efficiency and Conservation delivered by UTM spinoff company, OPTIMISE.  Prof Ir Ts Dr Zainuddin Manan shared about managing energy and emissions and the impact on climate, livelihood and businesses. Associate Prof Dr Jasrul Jamani shared about understanding electrical energy and practical energy and cost saving tips at facilities, at the office and at home. 

The larger number of participants of this batch that even include some previous participants might have been encouraged by the previous session delivered last month by Prof Zain and Prof Jasrul. 

According to Dyson’s training specialist, Mera Jane the course provides a very good understanding on how, by selecting the right equipment, we tend to save the power consumption which eventually helps the environment and sustainability as well.

Dyson’s IT manager appreciates the delivery that caters for perspectives and interests of lay person as well as expert alike. He said “this course explains the concept of energy in an easy to understand way. It includes practical tips on energy saving which I can practice in daily life”.

Muhammad Iqbal Hassan, A Dyson senior mechanical engineer and among those who took time to attend the session for the second time appreciated the preparation and attention given by OPTIMISE speakers to the participants needs. According to him, “it is good that the presenters prepared the slides based on the audience’s job background.”

As social advocates, being able to make a difference to the lives of others inspires us to innovate and differentiate our delivery and approaches.  We hope that the small contribution will go a long way to protecting the people, preserving productivity, promoting profit and ultimately safeguarding the planet.

OPTIMISE is pleased to invite registration for our upcoming open and in-house workshops on energy, GHG accounting and management, resource and environmental sustainability available at our website.  For further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or call us at +607-570 4842.

This article is published on June 22, 2023 by Optimal System Engineering

Industrial Thermal Energy Audit (ITEA) Workshop Adds Value to Participants Experience.

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13th – 15th June 2023

Industrial Thermal Energy Audit (ITEA) Workshop “Adds Value to Our Experience” - Participants.

The recently concluded 3-Days Industrial Thermal Energy Audit (ITEA) workshop brought together professionals with years of experience in the energy industry. The workshop aimed to equip participants with knowledge and  skills to practically conduct industrial energy audit involving a manufacturing facility thermal energy system supply side (utilities) and demand side (process). Azree Hazwan, a Project Manager from Becis Malaysia said that The ITEA Training was very useful for companies aiming to enhance energy efficiency of plant operations. From theory to in-depth methodology, participants learnt many new methods from OPTIMISE experienced professors and educators. I recommend those who are going for sustainability to join this training. Well done OPTIMISE!”

Delivered by experienced energy practitioners, the ITEA workshop covered a wide range of topics including thermal energy audit, Pinch Analysis benchmarking, process design and retrofit to maximise heat recovery as well as analysis and optimisation of processes, utilities and cogeneration systems. Izza Mahmod, Improvement Executive – Petronas Chemical Ethylene Sdn.Bhd said, I enjoyed the training so much as it allowed me to refresh my engineering calculations and link them with my industrial experience. Even though I have 15 years  industrial experience in oil and gas, I learnt so much during this training.”

The workshop provided an engaging and interactive learning environment, encouraging all attendees to actively and continuously participate in problem solving work sessions. Nassya binti Mohd Said who is an experienced researcher from SIRIM Berhad appreciated the chance to instantly apply the techniques she learnt through practical exercises and case studies, and the opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow professionals. According to her, The course provides good guidance on conducting thermal energy audit which is very different (maybe more rigorous) than the electrical energy audit that I’m familiar with and have participated in.  It’s a good refresher course from what I’ve learnt during my undergrad years, and even more relatable since I got to apply it to an actual scale that matches my current responsibility. The step-wise details on the audit approach is also very helpful for me to get started.” 

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The passion, dedication and commitment to “Kai-Zen” demonstrated by the ITEA participants is a testament of their roles as advocates of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

OPTMISE is pleased to invite registration for our upcoming open and in-house workshops on energy, GHG accounting and management, resource and environmental sustainability available at our website.  For further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or call us at +607-570 4842.

This article is published on June 16, 2023 by Optimal System Engineering

GHG Emissions Accounting & Management Workshop – Highlights, Testimonies and Next Workshop 

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GHG Emissions Accounting & Management Workshop – Highlights, Testimonies and Next Workshop

11th – 12th May 2023 @MST Golf Arena, Petaling Jaya.

GHG Emissions Accounting & Management Workshop – Highlights, Testimonies and Next Workshop

The 2-Days Workshop on GHG Emissions Accounting and Management that was organised in hybrid mode by OPTIMISE in collaboration with Anacle Data, MGTC and Belimo, facilitated valuable knowledge sharing and promoted partnership for the Net Zero goals among sustainability advocates. 

The workshop which aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge and tools to effectively account for, report and manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resonated well with the experiences of participants. Tan Ying Yi, an engineer from CSC Steel Sdn Bhd said that “the skills learned in this workshop will greatly help in GHG emissions accounting and reporting”.

Participants were provided in-depth understanding on application of the ISO 14064-1:2018 international standards on GHG emissions accounting, reporting and management through close guidance by experts in the field.  Ashraf Tariq Anwar, the Head of Technical – Lhoist Malaysia Sdn Bhd hailed the workshop as a “Comprehensive training which achieved its main objective in equipping trainees with the fundamentals to start GHG Accounting in respective organisations.”   

The workshop established an engaging and interactive learning environment, encouraging all attendees to participate actively.  Lau Zheng Zhou, Manager (ESG & Sustainability) – Hong Leong Bank appreciated the chance to instantly apply the acquired knowledge through practical exercises and case studies and the opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow professionals. According to him, “This course has practical work sessions which allow participants to apply what they learn, and by doing so, reinforces their understanding and helps to retain knowledge.” 

The industry-driven approach ensured that real-world scenarios and experiences were incorporated, making the workshop highly relevant and impactful as remarked by Alam Flora Environmental Solutions executive, Wan Nurul Atiqah Wan Mohamed who “loved the workshops as it is directly applicable to the actual GHG accounting work that has to be done in organisations.” 

Tribute to the Partnership for Net Zero Goal

On behalf of the organiser and collaborators, OPTIMISE warmly congratulate all attendees for their active engagement and commitment to adopt sustainable practices. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to MGTC, Anacle Data, and Belimo for their invaluable support and partnership in making the workshop a resounding success. Their expertises and commitments to sustainability were instrumental in delivering an impactful learning experience. We look forward to continued collaboration with the esteemed organisations in Advancing Partnership for the Net Zero Goal. 

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Register Now to Participate in our Next GHG Workshops (HRDC Claimable, ST Approved CDP)

Are you ready to embark on the journey towards accountable and managed emissions? If your organisation is looking to conduct GHG emissions accounting, reporting and management, we invite you to consider registering for the upcoming 2-Days Workshop on GHG Emissions Accounting and Management.

To register, please visit our website at 2-Days Workshop on GHG Emissions Accounting and Management – COPE-BEST (optimalsystems.my) or click here to Register.  Places are limited. So, secure your seat today and take your organisation’s sustainability initiative to the next level.

Explore and register for our diverse selection of open and in-house workshops available on our website. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or call us at +607-570 4842. We eagerly await your valuable inquiries and the chance to embark on this transformative journey together!

This article is published on May 19, 2023 by Optimal System Engineering

Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr Zainuddin Abdul Manan, featured in the April edition of CEO Insights Asia.

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Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr Zainuddin Abdul Manan, featured in the April edition of CEO Insights Asia. 66

April 11, 2023

Optimal Systems Engineering – Leaders in Professional Training and Coaching Malaysia 03 23 - CEO Insights ASIA

OPTIMISE CEO, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr Zainuddin Abdul Manan has been featured in the April edition of CEO Insights Asia. He was recognized as one of the Top 10 Leaders in Professional Training & Coaching in Malaysia – 2023. The award is given to top-tier professional leaders in South Asia.  

Full story here: Zainuddin Manan: Working With A Vision To Contribute Towards The Betterment Of The Society | CEOInsightsAsia Vendor 

This article is published on April 11, 2023 by Optimal System Engineering

OPTIMISE’s 2023 Thermal Energy Recovery Technologist (TERT) Workshop

OPTIMISE's 2023 Thermal Energy Recovery Technologist (TERT) Workshop
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February 20, 2023

OPTIMISE's 2023 Thermal Energy Recovery Technologist (TERT) Workshop

The OPTIMISE Thermal Energy Recovery Technologist (TERT) workshop series for 2023 kicked off this week from 14 to 16 February 2023. The TERT trainees were from among future and experienced energy auditors, energy managers, consultants, industrial practitioners, technologists and researchers. 

There are four levels of the Thermal Energy Recovery Technologist (TERT) Certification program. TERT Level 1 is a three-day workshop session aimed at providing participants with the ‘Thermal Energy Recovery Technologist “User Level” competency upon successful completion of the module.  TERT Level 1 began on 14th February and ended on 16th February 2023. 

OPTIMISE's 2023 Thermal Energy Recovery Technologist (TERT) Workshop

Next, TERT Level 2 is aimed at upskilling participants on the advanced Process Integration based on Pinch Analysis techniques to maximize energy savings. Level 2 modules include integration of combined heat and power systems, implementing process changes, manufacturing site-wide analysis and retrofit of existing heat exchanger networks. Passing this module will qualify participants for the ‘Thermal Energy Recovery Technologist – Level 2: Advanced’ expertise. 

Participants who successfully complete the Advanced TERT module will have the chance to be a Certified TERT Expert by completing TERT Level 3.  Participants are required to complete a set of assignments and pass a qualifying exam in order to secure the ‘Thermal Energy Recovery Technologist – Level 3: Expert’ certification. 

Finally, participants will have the chance to promote themselves to the level of an industrial practitioner by completing a real-life industrial process integration project.  Upon successful completion of the project, participants are required to submit the project report to be verified by the company manager. Participants will finally undergo a competency-based interview to communicate their experiences as a proof the acquired competency.  Successful completion of this level will earn them ‘Thermal Energy Recovery Technologist – TERT Level 4: Industrial Practitioner’ Certification. 

This article is published on February 20, 2023 by Optimal System Engineering