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

OPTIMISE's 2023 Thermal Energy Recovery Technologist (TERT) Workshop
OPTIMISE's 2023 Thermal Energy Recovery Technologist (TERT) Workshop 1

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

5 Major Pitfalls of Piecemeal Energy Management Initiative

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5 Major Pitfalls of Piecemeal Energy Management Initiative 8

January 12, 2021

5 Major Pitfalls of Piecemeal Energy Management Initiative

For over three decades, we have advanced the mission to create sustainable societies through UTM-PROSPECT and OPTIMISE in our roles as developer of innovative solutions, products and programs; professional practitioners and coaches, champions of education and social activists spreading public awareness on energy and resource conservation. Our lifelong and life-wide pursuit of sustainable development enabled us to engage world leading organisations, scientists, scholars, professionals and distinguished experts from across disciplines and nationalities worldwide.

We have been particularly committed in advocating a Holistic Approach for Energy Management and have always encouraged organisations to look at the Big Picture of Energy Audit (See Article: Consider the Big Picture).  

In this space, we feel compelled to share our practical implementation experiences that are backed by our rigorous, internationally validated  and referenced research on key elements that constitute a comprehensive and holistic approach toward achieving impactful outcomes of energy management initiatives.  

We begin by highlighting 5 Major Pitfalls of a Piecemeal Energy Management Initiative. Please click the links provided to find out more on how each pitfall could be addressed.

The 5 major pitfalls of a piecemeal energy management initiative:

    1. Energy audit and energy managers covering only electrical energy may miss thermal energy conservation measures as the number one industrial energy saving opportunity.  
    2. Industrial energy audits that are confined to only a facility supply side, i.e. boilers and steam systems may only address symptoms of energy loss and have limited impact. Pinch Analysis would be a critical enabler for auditors to address both the energy supply and demand sides and to maximise energy savings.
    3. Energy feasibility studies are merely useful for estimating the amount and value of energy savings.  The effectiveness of implemented schemes should be verified by employing a rigorous Measurement & Verification procedure.
    4. Energy conservation initiative cannot be sustained without implementing a comprehensive Energy Management System (EMS). A resilient and future-ready EMS must include innovative, smart and tech-driven elements.
    5. Organisations exceeding a threshold energy usage shall need to manage not only electrical, but also thermal energy consumption.  Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia are among ASEAN countries that have long joined developed countries in regulating both thermal and electrical energy. In line with Malaysia’s anticipated enactment of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) by this year (2021), the Registered Electrical Energy Manager (REEM) is expected to assume the role of Registered Energy Manager (REM).

This article is published on January 12, 2021 by Optimal Systems Engineering

Prepare Your Company’s Registered Energy Manager for EECA 2024

Prepare Your Company's Registered Energy Manager for EECA 2024 14

June 22, 2025

Prepare Your Company’s Registered Energy Manager for EECA 2024

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Prepare Your Company's Registered Energy Manager for EECA 2024 15

Mandatory Appointment of a Registered Energy Manager (REM) under EECA 2024

According to the newly enforced Energy Efficiency Conservation Act 2024 (EECA) in Malaysia, industries or commercial buildings consuming equal or more than 21,600 GJ/y of energy within one year are known as the Energy Consumer’. Under the Act, it is compulsory for Energy Consumers to appoint a Registered Energy Manager (REM) within 3 months after they receive the written notice from the Energy Commission (EC). 

Types of Registered Energy Manager (REM)

There are two types of Registered Energy Manager (REM). The Energy Consumer is required to appoint REM Type 1 if the facility consumes between 21,600 GJ/yr and 50,000 GJ/yr. If the facility consumes equal or more than 50,000 GJ/yr, they are required to appoint REM Type 2. REM Type 1 are energy managers which have knowledge in energy management systems, and electrical energy systems audit and energy saving measures.  REM Type 2 are energy managers which have additional knowledge on thermal  energy systems audit and energy saving measures.

Who can be appointed as REM?

REM can be among company employees or outsourced from outside or within a related corporation. An appointed internal REM can only serve a maximum of eight energy consumers related to the corporation. 

If outsourced, this is only allowed for a period not exceeding three years from the date of the written notice from EC.  An appointed external REM can only serve a maximum of eight different energy consumers.

What are the functions and duties of REM in the company?

The function and duties of REM are:

  • To gather and analyse the energy consumption data of an energy consumer. 

  • To ensure that the energy consumer implements Energy Management Systems (EnMS).

  • To monitor the EnMS implementation by the energy consumer.  

  • To prepare the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) report for the energy consumer.

  • To ensure the accuracy of information provided in the EE&C report. 

  • To advise the energy consumer on any other energy saving measures which may be implemented by the energy consumer, and to monitor the implementation of such measures.

  • To perform related duties as may be determined by the Commission 

How to become REM?

Existing Registered Electrical Energy Manager (REEM) can apply to transition to REM Type 1 by filling in the REEM to REM transition application form. They can also apply to become REM Type 2 by taking and passing the exam conducted by EC.

For a new REM application, the person will need to attend and pass the  REM Type 1 and REM Type 2 training (5 days each training with examination) offered by Registered Training Institutions (RTI).  The RTI must be registered under the Energy Commission.  There are two types of RTI, RTI that can offer REM training and RTI that only offers continuous development programme (CDP) courses for REM renewal.  

Applicants need to complete and pass the REM Type 1 training before taking the REM Type 2 training.  After completing the training, participants must apply to the Energy Commission (EC) to become certified as REM Type 1 or REM Type 2.  An individual can only apply to become REM Type 2 at least one year after obtaining REM Type 1 certification.  However, the training certificates for both REM Type 1 and REM Type 2 are valid for five years from the date of completion. Therefore, participants may choose to complete both training sessions earlier and apply when eligible.

5 Key Reasons to Choose OPTIMISE as Your REM Training Provider

1. Certified Practitioners & HRD Accredited Trainers

Learn from trainers who are Certified Energy Auditors (CEA), REM Type 2, ISO50001 Lead Auditor, AEMAS EMGS Certified Energy Manager, Accredited Energy Measurement & Verification Professional (AEMVP) and HRD Corp Certified Trainers. They bring with them extensive hands-on experience across various sectors, ensuring the training is enriched with real-world expertise, not just theoretical knowledge.

2. Practical, Industry-Based Learning

OPTIMISE trainers have led actual projects in:

      • Energy Management Systems (EnMS)
      • Registered Energy Manager (REM) implementation strategies
      • Thermal and Electrical Energy Audits

OPTIMISE has led UTM Sustainable Energy Management Initiative that became the first ASEAN-certified EMGS 3-Star project which also won the ASEAN Energy Award 2012, National Energy Award 2022 and was ranked first globally in SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). The achievements are testimonies of our leadership and practical experience in delivering high-performance, sustainable energy solutions.

Through the experiences of our trainers, participants are expected to gain practical insights, real case studies, and lessons learned—making the training relevant, applied, and impactful.

3. Developer of National Energy Standards

OPTIMISE has contributed to the development of key national energy frameworks, including:

    • Building Energy Intensity (BEI) labelling for energy performance benchmarking
    • AEMAS Energy Management Gold Standard (EMGS) for structured EnMS implementation

This involvement ensures our training is aligned with current standards and national goals in energy efficiency.

4. Certified and Recognised Training Provider

    • Recognised Registered Training Institution by the Energy Commission, approved to offer:
      • Registered Energy Manager (REM) Training (Registration No.: IL1-2025-0002)
      • Continuing Development Programme (CDP) courses for REM renewal (Registration No.: IL2-2025-0007)
    • HRD Corp Registered Training Provider – Our programmes are SBL/SLB claimable, making them accessible and cost-effective for eligible organisations.
    • MyHIJAU Certified Company – Recognised for commitment to green technology and sustainable practices in Malaysia.

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  1. Real-World Application and Evaluation Skills

Beyond theory, participants will gain the ability to apply energy management principles in actual settings and even evaluate the work of other energy auditors, developing strong analytical and audit-review skills essential for REM professionals.

For more information on REM, CDP, and other training programmes, please visit:https://optimalsystems.my/upcoming-trainings-list/

Where can my company get the service of a Registered Energy Manager (REM)?

Good news! OPTIMISE provides a range of REM service packages from the most essential, to premium services at very affordable prices! Optimal Systems Engineering has a team of experienced REMs (Type 1 and Type 2) certified under the Energy Commission with extensive experience and expertise in developing and implementing Energy Management Systems (EnMS) under AEMAS (EMGS) and ISO50001.

Our team has assisted Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to win the ASEAN Energy Award and become the first EMGS 3 Star-certified organisation in ASEAN.  As a result of the AEMAS EMGS implementation, UTM has achieved energy savings of more than USD7 Million in less than a decade of Sustainable Energy Management (SEM) implementation.  We are also the certified Energy Managers Training Centre for the Southern Region of Malaysia.  We regularly conduct the EnMS training courses under ISO50001 and the Energy Manager Training Course (EMTC) as part of the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification requirement in collaboration with Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC).  We are also available to conduct an in-house EMTC and help your company develop and implement an EnMS under AEMAS or ISO50001. OPTIMISE also offers ISO50001 and ESG Lead Auditor Training that are certified under Exemplar Global, in collaboration with KIWA International Certifications.

If you need further info, please fill in the OPTIMISE Inquiry Form

 

 

This article is published on January 10, 2021 by Optimal Systems Engineering

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