Business View Magazine l January 2023

30 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 12 industrial space, including buildings and industrial manufacturing plants. Its more than 18,000 individual members come from engineering firms, architectural firms, major Fortune 500 companies, as well as federal, state, and local government agencies. “It’s really a mix,” Kent explains. “Anyone who uses a lot of energy or manages it within their federal agency, manufacturing plant, or consultants. Those are our members.” AEE helps to execute its mission through a multifaceted approach. The association offers technical journals and publications with case studies, best practices, training, and certification programs. They also offer webinars and conferences where they bring stakeholders together to discuss the latest trends in the industry, best practices, and more. “We hold both US and international events,” Kent says. “This year, we had events in Cincinnati, Seattle, Atlanta, and Dublin, Ireland. Next year we will be in Boston, Long Beach, and Orlando.” Their most well-known certification is the Certified Energy Manager (CEM®). The CEM® program is one of the most globally respected certifications in the field of energy efficiency. It certifies individuals to help optimize the energy performance of a facility, building, or industrial plant. There are more than 17,000 active Certified Energy Managers around the world, with two- thirds located in the United States. Training and certification are available in 10 languages. “Our CEM and our other credentials are recognized and required by companies, municipalities, states, federal agencies, and countries around the world, whether it be Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco, Greece, South Africa, Hong Kong,” Kent says. “Our credentials are recognized and required globally.” The association and its members face a wide variety of challenges, but they are focused on conserving energy. But Kent says they see every challenge as an opportunity. Their biggest one is climate change.