Training and Professional Development

MEFL is a leading training organisation in energy efficiency, offering specialist courses to business operators, local government and community stakeholders. MEFL's training programs are dynamic, practical and professional. Our expert trainers draw on our extensive experience in delivering residential, industry and business projects.
Upcoming workshops and professional development opportunities in 2010 include:
Further information:
Introduction to Energy Management (1 day)
A popular one day course offered by MEFL to equip participants with a broad understanding of energy use, assessment and auditing techniques. The course covers key fundamental issues, energy use patterns, equipment types and retrofit technologies. Conducted by experts in the area, it makes reference to Australian Standards, emerging policy, regulations and programs which frame energy management. Depending on numbers and interest, there is the potential to tailor regular or additional sessions according to specific interests.
*Wednesday 13 October
*Thursday 25 November
STEPS and SDS Assessment Tools for Building Environmental Performance for Industry (4 hours)
This 4 hour training covers how to use the STEPS and SDS tools to assess the environmental performance of residential and non-residential buildings. A growing number of councils across Victoria are choosing to use the STEPS and SDS tools as a means for achieving sustainability objectives for the built form. This hands-on training session aims to build competence in using the tools among the building design and development industry.
Introduction to STEPS and SDS Assessment Tools for Building Environmental Performance for Local Government (3-4 hours)
This 3-4 hour session provides an overview of the STEPS and SDS tools for building environmental assessment, the sustainability and regulatory context for their use, and explains how to incorporate the use of the tools into council planning processes (including referrals, triggers, conditions and standard permits). There is also an option to run a concurrent session for facilities management staff on how to apply the tools to your council's own buildings and facilities.
Energy Retrofit Workshops (1 day)
A one-day course for service providers focusing on measures to improve household energy and water efficiency. The first half of the day is theory-based and covers the sustainability context and principles for reducing energy and water use in a typical home. The second half is hands-on and gives participants the opportunity to conduct a basic home energy and water efficiency residential assessment and to install selected energy efficiency items.
Introduction to Principles of Passive Design (2-3 hours)
These 2-3 hour introductory sessions provide an overview of the environmental impact of buildings and cover the practical application of passive solar design in residential buildings, including orientation, insulation, glazing, shading, thermal mass, natural ventilation and landscaping. Relevant tools and resources are also provided for participants.
Tailored workshops
MEFL can tailor training to the needs of your organisation, be it business, industry or council. Examples of previous sessions include 2 to 4 hour Home Energy Action staff training; modified Introduction to Energy Management sessions with a particular focus on the residential, industry, or local government sectors; and selected modules from our other standard training sessions.
What course suits my needs?
For community groups:
For councils:
For business and industry:
If you are a resident or community organisation in Moreland, you might be interested in attending one of MEFL's community workshops as part of it's Zero Carbon Moreland program. For more information see www.morelandsolarcity.org.au/our-programs/zero-carbon-moreland
Note members of the Moreland Energy Foundation receive a 10% discount for any of our training sessions. Find out more about how to Join the MEFL Community.
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Courses by others
The EcoSmart Electricians course is a program to train licensed electricians nationally in energy efficient and environmentally friendly electrical products, technology and installations. For more information see www.ecosmartelectricians.com.au/
Section J: Energy Efficiency for Class 5-9 Buildings
The Building Commission Victoria has previously run workshops on the design, approval and construction of buildings to ensure compliance with the energy provisions of the BCA under Section J. The BCV has offered to run these workshops again for groups of 20 or more people; MEFL will collect names and seek to arrange a session, to register your interest please contact Khadiga on 9385 8585.
The Home Sustainability Assessment Course - offered by Holmesglen Training and Development and developed in consultation with Sustainability Victoria - is an accredited course designed to provide students with the ability to undertake assessments of residential properties and make recommendations to improve domestic sustainability. The main areas addressed include energy consumption, water usage, the garden and environs, waste and recycling, customer service and workplace safety. For more information, visit www.holmesglen.edu.au/programs/short_courses/lifestyle_and_environment/course_in_home_sustainability_assessment
The Carbon Accounting Course is an accredited course in greenhouse inventories and energy accounting and reporting, offered by the National Centre for Sustainability at Swinbourne University. For more information and upcoming dates for 2010 see www.swinburne.edu.au/ncs/educationtraining/ShortCourses/CarbonAcc.html
Clearwater Training run a number of training sessions related to water sensitive urban design, such as selecting and sizing raingardens and stormwater systems. These sessions are useful for people to undertake in conjunction with STEPS & SDS training to build their skills in stormwater management, which is a component of the tools. For course details see www.clearwater.asn.au/events.cfm
The Short course in thermal performance assessment qualification is required to practice as an ABSA Accredited Assessor, use new 2nd generation assessment software, and meet the requirements of the NatHERS National Register of Accredited Assessors. The three modules are: Design and Construction Theory, 2nd Generation Software Operation, and Professional Practice. For details go to www.absa.net.au/training/training.aspx FirstRate 5 training is run as part of the second module; for a list of training providers go to www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/www/html/1794-firstrate-training-providers.asp?intSiteID=4
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Subscribe to training updates
To be updated about upcoming training courses by MEFL please email Khadiga with "Subscribe training updates" in the subject line.
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