7.1 Summary of findings The findings below contribute directly to the research roadmap outlined in Appendix 7.
7.1.1 Work Package 1 findings
FINDING 1.1 There is a preferred methodology for collection of the baseline energy sector information The recommended options for collecting the baseline information are set out in order of preference, noting that these are alternative approaches. Option 1: Undertake an energy sector survey modelled on the U.S. Energy and Employment Report. The US survey has been used as the basis for estimations around the world, including in Australia OR Option 2: Task the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) with undertaking a mandatory company survey modelled on the UK clean energy survey. This has the advantage of a universal return rate but is unlikely to gain anything beyond minimum information on gross employment. Further, there is likely to be a reluctance to impose mandatory reporting requirements on industry OR Option 3: Estimate via either I/O tables or employment multipliers. These could be based on: •
Current employment indicators for the Australian renewable energy sector and data from the USEER for the energy efficiency and demand management sector; or
•
The development of indicators based on bottom-up activities, that is, identifying the labour per audit, or per retrofit.
In option 3, it is very unlikely that activities such as energy management or demand management would be included as there is a complete lack of existing data.
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E3 Opportunity Assessment: Developing the future energy workforce
FINDING 1.2 Further thinking is needed to determine the methodology for obtaining baseline information on energy efficiency and energy management There are specific challenges in measuring energy efficiency employment because of the diversity of the sector and the reality that many professionals that undertake energy efficiency work do not self-identify as doing so. For example, companies installing insulation as part of delivering minimum energy efficiency requirements may well answer “no” if asked whether they are engaged in energy efficiency activities. To ensure that the general survey accurately captures the energy efficiency workforce, consultation followed by testing is required to design language and processes to ensure this workforce is not missed by the survey. Capturing energy management is similarly challenging, with energy managers of some sort dispersed through every industry that has premises. Design for inclusion is needed to ensure that appropriate training and development is available, and to track the growth of this important workforce.
