Schneider Electric adds Data Centre curriculum to Energy University program

Schneider Electric, a specialist in energy management, today announced it is integrating Data Centre University, the globally recognised online resource of data centre courses, with its online, free, vendor-neutral, energy-efficiency learning program, Energy University. The move brings Schneider Electric one step closer to its stated goal of supplying comprehensive energy-efficiency learning for all segments and industries within the next three years.

“The addition of Data Centre University is another step in our commitment to help fill the gap in available educational resources for energy efficiency and sustainable operations,” said Paul Tyrer, Vice President, Pacific, Schneider Electric IT. “Business leaders have a tremendous opportunity today to reduce energy consumption and costs, and the inclusion of the data centre content allows for individuals in the IT space to have access to all aspects of efficiency learning.”

The integration has come at a vital time, with the past week having seen the data centre and broader IT industry come under scrutiny for its energy-management and energy-efficient practices. The recent news from the Department of Climate Change and Energy, which approved the inclusion of data centres among buildings subject to the National Australian Built Environment Rating System, means there is increased pressure on Australian data centre operators to ensure their green credentials are up to scratch.

Data Centre University has existed as a highly successful e-learning program from Schneider Electric’s IT business unit for the past seven years, with more than 360,000 courses taken within the resource. The 90,000 registered users of Data Centre University will be migrated into Energy University, making it the second college of learning within that resource. The Data Centre University name and identification will be retained.

Since its launch in 2009, Energy University’s 120,000+ users have taken more than 115,000 courses in 165 countries and 12 languages. The program is endorsed by 17 global professional organisations, 13 of which offer continuing education credits for members who participate in the program. The courses are designed to support anyone involved in the decision-making, management, planning, design or construction of a space impacted by energy.

Energy University courses are delivered entirely online, enabling those seeking to continue their education and expertise in energy management with access to content without time, travel or budget restrictions. The courses provide awareness of energy opportunities and the knowledge needed to prioritise projects, win approval, successfully acquire safe, reliable and cost-effective solutions, and monitor performance to sustain significant energy savings over time.

“Only through education and awareness can companies take advantage of the significant energy savings available to them today,” said Andy Chatha, President and CEO of ARC Advisory Group. “By providing users with commercial-free knowledge and expertise of various topics, they will be able to implement sustainable energy-efficient solutions that are good for the environment and good for their bottom line.”

Energy University is available on-demand anytime at www.MyEnergyUniversity.com.