The TESSA Project has embarked on a transformative journey to foster sustainability and green business practices through its ESCO Capacity Building program. In collaboration with the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), TESSA empowers engineers with certifications crucial for driving energy efficiency and sustainability in Lebanon’s industries. In Partnership with Fondation Diane and Berytech, TESSA also engages SMEs in tailored training programs and sector-specific initiatives, aiming to cultivate a sustainable mindset and promote innovative green business practices.

 

ESCO Capacity Building Program Overview:

The ESCO Capacity Building program equips engineers from 41 ESCOs with crucial certifications:

– Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

– Certified Energy Auditor (CEA)

– Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP)

– Performance and Contracting and Funding Professional (PCF)

 

Training Outcomes:

100 Engineers participated, receiving a total of 125 certifications across 92 hours of intensive training. Complementing these certifications, participants also gained expertise in Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) and utilized the BLCC5 software for comprehensive LCCA calculation and simulation.

 

Activities with Fondation Diane:

  1. Phase One: Targeted up to 150 SMEs across diverse sectors in Lebanon. These SMEs underwent 12 hours of general awareness sessions on the circular economy, conducted at the Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture in Zahle and Beirut, along with 2 online sessions.

 

  1. Phase Two: ICU selected 51 SMEs based on their potential for energy savings and efficiency. These SMEs received tailored training on the Green Business Model, starting with a foundational session on the “Green Landscape” and an introduction to the “Green Business Model”. Sector-specific GBM training totaling 64 hours followed, categorized into Healthcare, Hospitality, Food Processing, Manufacturing, Education, and Media. SMEs developed their GBMs and submitted them for evaluation.
  1. Phase Three: This phase commenced with a workshop concluding Phase Two and launching Phase Three activities with Fondation Diane and Berytech. Following the workshop, ICU selected 20 SMEs based on stringent criteria to advance with Berytech. The remaining 31 SMEs benefited from further training with Fondation Diane to enhance their GBPs. Five sector-specific trainings, totaling 10 hours, refined strategies, culminating in the presentation of 5 notable GBPs to potential investors.

 

  1. Exhibition Participation:

In parallel to these activities, Fondation Diane participated in 4 key exhibitions to enhance the visibility of the TESSA initiative:

  • Middle East Clean Energy Exhibition
  • AUB-NGOi Exhibition
  • Ecoswitch Exhibition
  • Recycling and Waste Management Exhibition and Conference (RAWMEC)

These exhibitions provided platforms for showcasing TESSA’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices and fostering green business transformation across Lebanon’s industries.

 

Berytech‘s Green Business Academy for Selected SMEs:

For the 20 SMEs selected to continue with Berytech, a tailored approach was adopted to meet sector-specific needs:

  • Focus Group Sessions: Berytech organized 4 sessions totaling 8 hours to customize the Green Business Academy curriculum based on sector requirements.
  • Online Session on Sustainable Business: An additional 4-hour online session focused on sustainable business practices within the circular economy framework.
  • Embrace Toolkit and Problem Discovery Sessions: The Green Business Academy commenced with 4 sessions totaling 32 hours, featuring the Embrace Toolkit and Problem Discovery sessions. These sessions provided in-depth training on PESTEL analysis, Lifecycle assessment, resource flows, and identification of wasted opportunities.

 

THE LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST:

TESSA’s ESCO Capacity Building program represents a significant advancement in enhancing technical skills among Lebanon’s ESCO engineers. By providing certifications such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Energy Auditor (CEA), Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP), and Performance and Contracting and Funding Professional (PCF), TESSA ensures these professionals are well-equipped to drive energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives.

Moreover, in partnership with Fondation Diane and Berytech, TESSA supports SMEs through tailored training on the Green Business Model and sector-specific sessions. This approach not only fosters a sustainable business mindset but also promotes innovation in green technologies and practices across Lebanon’s industries.

As TESSA continues to expand its impact, it reinforces its role in shaping a sustainable future for Lebanon. The program’s dedication to enhancing both environmental stewardship and economic growth underscores its significance in driving positive change within the region and becoming a pilot project demonstrating effective strategies for integrating sustainability into the private sector where its stakeholders are driven by a strong commitment to improving their businesses and transitioning to a greener future.

 

TESSA the journey continues…