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By Nsim Team
Energy auditors, also known as energy consultants or energy raters, are responsible for evaluating the flow of energy in residential, commercial or industrial buildings, in order to determine if it’s being used efficiently, and to determine where it’s being wasted.
Energy auditors are responsible for conducting energy audits for clients, in order to save them money and reduce their impact in the environment. They do this by first examining the client’s energy bill in order to determine their overall energy usage.
They then measure, record and evaluate the flow of energy using a systematic approach, as well as specialized equipment and software. The audits they conduct can vary in complexity, ranging from quick walkthroughs to a comprehensive analysis of the implications of alternative energy efficiency measures.
Energy auditors must then liaise with a team of engineers and other professionals in order to analyze the results and prepare a technical report for the client. They must then present their findings to their clients, and advise them as to where the shortfalls and inefficiencies are, and how to reduce the amount of energy being wasted.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
There is no standard educational requirement for becoming an energy auditor; the educational requirements are usually set by the employer. Generally, formal education is not needed to become an energy auditor. Some employers however, may require energy auditors to have a bachelor’s degree, and others may require applicants to have a graduate degree, as well as appropriate work experience.
It is common for energy auditors to begin their careers by working for two to three years under the supervision of an experiences energy auditor. The amount of supervised hours that are required of the trainee may decrease for those with more educational credentials.
Coursework in the following degree programs can help develop knowledge and skills that are applicable to this career:
•Environmental Engineering
•Environmental Science
•Industrial Engineering
•Mathematics
•Mechanical Engineering
•Physics
Some schools may offer specialized energy auditing programs, which include classroom and practical work that teaches students many skills for an energy auditor career; skills such as how to perform the blower-door test and thermographic inspections, and other building inspection techniques.
Students in these programs might practice these skills during mock inspections, as well as receive instruction in energy management principles, and learn basic construction and insulation techniques.
SKILL REQUIREMENTS
In order to become effective in a career as an energy auditor, you need to posses a certain set of skills and traits. These skills and traits will not only allow you to perform your job duties with competence; they will allow you to overcome the challenges of this career and maintain a positive attitude towards your work.
•An interest in the environment and conservation
•Enjoy working with hands and on feet
•Excellent communication and inter-personal skills
•Enjoy working directly with clients and team members
•Enjoy sharing money-saving tips with people
•Not be bothered by having to work in tight spaces
•Knowledgeable in various energy inspection techniques, such as the blower-door test
•Able to use specialized equipment and software
•Good problem solving and deducting reasoning skills
•Persistent and patient with regards to work activities
ARE YOU FIT FOR THE JOB?
If you want to become an energy auditor, you first need to determine if this career path is a good fit for you. If the following description sounds like you, then you’re probably well suited for a career as an energy auditor:
Those who become energy auditors tend to have an interest in environmental and conservation issues. They are also skillful interpersonal communicators; a skill that comes in handy as much of their time is spent working directly with clients and other professionals in the field of energy auditing.
Those who become energy auditors must be physically fit, as they may spend much of the day on their feet, or their hands and knees, and their inspections may require them to fit in small and uncomfortable spaces.
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