Mga spotlight
Energy Auditor, Energy Consultant, Sustainability Analyst, Green Building Consultant, Energy Efficiency Engineer, Energy Manager, Renewable Energy Analyst, Sustainable Development Specialist, Climate Change Specialist, Environmental Consultant
America is the 3rd most populous country on Earth with ~335 million people! That’s roughly 4% of the global population—yet we consume ~16% of all the energy used around the world.
To help make our energy usage more efficient and sustainable, we rely on experts such as Energy Efficiency Specialists. They evaluate the efficiency of buildings, industrial processes, transportation networks, and other systems, looking for ways to reduce energy use and optimize renewable practices.
Their duties include conducting audits, analyzing data, designing energy-saving solutions, looking for ways to incorporate renewable energy sources, and ensuring regulatory compliance. They play a crucial role in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, leading to numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits!
- Leading efforts in energy conservation and efficiency improvements
- Contributing to environmental protection
- Innovating sustainable energy solutions
Oras ng trabaho
Energy Efficiency Specialists work full-time, occasionally requiring overtime during project deadlines. Travel in the local area may be necessary for site evaluations and consultations.
Mga Karaniwang Tungkulin
- Suriin at i-optimize ang paggamit ng enerhiya sa iba't ibang kundisyon at setting
- Perform energy audits. Use findings to suggest upgrades and retrofits
- Calculate estimated energy savings if upgrading equipment and systems
- Suriin ang mga emisyon at pagganap ng mga hurno at boiler na pinapagana ng gas
- Magsagawa ng pagsubok sa temperatura at pagsunod sa regulasyon
- Used software to create detailed construction drawing sets
- Work with peers and modeling/simulation programs to design solutions
- Bumuo ng mga modelo ng pagganap para sa pagsunod sa mga nauugnay na pamantayan
- Pangasiwaan ang mga pagsusumite at eksperimento ng prototype ng system
- Ensure designs and product installations comply with efficiency
standards - Conduct safety evaluations of systems integrated with existing infrastructure
- Tumulong sa panahon ng mga aktibidad sa pagpapaunlad upang matiyak na ang mga aksyon ay nakumpleto sa iskedyul
- Makipagtulungan sa mga inhinyero, arkitekto, at iba pang propesyonal para sa pagpapatupad ng proyekto
- Automate equipment fault detection and energy analysis, when feasible
- Write energy savings reports. Compare projected savings against actuals
Karagdagang Pananagutan
- Research best practices and technological advancements
- Benchmark cost and consumption for organizations
- Review subcontracted assessments and retro-commissioning projects to ensure quality
- Keep up on energy regulation changes
- Participate in local sustainability initiatives and seek partnerships
- Promote interest and investment in sustainable technologies
Soft Skills
- Analitikal
- Pansin sa detalye
- Katalinuhan sa negosyo
- Pakikipagtulungan
- Kritikal na pag-iisip
- Deduktibo at pasaklaw na pangangatwiran
- Mabusisi pagdating sa detalye
- Independent
- Pagsubaybay
- Motivated
- Layunin
- Organisado
- pasyente
- Perceptive
- Pagtugon sa suliranin
- Pag-unawa sa pagbasa
- Nakatuon sa kaligtasan
- Malakas na kasanayan sa komunikasyon
Teknikal na kasanayan
- Proficiency in energy modeling and analysis tools such as EnergyPlus, RETScreen, or HOMER
- Knowledge of energy systems, efficiency techniques, and renewable technologies
- Experience with CAD and Building Information Modeling tools like Autodesk AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Revit
- Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems
- Skills in data analysis, statistical tools, and programming languages such as C++, Python
- Proficiency in simulation and modeling software like ANSYS, MATLAB, or Simulink
- Understanding of energy policy, environmental regulations, and operations analysis
- Knowledge of fabrication and manufacturing processes
- Experience with project management software like Microsoft Project or Primavera
- Familiarity with development environment tools like LabVIEW and Verilog, and scientific software such as Powersim and MathWorks
- Strong foundation in STEM disciplines and mechanical aptitude
- Proficiency in operating system software, including Linux, Windows, and UNIX
- Mga serbisyo sa konstruksyon at gusali
- Mga consultant sa engineering
- Environmental agencies and consulting firms
- Mga ahensya ng gobyerno
- Mga kumpanya sa paggawa at pang-industriya
- Public utilities companies
- Mga kumpanya ng nababagong enerhiya
- Mga institusyong pananaliksik, kabilang ang mga kolehiyo
Energy Efficiency Specialists must constantly update their skills to keep pace with evolving technology and regulations, often working under tight deadlines. This commitment to lifelong learning is crucial but can mean extended work hours, especially when working on large-scale projects or urgent energy crises.
Work might take them to remote locations for extended periods, impacting their personal lives. They can sometimes encounter industry resistance or public skepticism, requiring them to be effective communicators. Energy Efficiency Specialists, after all, must be strong advocates for sustainable energy practices and policies!
The energy sector is evolving thanks to smart technology such as smart grids. Enhanced by the Internet of Things, smart grids are revolutionizing electricity distribution by adjusting to changing energy demands and supplies. Artificial intelligence is helping manage energy use by predicting future usage and optimizing the use of renewable energy.
This is crucial as renewable sources like solar and wind come into play more. Renewable energy offers environmental benefits and is helping communities meet energy needs while reducing dependency on traditional sources. Meanwhile, improvements in energy storage are making renewable energy sources more reliable, even during weather variations.
Energy Efficiency Specialists were probably intrigued by STEM subjects in their younger years. They may have been drawn to mechanical or electrical projects. At the same time they were learning how things worked, they could have become more aware of environmental issues and the need to develop our sustainable energy resources!
- Energy Efficiency Specialists often hold a bachelor’s degree in renewable energy, energy systems engineering, environmental studies, sustainability, mechanical engineering, chemistry, or a related field
- Maraming mga mag-aaral ang nagpasyang magtapos ng dalawahang bachelor's/master's na makakatipid ng oras at pera
- Note, some jobs may require relevant work experience instead of a degree. Internships and cooperative educational experiences can help with that
- Per NC State University, a review of Energy Efficiency Specialist job postings reveals the following level of educational requirements to apply:
- Associate - 8.73%
- Bachelor’s - 72.49%
- Master’s - 24.07%
- Doctoral - 1.32%
- Other - 10.32%
- Relevant classes may include:
- Building Science and Efficiency
- Pagsusuri at Istatistika ng Datos
- Energy Auditing
- Energy Efficiency Technology
- Energy Management and Audit
- Environmental Science
- Green Building Design
- HVAC Systems and Control
- Principles of Sustainability
- Renewable Energy
- Sustainable Design
- Thermodynamics
- Degree specialization options may include Energy Management, Green Building Design, and Energy Policy
- Optional certifications include the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and LEED Accredited Professional
- Students with an engineering degree may want to pursue Professional Engineering (PE) licensure later, which includes passing the Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice of Engineering exams
- Isipin ang iyong iskedyul at flexibility kapag nagpapasya kung mag-e-enroll sa isang on-campus, online, o hybrid na programa
- Look for ABET-accredited colleges offering majors in renewable energy, energy systems engineering, environmental studies, sustainability, mechanical engineering, chemistry, or a related field
- Maghanap ng mga programa na may mga pagkakataon sa internship
- Consider the cost of tuition, discounts, and local scholarship opportunities (in addition to federal aid). Also, check out STEM pathway availability
- Consider the program’s faculty awards and accomplishments. Prestigious honors include teaching awards, IEEE and National Science Foundation awards and recognitions, Fulbright Fellowships, etc.
- Tingnan ang kanilang mga pasilidad (lalo na kung plano mong dumalo nang personal). Ang mga programang mahusay na pinondohan ay magkakaroon ng pinakamoderno, makabagong mga lugar ng pananaliksik
- Maghanap ng mga kaakibat na sentro at institusyon. Karamihan sa mga malalaking programa ay nakikipagtulungan sa mga panlabas na kasosyo na maaaring makabuluhang dagdagan ang iyong karanasan sa pag-aaral
- Suriin ang mga rate ng graduation at post-graduate na mga istatistika ng placement ng trabaho
- Get a jump start on college by taking prep classes in high school, such as math, chemistry, biology, and environmental science. Strong English and technical writing skills will also pay off later
- If offered, consider taking electives related to engineering, renewable energy, and sustainability
- Alamin ang lahat ng iyong makakaya tungkol sa larangan ng karera bago mag-sign up para sa mga klase. Alamin kung ano ang gusto mong magpakadalubhasa, at basahin ang mga paglalarawan ng trabaho na naka-post sa mga portal ng trabaho
- Kumuha ng praktikal na karanasan sa pamamagitan ng mga internship na nauugnay sa pagpapanatili, mga karanasan sa kooperatiba, part-time na trabaho, o boluntaryo
- Participate in your school’s engineering and environmental clubs, as suitable
- Ask a seasoned Energy Efficiency Specialist if they can spare some time to mentor you in exchange for helping them in some capacity
- Read online articles like the Department of Energy’s Energy Saver Blog
- Maging pamilyar sa kasalukuyang mga uso sa enerhiya sa buong mundo. Makilahok sa mga nauugnay na online na forum at mga grupo ng talakayan
- Subaybayan ang lahat ng iyong trabaho at akademikong mga nagawa para sa iyong resume at mga aplikasyon sa kolehiyo
- Sign up for notifications on job portals like Indeed, SimplyHired, Monster, USAJobs, Department of Energy Jobs, Energy Jobline, and Glassdoor
- Ayon sa PayScale , napakaraming 85% ng mga trabaho ay matatagpuan sa pamamagitan ng networking—kaya gumawa ng profile sa LinkedIn at iba pang networking platform!
- Suriin ang mga ad ng trabaho at maghanap ng mga keyword na ilista sa iyong resume, gaya ng:
- Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Engineering Software, Simulation and Modeling, Project Management, Data Analysis, Regulatory Compliance, System Optimization, Sustainable Development, Energy Auditing, Grid Management, Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Policy, Environmental Impact Assessment, Energy Storage, AutoCAD, MATLAB, ANSYS, EnergyPlus, Agile, Scrum, Lean Management, Statistical Analysis, Data Modeling
- Review Energy Efficiency Evaluation Specialist resume templates and sample interview questions
- Gawin ang iyong pananaliksik sa mga potensyal na employer. Alamin ang tungkol sa kanilang mga serbisyo, misyon, at mga lugar ng espesyalisasyon. Tingnan ang mga pahina ng karera sa kanilang mga website
- Hilingin sa iyong paaralan na ikonekta ka sa mga recruiter ng kumpanya. Samantalahin ang mga pagkakataong mag-intern sa malalaking kumpanya. Baka mag-alok sila sa iyo ng trabaho mamaya!
- Humingi ng tulong sa career center ng iyong paaralan sa mga resume, mock interview, at impormasyon sa job fair
- Magsuot ng propesyonal para sa mga panayam sa trabaho at magpakita ng matalas na kamalayan sa mga uso sa industriya
- Hilingin sa mga nakaraang propesor at superbisor na magsulat ng mga liham ng rekomendasyon o humiling ng kanilang pahintulot (in advance) na ilista ang mga ito bilang mga sanggunian
- Gawing malinaw sa iyong superbisor na interesado ka sa pagsulong
- Get advice and talk through options. There are endless possibilities within the energy efficiency field!
- Most small- to mid-sized businesses have limited opportunities for advancement, so keep this in mind when applying
- To move up any ladder, there must be empty rungs on it
- Try to gain diverse experience across different energy projects, then consider specializing in a growing niche, like solar energy or sustainable building design
- Knock out additional certs when qualified to do so, like the American Public Power Association’s Energy Efficiency Management Certificate, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional, or an Association of Energy Engineers certification
- Manatiling aktibo tungkol sa propesyonal na pag-unlad. Kumuha ng mga kurso sa patuloy na edukasyon o kumpletuhin ang isang mas mataas na antas ng degree
- Maging aktibo sa mga propesyonal na organisasyon (tingnan ang aming listahan ng Mga Inirerekomendang Mapagkukunan para sa higit pang impormasyon)
- Manatiling napapanahon sa mga pagbabago sa regulasyon upang matiyak na palaging sumusunod ang iyong organisasyon
Mga website
- Accreditation Board para sa Engineering at Teknolohiya
- Alliance to Save Energy
- American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
- American Council on Renewable Energy
- American National Standards Institute
- American Public Power Association
- Association of Energy Engineers
- Konseho ng Biomass Thermal Energy
- Sentro para sa Sustainable Energy
- Koalisyon para sa Pagtitipid sa Enerhiya
- Konseho ng Industrial Engineering
- ENERGY STAR
- ENERGYWERX
- Institution of Engineering and Technology
- International Renewable Energy Agency
- International Society for Sustainability Professionals
- International Society of Automation
- Pamumuno sa Enerhiya at Disenyong Pangkapaligiran (LEED)
- National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- Mundo ng Renewable Energy
- RMI
- Proyekto sa Kahusayan ng Enerhiya sa Timog-kanluran
- US Energy Information Administration
- US Green Building Council
Mga libro
- Energy Efficiency and Management for Engineers, by Mehmet Kanoglu and Yunus Cengel
- Musings of an Energy Nerd: Toward an Energy-Efficient Home, by Martin Holladay
- Power Economics: An Executive's Guide to Energy Efficiency, Conservation, and Generation Strategies, by Elena Cahill
- The Unpopular Truth: about Electricity and the Future of Energy, by Lars Schernikau and William Hayden Smith
Energy Efficiency Specialists play an important role in building a more sustainable future, but they are just one part of the puzzle!
It’s hard to determine how many such specialists are currently working and how many job openings are projected in the coming years.
Some employers may use different job titles for the position (such as Energy Efficiency Consultant), making statistics every tougher to come by. If you’re curious about some related job options, check out the below list!
- Energy Auditor
- Energy Analyst
- Sustainability Assistant/Coordinator
- Utility Program Coordinator
Additional career paths to consider include:
- Electrical at Electronics Repairer
- Electrician
- Elevator and Escalator Installer
- Environmental Consultant
- Green Building Designer
- Heating, Air Conditioning, at Refrigeration Mechanic
- Power Plant Operator
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Telecommunications Technician
- Tagaplano ng Lungsod