Energy Auditors

Also called: Building Energy Consultant, Building Performance Consultant, Building Performance Specialist, Commercial Energy Auditor, Commercial Energy Rater

Energy Auditors

Varies

estimated salary

Conduct energy audits of buildings, building systems, or process systems. May also conduct investment grade audits of buildings or systems.

  • Identify opportunities to improve the operation, maintenance, or energy efficiency of building or process systems.
  • Identify and prioritize energy-saving measures.
  • Analyze technical feasibility of energy-saving measures, using knowledge of engineering, energy production, energy use, construction, maintenance, system operation, or process systems.
  • Inspect or evaluate building envelopes, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or process systems to determine the energy consumption of each system.
  • Identify any health or safety issues related to planned weatherization projects.
  • Prepare audit reports containing energy analysis results or recommendations for energy cost savings.
  • Inspect newly installed energy-efficient equipment to ensure that it was installed properly and is performing according to specifications.
  • Collect and analyze field data related to energy usage.
  • Perform tests such as blower-door tests to locate air leaks.
  • Calculate potential for energy savings.
  • Measure energy usage with devices such as data loggers, universal data recorders, light meters, sling psychrometers, psychrometric charts, flue gas analyzers, amp probes, watt meters, volt meters, thermometers, or utility meters.
  • Quantify energy consumption to establish baselines for energy use or need.
  • Prepare job specification sheets for home energy improvements, such as attic insulation, window retrofits, or heating system upgrades.
  • Examine commercial sites to determine the feasibility of installing equipment that allows building management systems to reduce electricity consumption during peak demand periods.
  • Oversee installation of equipment such as water heater wraps, pipe insulation, weatherstripping, door sweeps, or low-flow showerheads to improve energy efficiency.
  • Educate customers on energy efficiency or answer questions on topics such as the costs of running household appliances or the selection of energy-efficient appliances.
  • Recommend energy-efficient technologies or alternate energy sources.
  • Determine patterns of building use to show annual or monthly needs for heating, cooling, lighting, or other energy needs.
  • Compare existing energy consumption levels to normative data.
  • Analyze energy bills, including utility rates or tariffs, to gather historical energy usage data.
  • Verify income eligibility of participants in publicly financed weatherization programs.
Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Analyze energy usage data.
  • Inspect facilities or equipment to ensure specifications are met.
  • Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
  • Analyze energy usage data.
  • Assess the cost effectiveness of products, projects, or services.
  • Calculate data to inform organizational operations.
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Knowledge

Building and Construction
  • Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Customer and Personal Service
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
  • Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • Computer aided design CAD software Hot Technology
  • Home Energy Efficient Design HEED Hot Technology
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
Object or component oriented development software
  • Python Hot Technology
  • R Hot Technology
  • C++ Hot Technology
Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology
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