聚光灯
能源审计师、能源顾问、可持续发展分析师、绿色建筑顾问、能效工程师、能源经理、可再生能源分析师、可持续发展专家、气候变化专家、环境顾问
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
工作日程
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.
典型职责
- Assess and optimize energy usage in various conditions and settings
- Perform energy audits. Use findings to suggest upgrades and retrofits
- Calculate estimated energy savings if upgrading equipment and systems
- Analyze emissions and performance of gas-fired furnaces and boilers
- Conduct temperature testing and regulatory compliance
- Used software to create detailed construction drawing sets
- Work with peers and modeling/simulation programs to design solutions
- Build performance models for compliance with associated standards
- Facilitate system prototype submissions and experiments
- Ensure designs and product installations comply with efficiency
standards - Conduct safety evaluations of systems integrated with existing infrastructure
- Assist during development activities to ensure actions are completed on schedule
- Collaborate with engineers, architects, and other professionals for project execution
- Automate equipment fault detection and energy analysis, when feasible
- Write energy savings reports. Compare projected savings against actuals
额外责任
- 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
软技能
技术技能
- 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
- Construction and building services
- Engineering consultancies
- Environmental agencies and consulting firms
- 政府机构
- Manufacturing and industrial companies
- Public utilities companies
- Renewable energy firms
- Research institutions, including colleges
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
- 许多学生选择攻读学士/硕士双学位,这可以节省时间和金钱。
- 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
- Data Analysis and Statistics
- Energy Auditing
- Energy Efficiency Technology
- Energy Management and Audit
- 环境科学
- Green Building Design
- HVAC Systems and Control
- Principles of Sustainability
- Renewable Energy
- Sustainable Design
- 热力学
- 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
- 在决定是否报名参加校内、网上或混合课程时,要考虑你的时间安排和灵活性。
- Look for ABET-accredited colleges offering majors in renewable energy, energy systems engineering, environmental studies, sustainability, mechanical engineering, chemistry, or a related field
- Seek programs with internship opportunities
- 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.
- Check out their facilities (especially if you plan to attend in person). Well-funded programs will have the most modern, cutting-edge research areas
- 寻找附属的中心和研究所。大多数大型项目都与外部合作伙伴合作,这可以大大增加你的学习经验。
- 审查毕业率和毕业后就业安置统计数据
- 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
- 在报名参加课程之前,要尽可能了解职业领域的一切。了解你想从事的专业,并阅读就业门户网站上发布的工作描述。
- Get practical experience through sustainability-related internships, cooperative experiences, part-time jobs, or volunteerism
- 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
- Familiarize yourself with current global energy trends. Participate in relevant online forums and discussion groups
- Keep track of all your work and academic accomplishments for your resume and college applications
- Sign up for notifications on job portals like Indeed, SimplyHired, Monster, USAJobs, Department of Energy Jobs, Energy Jobline, and Glassdoor
- According to PayScale, a whopping 85% of jobs are found through networking—so make a profile on LinkedIn and other networking platforms!
- 查看招聘广告,寻找可在简历中列出的关键字,如
- 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
- Do your research on potential employers. Learn about their services, missions, and areas of specialization. Check out the career pages on their websites
- Ask your school to connect you with company recruiters. Take advantage of chances to intern with large companies. They may offer you a job later!
- Ask your school’s career center for help with resumes, mock interviews, and job fair information
- Dress professionally for job interviews and demonstrate a keen awareness of trends in the industry
- 请以前的教授和主管写推荐信,或要求他们同意(提前)将他们列为推荐人。
- Make it clear to your supervisor that you’re interested in advancement
- 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
- Stay proactive about professional development. Take continuing education courses or complete a higher-level degree
- Be active in professional organizations (see our list of Recommended Resources for more information)
- 了解最新的监管变化,确保您的组织始终合规
网站
- 工程和技术认证委员会
- Alliance to Save Energy
- 美国环境工程师和科学家学会
- American Council on Renewable Energy
- 美国国家标准协会
- American Public Power Association
- 能源工程师协会
- Biomass Thermal Energy Council
- Center for Sustainable Energy
- Coalition for Energy Savings
- 工业工程理事会
- ENERGY STAR
- ENERGYWERX
- 工程技术学院
- International Renewable Energy Agency
- International Society for Sustainability Professionals
- 国际自动化学会
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
- 全国工程和测量师考试委员会
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- Renewable Energy World
- RMI
- Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
- 美国能源信息署
- 美国绿色建筑委员会
书籍
- 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:
- 电气和电子维修人员
- 电工
- Elevator and Escalator Installer
- 环境顾问
- Green Building Designer
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic
- Power Plant Operator
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Telecommunications Technician
- 城市规划师