Nature of the Work

Energy efficiency engineers identify opportunities to save energy and improve efficiency in commercial and residential buildings by conducting energy audits in which they inspect, survey, model, and analyze the primary energy flows in buildings--mechanical, electrical, and thermal. Through their modeling and analysis, efficiency engineers find ways to conserve energy in buildings, reducing the amount of energy going into buildings without negatively impacting the energy needs, or the health and safety, of the people inside. The goal of their work is to reduce the ownership costs of homes and buildings and to promote good stewardship of our environment through increased energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency engineers may be called upon during any stage of home or building construction—from the design or building of new structures to the remodeling of existing ones. They may specialize in auditing one of the energy-consuming components of the home or building, such as the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC), or lighting system.

Energy efficiency engineers help corporations develop energy usage goals, and mentor their energy teams to help the corporations reach their goals. They assist in problem resolution, and energy project management through cost-benefit analyses, scope and bid development, contract negotiations, contract management, and project performance verification. They prepare quarterly reports and present detailed briefings to corporate leadership on energy efficiency progress, roadblocks, and future plans to achieve success.

Some energy efficiency engineers are employed in energy education. They hold training sessions in businesses to improve employee awareness of energy reduction efforts and to engage employees in a variety of opportunities for reducing energy usage both at home and at work.

Watch this video to meet the sustainability advisor for Chevron's business and real estate services, Dane Zehrung, who helps the organization achieve greater energy efficiency and sustainability in its office spaces.

Work Environment

Most energy efficiency engineers conduct energy audits inside industrial plants, commercial buildings, or residential homes, while their modeling and analysis of energy flows is done inside their own office building. Some engineers may spend time outdoors at construction sites to help monitor or direct operations or solve onsite problems. Some energy efficiency engineers travel extensively to conduct audits at plants or worksites outside their home city.

Many engineers work a standard 40-hour week. At times, deadlines or design standards may bring extra pressure to a job, requiring engineers to work longer hours.

Training, Other Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in engineering is the minimum requirement for employment as an energy efficiency engineer.

Education and Training

Most energy efficiency engineers have at least a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, such as mechanical or electrical engineering, in addition to P.E. (professional engineer) and/or C.E.M. (certified engineering manager) certification. Some employers prefer an advanced engineering degree, while others prefer experience in business management. A few colleges and universities are developing energy engineering programs designed to focus on the growing demand for engineers with training in energy efficiency, sustainability, and alternative energy development.

Many energy efficiency engineers need some practical experience before they can conduct their own energy audits. Often they start as an adjunct or support to another energy auditor. In this way, they get to learn the responsibilities on the job as they work. If an employer requires advanced degrees or certification specifically related to becoming an energy auditor, then the employee often works as an apprentice or support to another energy auditor while continuing his or her education. In addition, many degree programs have some work-study built into them.

Other Qualifications

Energy efficiency engineers require excellent oral and written communication skills since they interact with many types of people, give presentations to management, and write reports and documents which influence corporate decisions on energy conservation.

On the Job

• Identify energy savings opportunities and make recommendations to achieve more energy efficient operation.
• Manage the development, design, or construction of energy conservation projects to ensure acceptability of budgets and time lines, conformance to federal and state laws, or adherence to approved specifications.
• Conduct energy audits to evaluate energy use, costs, or conservation measures.
• Monitor and analyze energy consumption.
• Perform energy modeling, measurement, verification, commissioning, or retro-commissioning.
• Oversee design or construction aspects related to energy such as energy engineering, energy management, and sustainable design.
• Conduct jobsite observations, field inspections, or sub-metering to collect data for energy conservation analyses.
• Review architectural, mechanical, or electrical plans and specifications to evaluate energy efficiency or determine economic, service, or engineering feasibility.
• Inspect or monitor energy systems including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), or daylighting systems to determine energy use or potential energy savings.
• Evaluate construction design information such as detail and assembly drawings, design calculations, system layouts and sketches, or specifications.

Source: BLS

Companies That Hire Energy Engineers

• Chevron
• Aramark
• AT&T

Ask Questions

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Additional Information

• Association of Energy Engineers: http://www.aeecenter.org/
• United States Green Building Council: http://www.usgbc.org/
• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers: http://www.ashrae.org/

Sources

• O*Net Online. (2009). National Center for O*Net Development. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from http://online.onetcenter.org/
• Energy and Utility Skills. (2010). Katy Deacon. Retrieved January 28, 2010, from http://www.euskills.co.uk/careers/a-day-in-the-life-of/case-studies/katy-deacon-energy-engineer-with-kirklees-council/
• iSeek Solutions. (2010). Day in the Life. Retrieved January 28, 2010, from http://www.iseek.org/industry/energy/careers/day-in-the-life.html
• Trade Press Media Group, Inc. (2009, March 24). An Interview with Peter Rumsey of Rumsey Engineers. Retrieved January 28, 2010, from An Interview with Peter Rumsey of Rumsey Engineers
• Interstate Renewable Energy Council. (2010). Interview: Chris Warfel: trainer, installer, designer, solar oyster farmer. Retrieved January 28, 2010, from http://irecusa.org/2009/12/interview-chris-warfel-entech-engineering/
• Chevron. (2010, January 14). Chevron Uses Energy Efficiently. Retrieved February 11, 2010, from http://www.chevron.com/stories/#/allstories/chevronefficiency/

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