Focos de atención

Títulos similares

Auditor energético, consultor energético, analista de sostenibilidad, consultor de edificios ecológicos, ingeniero de eficiencia energética, gestor energético, analista de energías renovables, especialista en desarrollo sostenible, especialista en cambio climático, consultor medioambiental

Descripción del trabajo

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!

Aspectos gratificantes de la carrera
  • Leading efforts in energy conservation and efficiency improvements
  • Contributing to environmental protection
  • Innovating sustainable energy solutions
2022 Empleo
50,000
2033 Empleo proyectado
60,000
La primicia
Responsabilidades del trabajo

Horario de trabajo

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.

Tareas típicas

  • Assess and optimize energy usage in various conditions and settings
  • Perform energy audits. Use findings to suggest upgrades and retrofits
  1. 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

Responsabilidades adicionales

  • 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 
Habilidades necesarias en el trabajo

Habilidades blandas

  • Analítica
  • Atención al detalle
  • Perspicacia empresarial
  • Colaboración
  • Pensamiento crítico
  • Razonamiento deductivo e inductivo
  • Orientado al detalle
  • Independiente
  • Supervisión
  • Motivado
  • Objetivo
  • Organizado
  • Paciente
  • Perceptivo
  • Resolución de problemas
  • Comprensión de lectura
  • Orientado a la seguridad
  • Gran capacidad de comunicación

Habilidades técnicas

  • 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
Diferentes tipos de organizaciones
  • Construction and building services
  • Engineering consultancies
  • Environmental agencies and consulting firms
  • Organismos públicos
  • Manufacturing and industrial companies
  • Public utilities companies
  • Renewable energy firms
  • Research institutions, including colleges
Expectativas y sacrificios

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!

Tendencias actuales

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. 

¿Qué tipo de cosas le gustaba hacer a la gente de esta carrera cuando era más joven...

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! 

Educación y formación necesarias
  • 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
  • Muchos estudiantes optan por una doble titulación, lo que les permite ahorrar tiempo y dinero.
  • 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:
  1. Associate - 8.73%
  2. Bachelor’s - 72.49%
  3. Master’s - 24.07%
  4. Doctoral - 1.32%
  5. Other - 10.32%
  • Relevant classes may include:
  1. Building Science and Efficiency
  2. Data Analysis and Statistics
  3. Energy Auditing
  4. Energy Efficiency Technology
  5. Energy Management and Audit
  6. Ciencias medioambientales
  7. Green Building Design
  8. HVAC Systems and Control
  9. Principles of Sustainability
  10. Renewable Energy
  11. Sustainable Design
  12. Termodinámica
Cosas que hay que buscar en una universidad
  • Piensa en tu horario y en tu flexibilidad a la hora de decidir si te inscribes en un programa presencial, online o híbrido
  • 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
  • Busca centros e institutos afiliados. La mayoría de los grandes programas colaboran con socios externos que pueden mejorar significativamente tu experiencia de aprendizaje.
  • Revisar los índices de graduación y las estadísticas de inserción laboral de los postgraduados
Cosas que hacer en el instituto y la universidad
  • 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
  • Aprende todo lo que puedas sobre la carrera antes de inscribirte en las clases. Sepa en qué quiere especializarse y lea las descripciones de puestos publicadas en portales de empleo.
  • 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
  • Lleva un registro de todos tus logros laborales y académicos para tu currículum y tus solicitudes universitarias.
Hoja de ruta típica
Hoja de ruta del especialista en evaluación de la eficiencia energética
Cómo conseguir tu primer trabajo
  1. 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
  • Pedir a profesores y supervisores anteriores que escriban cartas de recomendación o solicitar su consentimiento (por adelantado) para incluirlos como referencias.
Cómo subir la escalera
  • 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
  1. 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
  • Participar activamente en organizaciones profesionales (para más información, consulte nuestra lista de recursos recomendados).
  • Manténgase al día de los cambios normativos para garantizar que su organización cumple siempre la normativa.
Plan B

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:

  • Reparador eléctrico y electrónico
  • Electricista    
  • Elevator and Escalator Installer    
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Green Building Designer
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic    
  • Power Plant Operator    
  • Sustainability Coordinator
  • Telecommunications Technician
  • Planificador urbano

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