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Energy Auditors

The occupation Energy Auditors covers people who conduct energy audits of buildings, building systems, or process systems. O*NET rates it as medium preparation, which usually means one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree. It leans on speaking, reading comprehension, and critical thinking. One core duty is to identify and prioritize energy-saving measures. With a code of CRI, this is mostly a job for people drawn to orderly work with data, records and clear procedures. Realistic interests also help, rated 4.5 out of 7. The job can ask you to prepare audit reports containing energy analysis results or recommendations for energy cost savings. People who want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

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

Main tasks

  • Identify and prioritize energy-saving measures.
  • Prepare audit reports containing energy analysis results or recommendations for energy cost savings.
  • Identify any health or safety issues related to planned weatherization projects.
  • Identify opportunities to improve the operation, maintenance, or energy efficiency of building or process systems.
  • Calculate potential for energy savings.
  • Inspect or evaluate building envelopes, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or process systems to determine the energy consumption of each system.

Skills

  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Judgment and Decision Making

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
  • You are comfortable relying on speaking and reading comprehension.

May not suit you if

  • You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You need to start within a few months, with no training period.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CRI takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.

Preparation

Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Building Performance Consultant
  • Building Science and Energy Specialist
  • Building Scientist
  • Energy Advisor
  • Energy and Building Systems Specialist

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.