Energy auditor
Energy auditors help homeowners and business owners examine their buildings to understand how energy is being used and get a measure of efficiency.
Quick facts: Energy auditor | |
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2019 Median Pay | $60,710 per year; $29.19 per hour |
Typical Entry-Level Education | Bachelor's degree |
Number of Jobs, 2019 | 120,800 |
Job Outlook, 2019-29 | -4% (average growth) |
Employment Change, 2019-29 | 13,500 |
Energy auditors (often called “energy raters” when auditing homes) review their customers’ utility bills and conduct on-site walk-throughs of buildings before providing the customers with opportunities for increased energy efficiency.
Energy auditors can help owners understand the systems in the building and how they are currently operating. They assist in documenting how improvements can be made to reduce energy consumption and/or costs of operating the building. They not only provide a list of potential improvements but the savings and costs associated with implementing those improvements. As part of the utility analysis, they may identify rate structure changes that could benefit the project. Energy auditors may also perform benchmarking so the owner can understand how their building performs compared to other similar buildings. This growing field is helping many to reduce their footprints on the environment while saving money in the process.
Role on a LEED project
LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building types, LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.
The LEED credits this role influences most:
How to become an energy auditor
Most energy auditors require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A bachelor’s degree in engineering would prepare someone for a job as an energy auditor. Courses that include demonstrations of common building inspection techniques, energy management principles, and basic construction and insulation techniques will be helpful for conducting energy audits. An understanding of mechanical system design and operation is important for this role. Important skills include critical thinking, communications, decision-making, math, and active listening.
Exploration tools
- Education courses
- Energy Efficiency Strategies for High Performing Buildings
- Energy Equity: Affordability and Access for All
- Introduction to Net Zero Energy Buildings
- Managing Peak Demand In Buildings with Demand Response Programs
- ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G: LEED v4 and v4.1 Design + Construction Optimize Energy Performance
- Professional certifications and credentials
- Knowledge-based badges
- Activities
- Attend upcoming events related to careers in energy auditing
- Connect with companies that work in this field