Energy manager
Energy managers, also known as energy modelers or energy engineers, design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency at all stages of a building’s life, including the design/build, remodeling, and operation stages.
| Quick facts: Energy manager | |
|---|---|
| 2021 Median Pay | $100,640 per year; $48.38 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Number of Jobs, 2021 | 168,600 |
| Job Outlook, 2021-31 | No change |
| Employment Change, 2021-31 | 10,800 |
Energy managers can also perform Commercial Building Energy Modeling, which constructs engineering and economic models to represent the performance of buildings in order to evaluate and quantify the impact of policy, design, retrofit, and operational decisions. This role focuses on optimization and carbon emission reduction and requires analytical work performed using models, which can range from Excel spreadsheets to complex simulation programs.
How to become an energy manager
Most energy managers have a four-year bachelor’s degree in engineering, often specializing in energy engineering or mechanical engineering. Coursework will be steeped in mathematics and physics. Additional classes that demonstrate common building inspection techniques, energy management principles, basic HVAC construction, insulation techniques, and local and country code requirements will be helpful.
On-the-job training is wise, as work experience will help acquire important knowledge of energy codes, energy management tools, and financial incentives. Important skills include critical thinking, complex problem-solving, decision-making, monitoring, systems analysis, and active listening.
Jobs that work with energy engineers
- Commissioning agent
- Construction and building inspector
- Energy auditor
- Mechanical (HVAC) designer
- Occupational health and safety technician
Pathways to energy engineering
- Building operations manager
- HVAC controls specialist
Education and resources
Access courses and resources to learn about green building and sustainability concepts related to energy engineering.
Online courses
Stay up to date on the latest developments in green building through access to online courses with an annual subscription to the USGBC course catalog.
Resources
Explore resources to support a career in energy engineering.
Role on a LEED project
Energy managers, energy engineers and energy modelers, play an important role in green buildings. They design, inspect, and/or monitor energy systems, including heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) or lighting systems in a building or a portfolio of properties to determine energy use or potential energy savings.
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.