At the time of the Paris Agreement and greenhouse gas emission quotas, various players have realized that the future of the planet is in their hands. To support the many private and public initiatives – such as “zero carbon” by 2030 for 12 international cities, the refusal by investors to finance projects harmful to the climate – the energy efficiency engineer has a major role to play. What does his work consists of? What are the skills required for this profession?
Multitude of tasks for a common goal
The main duty of the energy efficiency engineer is to assess, design or develop projects that reduce energy for industrial, commercial or residential clients as well as for public bodies. His tasks vary depending on the sector in which he operates and the type of company that employs him (engineering consulting firms, energy audit firms, mining and petroleum companies, renewable energy companies, construction companies…). His main activities include auditing, intervention and consulting. Indeed, an assignment can begin with an audit during which he will inspect the main energy flows (mechanical, thermal, electrical), he will then identify and recommend energy savings strategies after having created graphical representations of energy data using specialized software. Then the energy efficiency engineer will be involved in the design or construction of a structure to deal with energy problems related to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems as well as lighting. While involved in this he will offer services of measurement, cost-benefit analysis, verification and installation to assist his clients in achieving their energy consumption goals. Finally, the energy efficiency engineer may support businesses by training staff on various subjects (energy management, for example), raising awareness on certain points (climate control systems and sustainable design), negotiating their energy purchase agreements or ensuring that their projects comply with provincial and federal laws.
Broad spectrum of skills
First of all, the energy efficiency engineer must be a licensed engineer such as an architectural engineer, mechanical engineer, electromechanical engineer or chemical engineer and ideally hold a specialization in electrical systems, in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, in ecological buildings, in energy supply, etc. Practising this profession requires a certain dovetailing of skills, particularly in technology and engineering (principles, techniques, procedures), in mechanics (machines, tools, use, repair, maintenance), in physics (laws of fluidics, materials, atmospheric dynamics, atoms), in chemistry, mathematics, public health and safety… not to mention principles of management. In addition to these technical skills and to resolve problems that are frequently complex, the energy efficiency engineer will need transversal skills such as critical thinking (identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each solution), judgement and decision-making ability (choosing the best solution based on costs and benefits), time management, active listening, team management, coordination… and including writing skills.
Finally, an energy efficiency engineer’s median salary could be around $78,000 per year and there are many possibilities for progress: energy efficiency manager, tools and methods engineer, studies and projects engineer or even team or exploitation leader.
Even if there is a well posted willingness, it is important that all the political good intentions to limit global warming to two degrees gives rise to concrete and quantifiable actions in the field… The energy efficiency engineer has some really good days ahead of him.