How to Become an Energy-Reduction Consultant
Energy consultants, also called energy auditors, analyze and survey homes and commercial buildings to determine how well they conserve energy, and offer strategies to reduce energy consumption. This job is increasingly important as government regulations regarding the environment and pollution become more stringent. Nowadays, consumers also pay more attention to the eco-friendliness of businesses when deciding whether or not to patronize them. To become an energy auditor, you will need to obtain specific education and certifications.
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Instructions
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Determine where you'd like to work--this will determine the amount of training and education you need. For example, you may want to work for an established energy auditing firm, start your own independent consultancy or get hired by the U.S. Department of Energy.
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Earn an associate or bachelor's degree in engineering, electrical engineering, computer science or a related field. These are the best concentrations to prepare you for work in the energy-reduction industry. If you want to obtain a managerial or high-level position, getting a bachelor's or master's degree is ideal.
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Take an energy inspection or auditing course from an organization such as the American Home Inspectors Training Institute (AHIT) or Association of Energy Engineers. This is important because your formal education will cover the basics of energy reduction, but taking a specialized course will go into the depth you'll need to become a certified energy reduction consultant.
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Shadow or apprentice under an established, certified energy auditor or reduction consultant for at least a year--this will be the equivalent of on-the-job training, and further your knowledge of the field. The more prepared you are, the more competitive a job candidate you'll be. This is especially useful for those who plan to start their own energy-reduction business.
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Obtain certification from BPI, the Building Performance Institute. There are several levels of certification, and you should choose to one best suited for the environment you want to work in. Most states now require that energy-reduction consultants have BPI certification if the homeowner or business owner who hires them wishes to use their audits to obtain a rebate or tax credit.
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