Energy manager
An energy manager plans, regulates and monitors energy use in an organisation or facility. They aim to improve energy efficiency through evaluating energy use and therefore, implement new policies and changes.
Energy managers coordinate all aspects of energy management, from energy efficiency and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions to waste management and sustainable development by:
Changes in building regulations and an increase in legislation and European directives on emissions and efficiency have increased the need for organisations to develop carbon management and sustainability strategies.
Duties vary according to the setting in which the work is being carried out and may range from researching new developments and managing a range of strategies, to providing expertise to individuals.
Typical activities generally include:
An energy manager will need to have a sound understanding of electrical and mechanical systems as well as knowledge of organisational energy use. Therefore a degree in one of the following subjects may increase your chances of gaining employment in this area:
As renewable and sustainable energy becomes more of a priority, a number of specialist degrees are now available that focus on energy and the environment, e.g. energy engineering, sustainable energy and climate change.
Entry with one of the following HND or foundation degree subjects may also be possible:
Although a postgraduate qualification is not essential, it may help you secure a more senior position. There are a number of specialist courses in energy management. If you are considering postgraduate study, look particularly at courses offering a work placement. For a list of courses, search courses and research. The Energy Institute (EI) also holds lists of accredited and approved courses.
As this is a relatively new profession, there is no standard entry route. Previously, many energy managers developed this specialised role within their organisation. More recently, with increasing government legislation, public concern and rising energy costs, employers are recognising the need to create dedicated posts.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
A general understanding of the energy market and legislation surrounding energy efficiency and carbon reduction will also be beneficial. See organisations such as the Energy Saving Trust for useful background and further links to regional information for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. A driving licence may be required as the role can often involve travelling.
Relevant experience, gained through vacation or sandwich placements and voluntary work is extremely advantageous. Choosing a dissertation or an assignment linked to an employer may be a useful way of building skills and experience, as well as developing contacts.
There are limited vacancies as there is often only one person or a small team per organisation. However, new opportunities are arising due to increasing pressure to reduce fossil fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
It is essential to keep up to date with legislation, compliance and reporting requirements through training and continuous professional development (CPD) and it is usual to take postgraduate qualifications part time whilst in employment. Energy professionals often become members of the Energy Institute (EI) who offer a range of training options including the Level 4 qualification, Training in Energy Management through Open Learning (TEMOL), the Diploma in Energy Management and Utilisation and the recently developed European Energy Manager qualification.
The Energy Institute holds further details of these and other approved postgraduate courses.
There are a number of specific training courses, which deal with the effectiveness of the energy conservation strategies that are being put into place. The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has developed BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method), which is used to assess and improve the environmental performance of buildings, and this forms the basis of many of the courses. New legislation and changes to building regulations mean that assessment standards are likely to change in the future, so this training is becoming more important.
Since the role demands high-level information technology skills, training in specialist software designed for monitoring and targeting energy efficiency is available.
Promotion and advancement prospects depend on the organisation and sector. Further or specialist qualifications may be an advantage. The Energy Institute (EI) has recently launched the title of chartered energy manager. The title is open to anyone who is a member or fellow of the EI and will be assessed by means of a professional development review and interview. This new title is exclusive to EI and supports and recognises professional practitioners who manage energy to reduce use, increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
After entering the role, there is scope for professional development and to specialise in certain areas, for example:
Typical employers include local government, higher education institutions, health trusts, some larger charities, energy agencies, energy partnerships and other voluntary/community organisations.
In the commercial sector, large companies such as manufacturers, retail chains, supermarkets, facilities management service providers, construction companies, environmental consultancies and utilities companies are active in energy conservation. Gas and electricity suppliers have energy teams to co-ordinate initiatives, such as promoting energy grants, and to provide advice to customers. Although energy management has been driven by legislation, companies now realise that not only can energy efficiency measures result in cost savings but it can also enhance their corporate profile by promoting good practices.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), such as environmental charities, run projects concerning energy conservation. Activities may include policy making, government lobbying, providing a helpline service and supporting energy efficiency schemes. Energy efficiency advice centres (EEAC), which are funded in part by the Energy Saving Trust , work closely with utilities companies and local authorities to help them deliver their energy conservation targets and raise the profile of energy efficiency.
Any organisation that is a large user of energy is likely to have someone responsible for energy saving, although it may be part of another job. There are also several consultancies, either specifically in energy or in building services, which provide an outsource or bureau service as well as an initial design activity.
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