Energy Efficiency Consultant – Complete Hiring Guide

Example Projects for an Energy Efficiency Consultant

Here are ways an energy efficiency expert can help:

1. Energy Audits

Energy efficiency consulting includes an in-depth analysis.

The consultant first identifies inefficiencies - such as outdated HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) systems, inefficient lighting, or poor insulation.

They screen energy performance, find areas that need improvement, prioritize, and create energy savings plans.

This is the main project that they’re responsible for, as you'll be using their report to make all future energy efficiency improvements.

2. Implementing Renewable Energy Resources

Another key project is designing methods to switch from non-renewable to more cost-effective resources.

An energy efficiency consultant will help incorporate solar panels and utilize water or wind power in a way that makes sense for your company.

Implementing solar energy requires a higher upfront investment, but the expected ROI can be high. Solar panels-wise, the average ROI in the US is about 10%.

3. Integrating Green IT into Daily Operations

Green IT reduces energy use in a sustainable manner.

Here are a few examples of ideas an energy expert may have: 

• using cloud services
• designing apps with dark mode
• centralizing computing resources
• switching to ML models

This is how an energy efficiency expert could help IT companies reach their energy-related goals.

4. Building Design

New construction projects benefit the most if the energy goals are set right at the beginning.

If an energy expert steps in while the building design is in progress, their insight can be valuable. For example, they can utilize natural lighting to help with the building’s temperature.

Making sure that the insulation of your building is high-quality is also an effective way to minimize energy costs.

5. Optimizing HVAC Systems

Improving HVAC systems decreases energy consumption by a substantial amount.

As it usually directly aligns with sustainability targets, optimizing the HVAC systems may be the first thing your energy expert recommends.

Related roles with job descriptions: Certified eco consultant | Carbon accountant

Who should hire one?

Many engineering firms, government agencies, and companies in various fields - such as manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and healthcare - opt to hire a professional to help them assess their environmental impact.

Any organization looking to decrease its carbon footprint can get expert guidance to learn how to operate in a more sustainable way.

If you’re content with your current status, you can ask an expert to conduct a series of workshops to ensure everyone on the team is making environmentally conscious decisions.

Do energy efficiency consultants do home audits?

Yes, many homeowners consult experts to learn how to cut down on their utility bills.

To do this, a consultant will conduct a home energy assessment.

It includes carrying out a thermographic inspection, testing air leakage, or recommending the integration of new equipment, such as solar panels, heat pumps, or smart power strips. 

Additionally, the energy auditor will ask you for the bills from the past year, and they’ll determine how electricity and gas are being used.

Hiring a certified expert will help ensure eligibility for the 25C tax credit.

ROI and strategic benefits

Learning how to operate in a sustainable way while increasing energy efficiency requires some initial investments.

However, the long-term savings will justify the money spent upfront.

By taking the initiative to act in an environmentally friendly manner, you’re building your like-minded clients’ trust. In some sectors, there are essential verifications and certifications you must get to maintain your authority.

Strategic benefits for construction projects

With the help of an energy efficiency consultant, you can be on your way to obtaining a sustainability certificate, showing your potential investors that you’re cutting down on unwanted costs.

Here are a few examples of certification:

LEED certification

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certificate shows that all building phases have been done with the following in mind:

• minimizing contribution to climate change
• maintaining biodiversity
• protecting water resources

This certificate also places a lot of focus on the impact on individual human health.

BREEAM certification

Acquiring the BREAAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certificate proves that your construction project has met high standards of sustainability. BREAAM believes in both environmental and economic sustainability.

Related roles with job descriptions: Climate consultant | Carbon neutral consultant