Energy manager: areas of competence and how to become one
An energy manager manages the energy aspects of an asset and identifies energy efficiency solutions. How to become one and which are the required skills?
If you’re an energy professional, you’re probably wondering if the work of an energy manager is right for you, your education, and your experience. In this article we take stock of the situation on this professional figure today so important.
The role of the energy manager is certainly central to the correct use of energy sources and to allow savings on energy-related costs, but do not forget that there are specific energy management software fundamental to optimize and make your work more efficient.
Contents
What does an energy manager do?
The energy manager, also called energy usage manager, is a professional specialized in energy and environment, responsible for evaluating the energy consumption of an asset. Hence carrying out projects that increase efficiency and reduces energy-related costs (energy management). Energy managers therefore specialize in systems or aspects of energy management such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting and sometimes even water systems.
The tasks of an energy manager are varied, they depend in part on the specific project or the specific asset, but in general they are responsible for:
- monitor and analyse the trend of energy consumption, sometimes even water consumption;
- carry out the assessment of such consumption and related costs;
- conduct on-site inspections and energy surveys;
- encourage the use of renewable and sustainable energy resources;
- design initiatives to increase asset’s energy efficiency in general or some of its equipment and installations in particular;
- negotiate energy contracts;
- manage and monitor the implementation of energy efficiency projects;
- check compliance with deadlines, budgets, technical specifications, quality standards and regulatory requirements;
- supervise carbon management;
- review plans for future projects to determine their feasibility and energy needs;
- provide training on energy efficiency.
Energy manager
How to become an energy usage manager and what skills do you need to possess?
In order to become an energy manager, a degree is essential, mainly in energy, environmental or mechanical engineering. As in all sectors, it is useful to refine and increase your specialization with specific postgraduate courses, for example:
- on energy management;
- on HVAC systems;
- on energy isolation techniques;
- on regulations of energy sector.
It is also advisable to have a period of practical training and then enter the world of practice, taking care to keep up to date on regulations and codes and on energy efficiency techniques.
As in any profession, there are specific useful skills to possess in order to perform the function of energy manager. They are:
- critical thinking;
- problem solving;
- ability to monitor, analyse and actively listen;
- decision-making capacity;
- negotiation skills;
- communication skills;
- spirit of initiative;
- management skills;
- quality of leadership;
- knowledge in the field of renewable energy and energy management.
Energy manager
Who is a Certified Energy Manager?
We have seen that energy managers and managers are professionals with degrees connected to the energy world, such as degrees in energy, environmental or mechanical engineering.
However, there are business circumstances for which current legislation requires the appointment of a certified professional. He’s an experienced professional in the energy sector who has passed the certification exam as an energy manager – EGE “Energy Management Expert”.
This certified professional figure is now fundamental to guarantee the energy efficiency of a productive activity and allows the company to:
- comply with current legislation on energy saving;
- obtain tax relief;
- ensure energy savings;
- safeguard the environment by using renewable energy sources and the best technologically available energy solutions.
To carry out this work efficiently, it is essential to keep up-to-date and make use of specific energy management software that supports energy manager’s knowledge. Thus allowing him to reduce the time dedicated to data analysis by up to 90% and quickly identifying not only energy-intensive systems but also possible savings and efficiency solutions. Then you just have to start optimizing your work by requesting a free presentation!
