Energy efficiency

Description

Field of information concerning the reduction of the use of energy. It encompasses calculating the consumption of energy, providing certificates and support measures, saving energy by reducing the demand, encouraging efficient use of fossil fuels, and promoting the use of renewable energy.

Alternative labels

reduce use of energy
science of energy efficiency
promote energy efficiency
conservation of energy
energy saving, saving energy
energy conservation
efficient energy use

Skill type

knowledge

Skill reusability level

sector-specific

Relationships with occupations

Essential knowledge

Energy efficiency is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Renewable energy consultant: Renewable energy consultants advise clients on the advantages and disadvantages of different renewable energy sources. They conduct surveys and interviews to research demand of and opinions on renewable energy, and strive to advise clients on the most advantageous source of renewable energy for their purpose.
Energy conservation officer: Energy conservation officers promote the conservation of energy in both residential homes as in businesses. They advise people on ways to reduce their power consumption by enforcing energy efficiency improvements and implementing energy demand management policies.

Hydropower technician: Hydropower technicians install and maintain systems in hydropower plants. They perform inspections, analyse problems and carry out repairs. They ensure the turbines operate in compliance with regulations, and assist the hydropower engineers in the construction of turbines.
Energy manager: Energy managers coordinate the energy use in an organisation, and aim to implement policies for increased sustainability, and minimisation of cost and environmental impact. They monitor the energy demands
and use, and develop improvement strategies, as well as researching the most beneficial source of energy for the organisation’s needs.
Energy assessor: Energy assessors determine the energy performance of buildings. They create an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which indicates what the estimated energy consumption of a property is. Furthermore they give advice on how to improve energy conservation.
Energy analyst: Energy analysts evaluate the consumption of energy in buidings owned by consumers and businesses. By analysing existing energy systems, they recommend cost-effective alternatives. Energy analysts suggest efficiency improvements, make business analyses and participate in the development of policies concerning the use of traditional fuels, transportation, and other factors relating to energy consumption.
Energy consultant: Energy consultants advise clients on the advantages and disadvantages of different energy sources. They help clients to understand energy tariffs and try to reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint by using energy efficient products and methods.
Hydropower engineer: Hydropower engineers research, design and plan the building of facilities that generate electricity from the movement of water. They search optimal locations, conduct trials and try different materials to achieve the best result. Hydropower engineers develop strategies for more efficient energy production and analyse environmental consequences.
Solar energy sales consultant: Solar energy sales consultants provide advice on solar energy for domestic or industrial purposes, and aim to promote the use of solar energy as an alternative and more sustainable source of energy. They communicate with prospective clients, and attend networking events, to ensure increased sales of solar energy products.

Optional knowledge

Energy efficiency is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Insulation supervisor: Insulation supervisors monitor insulation operations. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Bricklaying supervisor: Bricklaying supervisors monitor bricklaying activities. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Civil engineering technician: Civil engineering technicians help design and execute construction plans and take on organisational tasks, for example in the planning and monitoring, and in bidding and invoicing of construction work. They also calculate material requirements, and help with the purchasing and organising, and ensure the quality of the construction materials. Civil engineering technicians may perform technical tasks in civil engineering and develop and advise on policy implementing strategies for road works, traffic lights, sewerage and water management systems.
Water conservation technician: Water conservation technicians install systems to recover, filter, store and distribute water from different sources such as rainwater and domestic greywater.
Concrete finisher supervisor: Concrete finisher supervisors monitor the concrete finishing process. They assign tasks to finishers and take quick decisions to resolve problems. They may also pass on their skills to apprentices.
Construction quality manager: Construction quality managers make sure the quality of the work meets standards set in the contract, as well as minimum legislative standards. They establish procedures to check quality, perform inspections, and propose solutions to quality shortcomings.
Chemical engineering technician: Chemical engineering technicians transform raw materials in order to develop and test chemical products. They also work on improving chemical plant operations and processes.
Landscape architect: Landscape architects plan and design the construction of gardens and natural spaces. They determine the specifications and distribution of the space. They combine an understanding of the natural space with a sense of aesthetics in order to create a harmonious space.
House builder: House builders construct, maintain and repair houses or similar small buildings using a range of techniques and materials of several construction building workers.
Water conservation technician supervisor: Water conservation technician supervisors supervise the installation of systems to recover, filter, store and distribute water from different sources such as rainwater and domestic greywater. They assign tasks and take quick decisions.
Manufacturing manager: Manufacturing managers plan, oversee and direct the manufacturing process in an organisation. They ensure products and services are efficiently produced within the timeframe and budget given.
Roofing supervisor: Roofing supervisors monitor the work on roofing a building. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Architect: Architects investigate, design, and oversee the construction and development of buildings, urban spaces, infrastructure projects, and social spaces. They design in accordance with the surroundings and regulations applicable in specific geographic areas, taking into account factors that include function, aesthetics, costs, and public health and safety. They are aware of social contexts and environmental factors, which include the relationships between people and buildings, and buildings and the environment. They engage in multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing the social fabric of a geographic area and advancing in social urbanism projects. 
Chemical processing plant controller: Chemical processing plant controllers control the chemical production process. They operate machines and systems, being responsible to monitor and maintain the equipment and the instruments in control.
Insulation worker: Insulation workers install a variety of insulation materials to shield a structure or materials from heat, cold, and noise from the environment.
Roofer: Roofers cover structures with roofs. They install the weight-bearing elements of a roof, either flat or pitched, then cover it with a weatherproof layer.
Construction general contractor: Construction general contractors take on the responsibility to deliver a construction project. They participate on bid processes for construction projects and hire subcontractors to deliver the different stages of the construction process from beginning to completion. They make sure subcontractors hold up their part of the agreement and work in the construction site to make sure the project is delivered in time and according to agreed standards.
Operations manager: Operations managers plan, oversee and coordinate the daily operations of production of goods and provision of services. They also formulate and implement company policies and plan the use of human resources and materials.
Civil engineer: Civil engineers design, plan, and develop technical and engineering specifications for infrastructure and construction projects. They apply engineering knowledge in a vast array of projects, from the construction of infrastructure for transportation, housing projects, and luxury buildings, to the construction of natural sites. They design plans that seek to optimise materials and integrate specifications and resource allocation within the time constraints.
Construction manager: Construction managers are responsible for the planning and coordination of the construction projects. They provide expertise in the design phase of construction projects by facilitating a better estimate of the costs and the functional implications. They participate on bid processes for construction projects and handle subcontractors to deliver the different stages of the construction process from beginning to completion. They strive to enhance the value of the projects both improving efficiency and creating value for customers.

 


 

References

  1. Energy efficiency – ESCO

 

Last updated on September 20, 2022