Energy performance of buildings

Description

Factors that contribute to lower energy consumption of buildings. Building and renovation techniques used to achieve this. Legislation and procedures regarding energy performance of buildings.

Alternative labels

energy saving building techniques
energy performance of buildings
building’s energy performance
building energy performance
building techniques to save energy
energy performance factors
building energy performance factors

Skill type

knowledge

Skill reusability level

cross-sector

Relationships with occupations

Essential knowledge

Energy performance of buildings is an essential knowledge of the following 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.
Domestic energy assessor: Domestic energy assessors advise individuals on energy supply for their homes. They assess the individual’s needs and recommend the appropriate source of energy and supplier, attempting to secure energy sales. They also advise on economic and environmental advantages of types of energy, and create energy plans compliant with regulations and the technical requirements and conditions of the residence.
Energy systems engineer: Energy systems engineers supervise the energy conversion and distribution processes. They analyse the energy supply and consumption efficiency developing new ways to improve the existing processes, taking into account both the technical and the financial aspects. They also study the environmental impact of energy usage and combine the production of renewable energy in the current power systems.
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.

Roofing supervisor: Roofing supervisors monitor the work on roofing a building. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
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.
Carpenter supervisor: Carpenter supervisors monitor carpentry operations in construction. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems. They pass their skills on to apprentice carpenters.
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.
Property appraiser: Property appraisers undertake detailed analysis and investigation of properties in order to determine their value for sales, mortgage and insurance purposes. They compare the value of properties taking into account the age, actual state of property, its quality, repairs needed and overall sustainability. Property appraisers make an inventory of fixtures, compose a schedule of condition of property and prepare appraisal reports for both commercial and residential properties.
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.

Optional knowledge

Energy performance of buildings 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.

Construction general supervisor: Construction general supervisors keep track of the proceedings of all stages in the building process. They coordinate the different teams, assign tasks, and resolve problems.
Renewable energy engineer: Renewable energy engineers research alternative sources of energy in order to design systems for renewable energy production. They strive to optimise energy production from renewable sources, and reduce production expenses and environmental strain. They design systems which focus on energy sustainability and efficiency.
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.
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.
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.
Carpenter: Carpenters cut, shape and assemble wooden elements for the construction of buildings and other structures. They also use materials such as plastic and metal in their creations. Carpenters create the wooden frames to support wood framed buildings.
Financial manager: Financial managers handle all the matters in reference to the finance and investments of a company. They manage financial operations of companies such as the assets, liabilities, equity and cash flow aiming to maintain the financial health of the company and operative viability. Financial managers evaluate the strategic plans of the company in financial terms, maintain transparent financial operations for taxation and auditing bodies, and create the financial statements of the company at the end of the fiscal year.
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.
Building electrician: Building electricians install and maintain electricity cables and other electrical infrastructure in buildings. They make sure installed electrical equipment is isolated and presents no fire hazards. They understand existing situations and make improvements if called for.
Window installer: Window installers place windows into structures and service them. They take out old windows if present, prepare the opening, mount the window, and attach it in place plumb, straight, square and watertight.
Chimney sweep supervisor: Chimney sweep supervisors oversee and coordinate the activities of chimney sweeps. They do quality checks and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Electrician: Electricians fit and repair electrical circuits and wiring systems. They also install and maintain electrical equipment and machinery. This work can be performed indoors as well as outdoors, in nearly every type of facility.
Electricity sales representative: Electricity sales representatives assess clients’ energy needs, and recommend the purchase of electricity supply from their corporation. They promote their corporation’s services, and negotiate terms of sale with clients.
Architecture lecturer: Architecture lecturers are subject professors, teachers, or lecturers who instruct students who have obtained an upper secondary education diploma in their own specialised field of study, architecture, which is predominantly academic in nature. They work with their university research assistants and university teaching assistants for the preparation of lectures and of exams, for grading papers and exams and for leading review and feedback sessions for the students. They also conduct academic research in their respective field of architecture, publish their findings and liaise with other university colleagues.
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.
Domestic electrician: Domestic electricians install and maintain electrical infrastructures and domestic machinery in homes and other residential buildings. They perform inspections and repair defective parts to ensure efficiency.
Industrial electrician: Industrial electricians install and maintain electricity cables and other electrical infrastructure in large industrial and commercial buildings. They perform inspections and repair defective parts of electrical systems to ensure efficiency.
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.
Manufacturing facility manager: Manufacturing facility managers foresee the maintenance and routine operational planning of buildings intended to be used for manufacturing activities. They control and manage health and safety procedures, supervise the work of contractors, plan and handle buildings maintenance operations, fire safety and security issues, and oversee buildings’ cleaning activities.
Real estate investor: Real estate investors buy and sell own real estate such as appartements, dwellings, land and non-residential buildings to make a profit. They might actively invest in these properties to increase its value by repairing, renovating or improving the facilities available. Their other tasks may include researching the real estate market prices and undertaking property research.
Electrical supervisor: Electrical supervisors monitor the operations involved in installing and servicing electricity cables and other electrical infrastructure. 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. 
Real estate agent: Real estate agents administer the sales or letting process of residential, commercial properties or land on behalf of their clients. They investigate the property’s condition and assess its value in order to offer the best price to their clients. They negotiate, compose a sales contract or a rental contract and liaise with third parties in order to realize the stated objectives during transactions. They undertake research to determine the legality of a property sale before it is sold and make sure the transaction is not subject to any disputes or restrictions.
Gas service technician: Gas service technicians install and maintain gas service appliances and systems in facilities or buildings. They install the equipment in accordance with regulations, repair faults, and investigate leaks and other problems. They test the equipment and advise on the use and care of appliances and systems which use gas energy.
Chimney sweep: Chimney sweeps undertake cleaning activities of chimneys for all types of buildings. They remove ash and soot and perform maintenance on a regular basis, following health and safety regulations. Chimney sweeps may perform safety inspections and minor repairs.
Energy engineer: Energy engineers design new, efficient and clean ways to produce, transform, and distribute energy to improve environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. They extract energy through natural resources, such as oil or gas, or renewable and sustainable sources, such as wind or solar power. 
Insulation worker: Insulation workers install a variety of insulation materials to shield a structure or materials from heat, cold, and noise from the environment.
Facilities manager: Facilities managers perform strategic planning as well as routine operational planning related to buildings’ administration and maintenance. They control and manage health and safety procedures, supervise the work of contractors, plan and handle buildings maintenance operations, fire safety and security issues, oversee buildings’ cleaning activities, utilities infrastructure and are in charge of space management.
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.
Property developer: Property developers buy land, finance deals, order construction projects and orchestrate the process of development. They purchase a tract of land, decide on a marketing strategy, and develop the building program. Developers must also obtain legal approval and financing. When the project is finished, they may lease, manage, or sell the property.
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.
Real estate surveyor: Real estate surveyors undertake research in order to assess the value of property for tax purposes. They investigate multiple properties at once, using accurate appraisal techniques. They provide their services usually to local and governmental bodies for taxation reasons.
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.
Housing manager: Housing managers oversee housing services for tenants or residents. They work for housing associations or private organisations for which they collect rental fees, inspect properties, suggest and implement improvements concerning repairs or neighbour nuissance issues, maintain communication with tenants, handle housing applications and liaise with local authorities and property managers. They hire, train and supervise personnel.
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.
Interior architect: Interior architects create plans of the interior of a home, building or other structure. They determine the specifications and distribution of the space. Interior architects combine an understanding of space with a sense for aesthetics in order to create a harmonious interior design. They draw architectural drawings using computer-aided equipment and software, or using conventional methods like paper and pen.
Building inspector: Building inspectors perform inspections of buildings to determine compliance with specifications for various focuses of assessment. They observe and determine the suitability of construction, quality and resistance, and general compliance with regulations.
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.
Renewable energy sales representative: Renewable energy sales representatives assess clients’ energy supply needs, and attempt to secure sales of renewable energy methods. They promote renewable energy suppliers and the use of renewable energy products, and liaise with consumers to increase sales.

 


 

References

  1. Energy performance of buildings – ESCO

 

Last updated on September 20, 2022