An energy manager is usually responsible for monitoring a facility's heating, cooling, and power consumption, as well as recommending ways to improve energy efficiency. He might do this by conducting inspections on machinery, furnaces, air conditioners, or water heaters to make sure they are working properly. A manager might also run a cost-analysis of different fuels or renewable energy sources to see if making a switch could save the company money. Other times, he might try to raise awareness of energy consumption in the workplace in order to get coworkers to abolish wasteful practices.
Many companies who are faced with ever-increasing utility bills find themselves looking for ways to reduce their power consumption in order to keep operating costs down. Hiring an energy manager is one way of doing this. This individual can often recommend ways to reduce energy usage without compromising the day-to-day operations of the business.
Heating and cooling units can consume a great deal of energy for many businesses. For this reason, an energy manager may keep a watchful eye on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment to see that it is operating efficiently. He may be able to spot problems that could cause units to be inefficient and waste energy. The manager might also identify ways to reduce the burden on HVAC equipment by recommending weatherproofing measures.
An energy manager must stay up-to-date with the latest changes in technology. This is so he can know when advanced equipment or new methods of receiving power might be available. By knowing about technological advances, he can often conduct research to see if buying new equipment or installing solar panels could be a cost-effective move for management to make.
Many times, an energy manager can more effectively reduce power consumption when other employees join in the effort. For this reason, a manager may try to raise awareness of this issue with his co-workers. This could be accomplished by holding a seminar to discuss ways workers can use less energy while performing their daily tasks. It could also involve conducting an advertising campaign by placing signs and posters throughout the facility.
People who are interested in becoming an energy manager should have a background in HVAC systems, along with some knowledge of electrical engineering. Supervisory experience is often preferred, but is not usually required. Individuals who seek this career path can often save their employers two to three times the annual salary they are paid, making this a profitable venture for all concerned.