Is becoming an energy auditor right for me?
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How to become an Energy Auditor
Employers usually seek energy auditors who have a high school diploma or some training in the field and who are BPI (Building Performance Institute) certified. BPI's building analyst certification is the basic level of certification for energy auditors. Passing this exam identifies an individual as being able to perform comprehensive home energy audits and identify solutions to energy problems based on building science.
Typically, energy auditor training programs are offered by schools that operate departments focusing on work training programs or have in-house workforce development centres. Programs include lectures and hands-on training on how to conduct home energy audits and use computerized energy audit software programs. Other topics include building science, energy conservation strategies, building assessments, diagnosing air leaks, water heating, thermal imaging, blower door testing and calculating heat loss.
Although the majority of employers seek candidates with training and experience in the field, some seek candidates who possess an associate's or bachelor's degree in building science, building construction technology or a related field. Associate's degree programs in building science typically require two years of study. These programs include classes in topics like construction materials, CAD documentation and construction math. Bachelor's degree programs in these fields, which normally require four years to complete, include classes in commercial construction technology, building law and building equipment.
Careers in energy auditing are one of the fastest-growing energy consulting jobs in the United States and Canada. As the demand for energy auditing services increases over the next decade, the job description of energy auditors will surely narrow to encompass even more technical and scientific analysis.