Energy Consultant Responsibilities

An organization uses several energy resources to run their factory operations. Depending upon the nature of their operations and the production requirements, organizations choose appropriate sources of energy. Various available energy resources are petroleum, electricity, wind, hydro, thermal, etc. An organization makes efforts to choose an energy resource that suits their requirements the best. They consider several factors like cost effectiveness, time effectiveness, production, quantity of input required, wastages, etc. The organization relies upon the advisory and analytical abilities of an expert to help them choose the best energy resources. This expert is the energy consultant. His main responsibility is to advise the organization on adopting the most effective energy management plan. However, there is more to energy consultant responsibilities and hence, here is a detailed description of the same for your reference.

We have categorized the responsibilities of an energy consultant on the basis of this main profile and key functional areas of work. This categorization is made to help the aspirants realize the scope of functions performed by the energy consultant.

Analytical Responsibilities

• Take an overview of the organization's needs with respect to energy consumption
• Study the effectiveness of the energy plans currently applied at the organization
• Calculate the resource wastages that occur as a result of use of inefficient energy resources
• Find out the various energy resources that can be used as an alternative to the existing ones
• Apply the several alternative resources and determine a resource that is most cost-effective and production-effective

Consultation Responsibilities

• Convey the results of the initial energy assessment tests to the organization
• Suggest a hybrid energy resource, which is a combination of two or more resources of energy for the organization
• Give an overview of the alternative energy resources available such as electricity, solar, thermal, etc., and explain its benefits and disadvantages
• Advise the organization on the best method to install and operate the energy system
• Consult the organization on following the safety protocols necessary for operating machineries
• Purchase the safety gears for the staff members as suitable to their production procedures
• Suggest names of vendors and manufacturers who sell the raw materials or machineries required for energy generation
• Negotiate between the members and find the best price for the deal

Legal Responsibilities

• Keep track of the protocols laid down by the health and safety laws as applicable to the organization's nature
• Evaluate the energy efficiency plans implemented at the organization and check its consistency with the expected standards
• Make certain the residue and wastages created post production are treated effectively and do not contribute to environmental pollution
• Ensure the energy resources adopted by the organization are purchased, generated, and utilized in a legally prescribed manner

Energy Consultant Responsibilities

If you are keen on making a career as an energy consultant, then you need to acquire relevant qualifications in energy management. You can complete graduation in earth science, energy management, power management, environmental engineering, etc. Sharpen your knowledge in different energy management solutions and methods of adopting them efficiently. You can acquire the qualification of CEA (Certified Energy Auditor) or CEM (Certified Energy Manager).

Work opportunities are available in several manufacturing units that require huge energy set-up. Also, consultants are hired by the government agencies who conduct research work to discover eco-friendly energy resources. Consultation work is not subject to major health hazards. However, he must undertake all precautions while performing production operations to prevent accidents. The demand for energy consultants is expected to increase rapidly in the coming years. With increasing emphasis on reducing costs, averting negative impact on the environment, and improving productivity, more and more organizations are taking help from energy consultants to manage the organization's energy needs.

Energy consultant responsibilities include advising organizations on adopting efficient energy resources that will reduce inputs without hampering the output. A consultant performs analytical, coordination, and legal responsibilities too in addition to his chief responsibilities. We hope this information has helped you understand the job profile comprehensively.