Commercial energy assessor
Test how businesses use energy in their buildings. You'll rate their performance and offer advice to help reduce their carbon footprint.
About the job
What it's like
Are you keen on a green career? As a commercial energy assessor, you'll help reduce the impact high energy use has on the environment.
Buildings require many things – heating, water and electricity, among others – all of which come with an energy cost. By law, businesses need to have their energy use rated on how efficient it is. That's where you come in!
You'll look at the performance of commercial buildings. Think shopping centres, cinemas and offices. You'll give them an energy rating and offer advice on ways they can improve it.
If you've got an eye for detail and want a job that benefits the environment, a career as a commercial energy assessor could be perfect for you.
Your tasks might include:
inspecting commercial buildings
recording information on buildings' age, number and size of floors, rooms and windows, building type and heating and hot water systems
producing Non-Domestic Energy Performance Certificates (NDEPCs)
explaining energy performance information to clients and business owners
giving advice on ways to reduce energy costs and improve efficiency
consulting on energy efficiency to investors and people looking to build commercial properties
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Scottish Government – commercial energy assessor accreditation in Scotland
Prospects – a guide to sustainable careers
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- taking initiative
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- written communication
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Computing Science
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Skills for Work: Energy
Not all employers ask for specific qualifications but they do ask for relevant experience, usually work-based.
To become a commercial energy assessor, you'll need previous experience in a related field, such as:
engineering – energy engineering is particularly useful
For this job, you’ll need an Energy Assessment qualification and a portfolio. The only way to get this is through Energy Trust – they offer a range of courses both online and at training centres.
Don't have any formal qualifications? Employers may consider your application if you can show you have knowledge and experience of the industry.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a commercial energy assessor. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Some commercial energy assessors are self-employed, so skills in communication and leadership can be important.
To become a certifier of issuing Certificates of Design, The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has developed the approved certifier scheme for design.
