能源/建筑改造专家

工作日程

Energy/Building Retrofit Specialists work full-time with occasional overtime to meet project deadlines. The job involves traveling to retrofit sites, which may sometimes be outside the local area. Workers must practice safety measures to avoid mishaps and injuries.

典型职责

• Inspect residential and commercial buildings to identify energy inefficiency issues  
• Conduct comprehensive audits using tools like blower doors and infrared cameras for diagnostic testing  
• Interpret data and compile findings into detailed efficiency reports  
• Identify electrical, plumbing, roofing, and flashing installation needs  
• Propose effective energy-saving solutions and retrofit measures  
• Collaborate with engineers, architects, and policymakers, as needed
• Report preexisting conditions outside the work scope  
• Gather necessary equipment, materials, and supplies before starting the work  
• Safely handle materials and equipment according to specifications. 
  Follow safety protocols for rigging and ventilation. Wear protective gear, as required
• Implement retrofit measures such as installing dense pack insulation, duct sealing, high-performing energy-efficient appliances, air sealing, moisture barriers, mechanical ventilation systems, etc.
• Install new windows and doors, ensuring proper insulation and fit  
• Use protective barriers, such as drop cloths, to safeguard the area
• Identify and mitigate combustion appliance safety hazards
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations; advise clients on how to comply, as needed

额外责任

• Attend crew debriefings, safety meetings, and training sessions
• Address any deviations from the original work scope  
• Clean up job sites; ensure proper disposal of waste materials  
• Account for all tools used
• Perform maintenance and calibration of auditing equipment
• Engage in public education related to energy efficiency and sustainability
• Stay informed on evolving standards and technologies

软技能

• 适应性
• 分析性思维
• 注重细节
• 清晰的沟通
• 对质量保证的承诺
• 成本意识  
• 批判性思维
• 顾客服务技能
• 注重细节
• 独立性
• 身体耐力
• 解决问题
• 具有安全意识的
• 健全的判断力
• 团队合作
• 视觉化

技术技能

• Basic engineering principles
• Blueprints, technical plans, and drawings
• Building energy modeling software (in some cases)
• Computer-aided design (in some cases)
• Building science and energy systems
• 能在高处工作的人
• Data analysis and report writing skills
• Energy auditing tools like blower doors and infrared cameras
• Energy regulations and building codes
• 一般数学技能
• HVAC systems and building envelope components
• 正常（或可矫正）视力
• 身体素质和灵巧程度
• Safely working with raw materials
• 良好的手眼协调

• 咨询公司
• 政府机构
• 研究机构
• Retrofit construction companies
• Sustainability non-profits

Energy/Building Retrofit Specialists often work outdoors, sometimes under challenging conditions. They must have a solid understanding of client needs, the building they are working on, and the precise materials being used or equipment being installed (such as solar paneling, heat pumps, and external wall insulation).

In addition, they must stay up-to-date on evolving technologies and standards related to retrofitting. Workers must identify all potential hazards and diligently practice safety protocols to avoid mishaps and injuries.  

Buildings account for 40% of energy use plus a substantial amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Because of this, it’s vital to make efficiency improvements to achieve climate goals​​.

Retrofitting plays a huge role in making such improvements, as the demand for energy-efficient buildings continues to rise. There’s a growing trend to incorporate renewable and affordable energy sources like solar panels in buildings.

Meanwhile, advanced technologies like building automation systems, smart thermostats, and IoT sensors are helping to optimize energy use. Another trend is enhancing building envelopes with better insulation, high-performance windows, and doors. 

Energy/Building Retrofit Specialists often had an early interest in sustainability and environmental issues. They likely enjoyed physical activities and being outside a lot, too, and may have assisted with construction-related projects. There’s some math and science involved in the job, so they were probably good at those subjects in high school.