Green Certification: A Career as a Certified Energy Auditor

Energy conservation is one the fastest growing sectors around the globe right now.  This is quite a statement given the state of the world economy.  But business and consumer investment into conserving energy provides returns on many levels.  The investment saves money immediately and for the foreseeable future due to decreased energy bills.  This reduction in energy usage will play a huge role in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel energy production, thereby helping countries to meet targeted greenhouse gas limits.

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You would be hard pressed to find an area of the world where energy conservation is not a hot topic.  New York City has estimated that it has 22,000 buildings over 50,000 square feet that need retrofitting for energy conservation.  The city has initiated a plan to require building owners to follow through.  The province of Ontario in Canada has enacted legislation to require all homes to have an energy audit performed during the sale process.  Many governments around the world have also enacted energy conservation policies: India, UK, China, Romania, just to name a diverse few.  What does all of this mean?  Huge job growth in the energy conservation field.

As a result of the growth in this field, the certifications of Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) and Certified Energy Auditor in Training (CEAIT) were developed and added to the broad portfolio of professional certifications offered by the association of Energy Engineers. The objectives of the certification according the association are:

• - To raise the professional standards of those engaged in energy auditing.
• - To improve the practice of energy auditors by encouraging energy auditing in a continuing education program of professional development.
• - To identify persons with acceptable knowledge of the principles and practices of energy auditing through completing an examination and fulfilling prescribed standards of performance and conduct.
• - To award special recognition to those energy auditing professionals who have demonstrated a high level of competence and ethical fitness in energy auditing.

The certification requirements are variable depending on education and experience.  This is a technical area so an engineering degree or two year technical degree are the educational path to certification unless you already have 10 years of verifiable experience in the field.  This certification is also available internationally, so you do not have to live in the United States to pursue this career opportunity.  For more information on the certification visit the Association of Energy Engineers’ website at: http://www.aeecenter.org/certification/CEApage.htm