Becoming Energy auditor
An energy auditor is a professional who evaluates how efficiently a building uses energy and identifies opportunities to reduce consumption and costs. Through inspections, data analysis, and testing methods such as blower door or thermographic scans, they assess heating, cooling, lighting, insulation, and equipment performance. The energy auditors then provides recommendations ranging from simple behavioral changes to major upgrades like insulation improvements, HVAC replacements, or renewable energy solutions. Energy audits help organizations, homeowners, and businesses cut utility bills, improve comfort, and lower carbon emissions. Depending on the scope, audits can be walk-through assessments or detailed investment-grade analyses.
What does an energy audit involve ?
An energy audit is a structured energy assessment that evaluates how efficiently a building or facility uses energy. The audit process typically involves data collection, site inspections, and analysis of heating, cooling, lighting, and insulation systems. Professionals who conduct energy audits identify areas of energy loss, inefficiency, or overconsumption, then provide tailored recommendations to improve performance. The findings are compiled in detailed audit reports, outlining practical solutions such as upgrades, retrofits, or behavioral changes. By implementing these measures, organizations and homeowners can lower energy costs, enhance sustainability, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards while reducing their carbon footprint.
Energy audits deliver multiple benefits, from immediate cost savings to long-term energy savings. By identifying waste and inefficiencies, they help reduce energy consumption and guide cost-effective improvements. The result is a more energy-efficient building, lower utility bills, and a positive environmental impact that supports sustainable growth.
Since 2023, regulatory energy audits have been mandatory for any owner selling a home classified as F or G, known as a thermal sieve. This measure, which stems from French thermal regulations, aims to better inform buyers, accelerate energy renovation, and combat overconsumption.
Energy engineers collect complex data, set up automated analyses, and use artificial intelligence and new technologies to establish their diagnosis.
The energy performance diagnosis (DPE) indicates the energy and climate performance of an apartment or house by assigning it a rating from A to G. It informs the buyer of a building about the associated energy costs, energy losses, and how to remedy them. This assessment, carried out by an energy audit professional, is mandatory in most cases of property sales.
Once the energy audit professional has carried out their assessment, they prepare an action plan for energy renovation activities. Their work can significantly improve a home's energy rating and thus reduce energy waste. Depending on the client's budget and expectations, they may propose several options for the work.
Once the solutions have been discussed with the customer, the energy auditor supports them in carrying out the work. They also offer assistance with the procedures for obtaining government grants to finance the projects.
Once the work has been completed, the energy audit professional continues to assist their clients in monitoring the renovation projects. They ensure the effectiveness of the proposed solutions and adjust their action plan if necessary.
What tools do energy auditors use?
Energy auditors use advanced tools to ensure accurate assessments. Thermal infrared cameras detect heat loss and insulation gaps, while energy management software analyzes consumption patterns. They also apply efficient technologies like smart meters and sensors to measure performance, helping identify cost-saving opportunities and improve overall building efficiency.
Key skills of an energy auditor
The skills of an energy auditor are numerous and cover several areas such as physics, architecture, risk assessment, and ecology.
- Mastery of thermal diagnostics and energy analysis techniques: As an expert in thermal renovation, the energy audit professional masters all technical aspects of diagnosis and analysis. They are well-versed in different methods and know which one to implement depending on the case.
- Knowledge of materials and energy renovation solutions: They continuously monitor new materials and solutions to offer efficient, innovative, tailor-made tools adapted to their client's needs.
- Ability to conduct studies and interpret energy data: As an expert in energy data, the energy auditor knows how to conduct and interpret in-depth and relevant studies. When working for demanding clients, they can perform large-scale studies requiring the handling of vast data.
- Ability to guide clients towards available subsidies and grants: The energy auditor is fully aware of the subsidies and grants available to finance energy renovation work. They are knowledgeable about all programs and their legal and regulatory developments to provide relevant information. Several mechanisms, such as CEE, MaPrimeRénov’, EcoPTZ, or ANAH, can be combined.
- Project management and renovation work follow-up skills: The energy auditor is also skilled in project management as they coordinate renovation work and oversee the tasks of different stakeholders. When working in the industry or a consulting firm, they manage large-scale projects.
How to become an energy auditor ?
emlyon business school offers the MSc in Management in Energy Transitions. This Master of Science is a two-year programme designed to train experts capable of leading local and international projects at the heart of the global energy transition. Faced with the challenges of decarbonisation, electrification and digitalisation, you will develop essential technical skills that deepen your understanding of energy systems, which is crucial for managing complex and sustainable projects. This immersive programme includes field trips, internships with industry leaders and courses at an international level. An energy auditor certification might be required to qualify as a certified energy professional, ensuring credibility, compliance, and recognition in this growing field.
Upon entry to the school, you will have access to the alumni network and partner companies, which will support you throughout your career in France and abroad.
If you are interested in the energy sector, are ambitious, and have a solid academic background, don't hesitate to contact the school for more information on the program, admission criteria, and financing options.
Career opportunities and prospects for an energy auditor
Depending on their personal aspirations, level of education, and ambitions, the energy audit professional can choose from several career paths.
Working for design firms, renovation organizations, or independently
The energy auditor can work in design firms, managing several projects simultaneously. In a company, they will oversee all the energy transition projects of the organization. If it's a large multinational, they will manage a team and have extended responsibilities.
They can also hold a position in a renovation organization, where they might manage a team of technicians, or work independently.
Opportunities in the public sector and local authorities
Since energy transition has become a top priority for public authorities, many career opportunities are now available in this sector. The government and its subsidiaries are looking for professionals trained to excellence in prestigious schools to oversee major projects.
Possible advancement to positions in energy efficiency management
Depending on the level of education and experience, the energy auditor can move up to more responsible roles in the energy efficiency field. They can become an energy efficiency engineer, thermal business manager, project manager in regulatory studies for urban projects, or even an engineer in decarbonization research and expertise, for example.
Salary and working conditions for an energy auditor
The salary and working conditions of the energy auditor vary significantly depending on the level of education achieved.
Average salary based on experience, qualifications, and region
The average salary of an energy auditor is around 35,000 euros at the beginning of their career if they hold the minimum qualifications. However, if they are an engineer with a master's degree (bac +5), they can expect a much higher salary, reaching 100,000 euros annually after a few years of experience. They will often work in the Paris region and may travel abroad, especially if they work for a multinational company.
Working conditions: environment, travel, client relations
If working as a technician, the energy audit professional’s work environment is on-site, in buildings and industrial facilities that they will diagnose. They will frequently travel and will be in constant direct contact with clients.
On the other hand, the industrial auditor, if they are an engineer, works in offices. They work in teams and receive reports from field technicians. They process data from the company’s headquarters but may also occasionally travel.
The energy auditor can work with other expert such as energy analyst, energy manager and energy consultant.
The impact of energy audits on building renovation
Energy audits, as part of a sustainable approach, have a significant impact on reducing the carbon footprint of buildings and improving their thermal comfort.
Contribution to reducing the carbon footprint of buildings
Thanks to energy audits and the subsequent renovation work, the carbon footprint of buildings can be significantly reduced. Engineers also contribute to the energy optimization of sectors like logistics, retail, IT services, industry, and healthcare.
Improvement of thermal comfort in housing and commercial buildings
Through the renovation work they recommend, energy audit professionals help improve the thermal comfort of buildings and optimize costs. By implementing ecological transition strategies, they are essential for industries, local authorities, and large companies.
Conclusion
Becoming an energy auditor is a growing profession that provides certified and qualified experts with the responsibility to improve how buildings operate. By assessing HVAC systems, air conditioning, water use, and the building envelope, auditors help owners and managers understand energy usage compared to efficiency standards. Through software analysis, benchmarking, and documenting performance, they provide written reports that determine cost-effective improvement strategies, from weatherization to solar integration. Recognized credentials, such as those from the Department of Energy, ASHRAE, or the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), ensure credibility and trust. This career requires specialized training and knowledge, but the benefits are significant: lower energy bills, environmental protection, and enhanced building performance. With future demand increasing in residential energy, industrial energy, and building commissioning, certified energy auditors play a vital role in providing essential services that save money while supporting sustainability.