There’s a number of subtle differences between energy manager and energy auditor. An energy manager seeks to optimize energy usage of a facility or business. In contrast, an energy auditor inspects and analyzes the energy consumption of a building or property with the intent of minimizing it.
Each of these roles has different responsibilities and skill sets. They differ based on their tools and where they spend most of their working hours. These two jobs differ in their responsibilities and functions within a company or organization.
The training and certification process varies between an energy editor and an energy manager. This article will detail how an energy manager differs from an energy auditor.
Energy Manager Overview
Energy managers control and operate energy management systems (EMS). They are also crucial for assessing business decisions that increase energy efficiency and sustainability.
Companies often hire energy managers to continuously monitor, revise, and evaluate the energy ecosystem within the building. Energy managers are responsible for recommending new equipment or technologies that can lessen energy waste and, in turn, save money.
These are just a few of the responsibilities of an energy manager:
- Create energy-saving strategies using energy audit data
- Present project proposals to make the building more energy-efficient
- Review the company’s utility budget and identify money-saving opportunities without compromising the energy system’s output
- Research new sustainability trends, especially in the renewable energy sector
- Report conservation measures and energy management activities
If you plan to become a full-fledged energy manager, you need first to be eligible for the position. The role requires you to have a degree in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses. You also need to have at least four years of related experience.
One pathway is to attend a four or a five-day energy manager with certification course run by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).
Another way is to become an Investment Grade Energy Auditor and apply that knowledge to implementing activities that save energy, and not just advising on them.
Energy Auditor Overview
Energy auditors visit homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities to evaluate the site’s energy efficiency. They use various diagnostics and measurement tools to fully understand how energy is used within a structure or building.
The data collected by the energy auditor is then used to identify inefficient equipment and areas. Energy auditors are also tasked with identifying the cause of such inefficiencies and recommending corrective measures.
Below are some of the duties of an energy auditor:
- Gather and analyze data from a facility or location
- Perform different tests to locate energy wastes such as duct leaks
- Calculate energy efficiencies and potential energy savings
- Research if the client is eligible for any government assistance to improve energy efficiency
- Identify energy-efficient technologies appropriate for the site
- Recommend potential energy-saving measures
If you want to be a certified energy auditor, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. If you have a four-year architectural or engineering degree, you typically need at least three years experience. Unrelated degrees and associate degrees require more experience.
One pathway is to become a Certified Energy Auditor (CEA). Individuals applying for the certificate must also have participated in at least five commercial audits within the past three years. Furthermore, they must have at least two hours of safety training.
Once qualified, you need to attend a four-day training course approved by the AEE. The lessons you’ll take focus on energy survey procedures and various calculation methods.
Finally, you need to pass an open-book examination on the last day of the training. Another pathway is to become an Investment Grade Energy Auditor
Energy Manager Vs. Energy Auditor
Another key difference between energy manager and energy auditor is their tools.
Most energy managers primarily use energy management software to interpret and analyze data. Some companies also expect their energy managers to have management system skills since they’ll meet with clients.
Meanwhile, energy auditors are more attuned to using diagnostics and measurement equipment. They also spend most of their time on their clients’ buildings or facilities to perform the audit. However, they also use a list of computer programs for their computations and data tabulation.
This table explains some of the disparities between an energy auditor and an energy manager.
| Role/ Position | Primary Responsibility | Core Skills | Workplace | Median Annual Salary |
| Energy Auditor | – Examine the energy system of a facility – Identify any energy inefficiencies | – Ability to use a wide variety of power measurement tools – Knowledge of HVAC and other electrical systems – Ability to perform sampling and sub-metering techniques | Often at the field to perform energy inspections | $89,503 |
| Energy Manager | – Manage an organization’s energy usage – Enhance the energy efficiency of a building | – Knowledge of energy utility systems – Strong technical and quantitative skills – Proficient in Microsoft Office and EMS Software | Mostly office-based but may also be required in the field | $110,172 |
Many sustainability companies often have an organizational structure where energy auditors work under an energy manager.
Meanwhile, some energy auditors and managers also work as residential and commercial property consultants.
Become an Energy Auditor Today
Getting your energy auditor certification is a crucial investment if you want to improve your career in the energy industry. Sustainability Education Academy (Sustemy) can help you become an Investment Grade Energy Auditor.
Sustemy can help you ace your exams through practical and relevant online training courses for energy auditing. Our courses are also available for life once you sign up. With Sustemy, you are one step closer to your career goals.
