Becoming Energy auditor

An energy auditor is an expert in energy and how it is used in an industry or building. They assess energy performance, establish diagnostics, and propose solutions to limit losses, optimize costs, and reduce harmful emissions for the environment and public health.

The energy auditor is involved in housing sales (houses) and the industry. Their tasks vary and depend greatly on the company they work for.

Since a 2022 decree, the energy auditor is involved in housing sales and real estate complexes, as well as in the classification of "energy sieves" (poorly insulated homes). Their job is to improve the ratings of the concerned buildings to comply with current energy regulations.

Energy engineers collect complex data, perform 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 giving it a rating from A to G. It informs the buyer about the associated energy costs, energy losses, and how to address them. This evaluation, carried out by the energy audit professional, is mandatory in most property sales.

Once the energy auditor has performed their diagnosis, they prepare recommendations for energy renovation activities. Their work significantly improves the rating of a home. Depending on the client’s budget and expectations, they may propose several options for the renovation work.

Once the solutions are discussed with the client, the energy auditor supports them in implementing the work. They also assist in obtaining state subsidies to finance the projects.

Once the tasks are completed, the energy audit professional continues to support their clients in monitoring the renovation projects. They ensure the effectiveness of the proposed solutions and adjust their action plan if necessary.

The skills of an energy auditor are numerous and cover several areas such as physics, architecture, risk assessment, and ecology.

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.

They continuously monitor new materials and solutions to offer efficient, innovative, tailor-made tools adapted to their client's needs.

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.

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.

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.

Depending on their personal aspirations, level of education, and ambitions, the energy audit professional can choose from several career paths.

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.

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.

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.

The salary and working conditions of the energy auditor vary significantly depending on the level of education achieved.

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.

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.

Energy audits, as part of a sustainable approach, have a significant impact on reducing the carbon footprint of buildings and improving their thermal comfort.

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.

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.

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.

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.