Energy advisors, professionals yes or no?
The provision of advice on energy solutions is a new and emerging business and as such there are a diverse number of business models that are being tried and tested. It is simple to become an energy advisor, you simply decide to become one and blaze your own trail. That appears to be the current state of play in the industry given that it is a relatively new field and one that is constantly evolving. A profession is defined as;
"... a vocation founded upon specialized educational training, the purpose of which is to supply disinterested objective counsel and service to others, for a direct and definite compensation, wholly apart from expectation of other business gain." (Source)
As a admitted lawyer (albeit non-practising) I have some insight as to the requirements and the benefits of being a member of a recognised profession and it is my view that the provision of professional advice in return for remuneration (whatever your model) is one that could well fit within the definition of a profession as provided. It is my firm belief that proper independent energy management advice provided at the early stages of construction or renovation in either residential or commercial sectors can unlock synergies that will potentially yield significant financial benefits to the client. I also believe that proper advice on where and how to adapt to new efficient technologies is one of the best financial investments a consumer can make. It is not uncommon to see commercial customers invest as little as $5,000 and have realise ROE in excess of 100% p.a. The correct advice can have significant implications to the outcome of a project and provide new avenues for builders and developers particularly but also has strong synergies with the financial advice sector as we are providing legitimate means of wealth creation and investment that generates real returns.
So, the questions I pose (and I do so not claiming to have an answers, but rather to invoke discussion) are as follows;
- What universal skill set should energy management advisors have? clearly a holistic understanding of a broad range of energy options is vital, but in my view a certain amount of project and risk management knowledge is also essential.
- What level of professional recognition do you think is desirable? Full professional recognition as the traditional professions have? or is a para-professional such as a mortgage broker a more desirable model?
- Do we need to be regulated and governed by a code of ethics?
- Should we look to form a unified professional body which members can seek to become part of for the purpose of establishing and maintaining industry standards?or simply be left to our own devices?
- What role would such a body play? Could it serve to improve general industry standards by providing certification to suppliers and businesses?
My personal view is that I see our role as that of a para-professional, kind of a combination between mortgage broker, financial advisor and project consultant. We can apply our knowledge in the industry to ensure that clients have peace of mind in ensuring they are getting the maximum ROE (no matter how small or large their investment), from a quality supplier with guaranteed after sales service. We can also provide a source of contact rather than the client having to deal with a myriad of suppliers and installers. This benefits both the client and the customer and we should be properly remunerated for this service.
Whether or not you agree or disagree with my views and think that there might be merit in them, or alternatively that I am simply being an idealist, either way I would love to hear your comments. My belief is that "from little things, big things grow". To further facilitate the discussion, I have set up a brand new linked in group to exchange ideas between as many consultants and professionals as possible (yes the title is a little tongue in cheek). But if you're in the business of consulting on green solutions, no matter what they be, please feel free to join and contribute to the discussion.
Society of Energy Management Professional Advisors
Dad, Husband and Collaborative Founder - Ecocentric Services, Atlas Soils and Resource Recovery Network
7 年Great discussion Richard. The profession would need to ask itself this question, am I trying to save someone money on a power bill, or am I an 'Energy consultant'? The former is easy and driven my mathematical assumptions that are incongruent with everyday life and the latter is the approach the world needs - holistic energy management. For example, holistic energy managers would first have a fundamental background in behavioural science (most efficient energy efficiency technology is the human brain), then water management (most profound energy conservation in Townsville is through reduction in electricity use in lawns), THEN what most consider energy infrastructure (pv, leds, gas, white roofs etc).So.....an energy manager does not simply understand how to save a client money on their power bills - they have an appreciation of the embedded energy/synergies across human behaviours, water, waste and traditional infrastructure options on energy...nature has this covered and has been doing it for millions of years.
Manager at Wangaratra Supa Bowl
7 年How big is your vision? If you see this as world wide, or even Australia wide, become bullet proof. Skill set should be not to learn everything but to have passionate people in place for each skill set. Baby steps first, what is your end goal? If your passionate, there is no extra energy to be part time, be effective and efficient find the need and fill it. Sit down with Luke minded people and map it out. There are so many questions before giving you a clear answer. Education is the key, I find most people don't know how to read their bills, nor understand them on any level. Eg, a friend asked me to help, then had original company call back with a bigger discount, but now is paying more. Of course they didn't ask the right questions. I said when you discount something do you discount on your price, retain price or competitors price. If you buying an apple at 50% off and your competitor is 25% off which is better price? Only when you know price before discount can you answer. Hope this helps, I use the personal touch and I like to think give better service. Have an awesome day