Renewable energy consultant
Inspire people and businesses to embrace a greener future by using renewable energy sources like wind or solar.
Also known as: energy consultant
About the job
What it's like
As a renewable energy consultant, you’ll help people and businesses to use renewable energy sources like solar, wind or hydroelectric. You’ll check how much energy they use and give advice on how to switch to safer, greener sources.
It’s an incredibly important job that helps protect the planet by making sure people use energy that’s good for the environment.
Your tasks might include:
carrying out energy audits, finding out how much energy a client uses and identifying areas for improvement
analysing the different renewable energy options and how they can be applied
collecting and logging data
writing reports with recommendations
presenting to clients
keeping up to date with the latest government policy and regulations on renewable energy
completing environmental impact assessments for clients
carrying out financial analysis of a renewable energy project
Green job
In this job you’ll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- adaptability
- attention to detail
- written communication
- researching
- problem solving
- building relationships
- analysing
- developing a plan
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Physics
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Geography
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Environmental Science
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Chemistry
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Business Management
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Design and Manufacture
You’ll likely need a degree or postgraduate qualification for this job. You can work towards this after school by going to university, college or by getting an apprenticeship.
Explore the information you need for each route to this career.
University
For many roles, you'll need a degree or postgraduate qualification. Subjects related to the environment and sustainability are very useful, such as:
environmental engineering
environmental management
environmental science
environmental sustainability
earth sciences
sustainability
sustainable development
sustainable energy
Other subjects which could be helpful for this career include:
agricultural science
biology
chemistry
technology
geography
environmental science
What you need to enter a degree course will vary depending on the subject and university. For an environmental science degree, you'll likely need:
at least 3 or 4 Highers at C or better, including science subjects
National 5 qualifications in at least 1 science subject
Some universities will have higher entry requirements, these are what you'll need as a minimum. A relevant HNC or HND will allow you to apply for some courses.
For entry to a postgraduate course, you'll need an honours degree in a relevant subject.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find work or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
environmental science
physics
sciences
geography
What you'll need for a college course will depend on the qualification level, subject and college. As a guide, for an HND in Environmental Management, you'll likely need one or two Highers at C or better, including a relevant subject such as a science.
Apprenticeships
You can start learning the skills you'll need in this career through a Foundation Apprenticeship (FA). While you're in S5 or S6, you'll gain work experience while you study.
You might want to consider an FA in areas such as:
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you break into the environmental sector. Search for opportunities on Volunteer.scot.
Find more volunteering through:
You can join the Society for the Environment or another environmental membership body. This can help develop professional contacts and find training opportunities.
A membership of chartered institutions and professional societies can provide access to career guidance and networking opportunities. Some relevant bodies include:
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