Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Operational Carbon • Thermochromic Glass • Building Envelope

Energy Modeling

Term from Green Building industry explained for recruiters

Energy Modeling is a way to predict how much energy a building will use before it's built or renovated. It's like creating a digital simulation of a building to test different designs and systems to find the most energy-efficient options. Think of it as a forecast that helps building designers and owners make smart choices about things like heating, cooling, lighting, and insulation. This work is becoming more important as companies focus on reducing energy costs and meeting environmental regulations. People who do this work use special computer programs to analyze buildings, similar to how architects use design software, but focused on energy use.

Examples in Resumes

Created Energy Modeling analysis that reduced building energy costs by 30%

Performed Energy Model simulations for LEED certification projects

Led Building Energy Modeling studies for 5 commercial buildings

Developed Energy Performance Models to optimize HVAC system designs

Typical job title: "Energy Modelers"

Also try searching for:

Building Energy Modeler Energy Analyst Building Performance Analyst Sustainability Consultant Energy Engineer Building Science Engineer Green Building Consultant

Where to Find Energy Modelers

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you approach energy modeling for a large commercial building project?

Expected Answer: Should describe a systematic approach including gathering building plans, working with architects and engineers, considering different energy-saving options, and being able to explain results to non-technical stakeholders. Should mention experience with complex projects and team leadership.

Q: How do you validate your energy models against actual building performance?

Expected Answer: Should explain methods for comparing predicted vs actual energy use, ways to calibrate models, and how to adjust assumptions based on real-world data. Should mention experience with post-occupancy evaluation.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when modeling a building's energy use?

Expected Answer: Should mention climate data, building orientation, insulation levels, window specifications, HVAC systems, lighting, and occupancy patterns. Should show understanding of how these factors interact.

Q: How do you determine the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency measures?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic concepts of payback periods, return on investment, and life-cycle cost analysis. Should demonstrate ability to compare different energy-saving options.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What energy modeling software are you familiar with?

Expected Answer: Should be able to name common software tools and describe basic capabilities. Should show understanding of fundamental energy modeling concepts.

Q: How does weather data affect energy modeling results?

Expected Answer: Should explain how temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind affect building energy use. Should understand the importance of using appropriate weather data.