Environmental Engineer

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Wind is a FREE and renewable energy resource.  This is an important factor for scientists if we want to create a sustainable energy supply without damaging our planet.

A Wind Analyst is a meteorological professional who studies the ‘way and flow’ of the winds by using advanced scientific models and equipment. 

Wind Analysts study the effects of wind to determine exactly where to build wind farm sites to get the maximum power out of the wind in that area.  They are meteorological (weather) experts. 

What does an Wind Analyst do?

• traveling from one site to another to set up equipment
• studying wind patterns using specialised technological equipment
• collating statistics
• locating wind farm sites
• creating a wind maps
• planning new wind farm sites
• advising various organisations, government etc on wind energy
• writing reports
• attending conferences etc

Are you . . . ?

• interested in science?
• inquisitive?
• wanting to help our planet?
• a person interested in ‘green’ occupations?
• a person who recycles?
• willing to travel?
• interested in working in very  windy conditions?
• technically astute?
• willing to do in-depth research?

How do I become a Wind Analyst?

Studying meteorology would probably be your best option.  See Meteorologist on our website for more details.

Most universities in South Africa offer courses in environmental science.  Check your local university for details. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Ecologist or Cartographer

Is becoming a Wind Analyst the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

OFO No:

What is a Solar Installer?

Solar energy can be used to generate:

• electricity
• heat water (hot water cylinders and swimming pools)
• heat or cool buildings 

Scientists these days are studying various ways of utilising the energy of the sun to create sustainable energy without damaging our planet.  Most countries are moving forward in this direction.
It is because of this, that companies and private individuals are installing solar power units into the businesses and residential homes. 

Solar Installers have a very exciting job of being at the forefront of technology and being part of the movement towards saving our planet.  If this excites you, then this is the job for you!

To become a Solar Installer, you do need training and depending and the amount of training will be determined by the exact form of solar installation you want to do.

What does a Solar Installer do?

• meets with clients to discuss requirements
• measures and takes notes
• installs, services and fixes solar equipment
• keeps records
• keeps up to date with new technology

Are you . . . ?

• interested in a ‘green’ career?
• interested in saving our planet?
• technical and practical?
• good with your hands?
• able to read and take directions?

How do I become a Solar Installer?

Training will depend on what field of solar installation you want to get involved in.  A background in electricity or engineering would be an advantage. 

Here are a few training options for you:

• SOLAR CON

Provides training in various aspects of solar.

http://www.solarcon.co.za/

• SESSA:  SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

http://www.sessa.org.za/

• WATERSMITH TRAINING CENTRE

Offers accredited courses in solar water heating installation (NQF Level 4)
Minimum requirement:  You must be a Qualified Plumber

http://www.watersmith.co.za/

• SA PLUMBING TRADE SCHOOL

Offers Solar Geyser Installation Courses

http://www.plumbingschool.co.za/solar-geyser-course.htm

• CEF GROUP OF COMPANIES

‘There is a registered unit standard on a NQF level 3 that has been accepted by the South African Qualifications Authority. The unit standard relates to the installation of solar water heater systems. The code of practice and the NQF unit standard will form the basis of the training within the project. Currently the training material is being designed to assist in the process of training new and current solar water heater installers.’ – CEF

http://www.cef.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=81&Itemid=14

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic or Pipe Fitter

Is becoming a Solar Installer the right career choice for me?

They plan eco-tours and accompany people to places of interest, giving them insight into the surrounding environment. 

They can include:

• survival courses,
• environmental preservation courses,
• training in water rescue and
• customised tour packages. 

They research the information for the tours they conduct and educate their clients accordingly.  This includes teaching them to use ecologically-friendly and recyclable products. 

Working with both local and overseas visitors ecologists need to have a sound knowledge of geology, flora, fauna, weather and animal behaviour, in order to answer numerous questions presented by clients. 

OFO No: 215103

Other names for Energy Engineer:

• Bio-energy Engineer 
• Energy Services Enginee 
• Hydro Energy Engineer 
• Nuclear Energy Engineer 
• Renewable Energy Engineer 
• Solar Energy Engineer 
• Wind Energy Engineer

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – All about Energy Engineering

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an  Energy Engineer?

Energy Engineers design, plan and perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and the removal of environmental health hazards using various engineering disciplines. They apply their engineering knowledge and skills to such things as environmental impact assessment, natural resources management and pollution control.  

Work may include waste treatment, site clearing, or pollution-control technology.

Environmental Engineering is concerned with local and worldwide environmental issues.

Environmental Engineers use the principles of Biology and Chemistry to provide practical solutions to problems related to the environment.

Environmental Engineers provide practical solutions to some of these problems, most significantly in the planning, design, repair and construction of public infrastructure systems such as water and sewage treatment plants, landfills, storm water and river control works.

Environmental Engineers may specialize in particular industry sectors such as the minerals industry, the chemical industry and civil engineering projects. They frequently work closely with other professionals, at times pooling expertise on particular projects. They may work in offices and/or outdoors when involved in construction projects

What does an Energy Engineer do?

• makes recommendations regarding energy and fuel selections
• prepares reports and technical documentation
• conducts field inspections
• monitors energy consumption
• conducts audits to evaluates energy use, costs or conservation measures
• manages the development, design, or construction of energy conservation projects
• oversees constructions
• evaluates construction design information such as detail and assembly drawings, design calculations, system layouts and sketches, or specifications.
• identifies energy savings opportunities and makes recommendations to achieve more energy efficient operation.
• reviews architectural, mechanical, or electrical plans and specifications to evaluate energy efficiency

Are you . . . ?

• computer literate?
• good at communicating?
• good at problem solving and making decisions?
• good at analysing data?
• a creative thinker?
• organised?
• knowledgeable about building and construction?
• good at mathematics and science?
• good at systems evaluation?

How do I become an Energy Engineer?

PATH 1

Bachelor degree or Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineer

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Kwazulu-Natal
• University of Pretoria
• University of South Africa (UNISA)
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Witwatersrand

PATH 2

Bachelor of Electrical Engineering

• 3 years of workplace experience (after registering as a Candidate Engineer with ECSA)
• Professional Review (after review, you can register as a Professional Engineer)
• Designation: Professional Engineer.
• NOTE: Only engineers registered with ECSA may use the designation Professional Engineer.

 TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

ENGINEERING COUNCIL of SA (ECSA)

• https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx

Environmental Engineering Technician

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What is a Green Builder?

A ‘Green’ Builder will usually use natural, sustainable building materials.

They are passionate about saving our environment and working with clients who embrace this point of view.

There are a number of ways to build homes and buildings using natural materials, such as:

• Straw Bales:
  

The straw (not hay) comes from the discarded stalks of wheat, rye, barley, rice etc, that the farmer would normally throw away, whereas , hay bales are made from feed grass and is specifically bundled for livestock.  That means that straw is much cheaper than hay and therefore and good, economical, sustainable building material.  Straw bales are laid then cemented and plastered in mud.

• Adobe : 

This is usually used to describe the building method using compacted earth or clay bricks.  Sometimes tar is added to make the mixture waterproof. 

• Cob: 

Cob houses are made of clumps (not ‘bricks’) of clay, sand and straw.  Wall surfaces may be smoothed or artistically sculptured to create unusual finishes. A cob home may have sloping walls, arches and interesting features.  These homes are extremely durable and suitable for both heat and cold.

• Compressed Earth Bricks:

(CEBs) look like adobe bricks , but do not contain straw or asphalt.  They are machine made and therefore more uniform in size and shape. Lime or cement is usually added for stabilisation.

• Underground: 

Underground structures or homes need to be cleverly designed to regulate the interior temperature and clean air supply.  The best location for an earth sheltered house is on a well-drained hillside. Some homes may use natural insulation while others a heater of sorts.  Underground homes are usually made from concrete and are more expensive than normal building costs, but long-term, need less maintenance.

What does a Green Builder do?

• discusses the building project with the client and their architect
• advises client where necessary
• prepares quotations
• orders supplies
• builds structures to meet architects specifications
• ensures quality control

Are you . . . ?

• interested in eco-construction?
• wanting to make a difference?
• interested in a ‘green’ career?
• passionate about building?
• constantly reading about new eco-building techniques?
• observant?
• quality driven?

How do I become a Green Builder?

There is very little specific training in sustainable building techniques, however a strong background in construction would be an added advantage. 

Check out your local FET college or university for construction courses.
It would be recommended to attend short courses on the various eco-building techniques or work alongside an already practising ‘Green’ Builder to learn the ropes.

• GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL

‘A green building is a building which is energy efficient, resource efficient and environmentally responsible – it incorporates design, construction and operational practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of development on the environment and occupants.’ – GBC

http://www.gbcsa.org.za/home.php

Offers a variety of accredited courses:

• Green Star Accredited Professionals Course
• Accredited Professional Program
• Accredited Professional Directory Accredited Professional Exam

Straw bale construction must adhere to certain governing rules and regulations.

• INSYNCH SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES

Offers various training with regard to ‘green’ construction.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Rigger or Architectural Technologist

Is becoming a Green Builder the right career choice for me?