With the rising cost of energy and growing concerns about the environment and climate change, it's not unusual for companies big and small to seek advice from a renewable energy consultant. 

There are so many sustainable energy options available and so much confusing information that it can often make sense to get guidance from green energy consultants on what the best and most innovative solutions are for your business.

Customers are increasingly demanding that the businesses they buy from are as green as possible.

So, you’ll want to ensure that your energy projects have as little environmental impact as possible.

What does it mean for you?

The right renewable energy expertise can make all the difference between success and outright failure when implementing green plans. 

This allows you to make a renewable energy investment in the knowledge that you're contributing to a sustainable future for everyone, and our planet.

The first step could be hiring a renewable energy consultant.

Let’s make sure you get it right.

What Is a Renewable Energy Consultant?

A renewable energy consultant is a professional who specializes in guidance on renewable energy systems and solutions.

They typically work with C-level executives in a wide variety of areas, from agriculture to construction, banking, healthcare, and many more.

If you're running a business, you're using resources and have a carbon footprint at a level you might wish you didn't.

The goal is to opt for clean energy where possible and reduce your carbon emissions.

Specific tasks of a renewable energy consultant

A renewable energy consultant is an expert in renewables and will be able to conduct an audit or survey of your individual firm's energy consumption and overall carbon footprint.

They will advise on the best methods to slash or even eliminate various environmental impacts, letting you run your business in a much more eco-friendly way. 

The process can result in significant cost savings and other benefits:

• Making you compliant with existing regulations.
• Your company will be closer aligned to your corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals. 
• Switching to renewables will almost certainly enhance your brand image.

Related roles with job descriptions: Certified eco consultant | Carbon accountant

Examples of Renewable Energy Processes

When you hire a renewable energy consultant, they might start with an analysis of your company's carbon footprint. This would take into account your firm's overall energy usage and what it's powered by, such as fossil fuels for electricity generation.

The consultant might also examine the resources, including raw materials, that your company uses and see if there are ways to improve efficiencies and costs. 

It could mean switching suppliers to ones that themselves have more eco-friendly policies and practices in place, thereby helping to boost your efforts at becoming more sustainable.

Audit of your renewable energy practices

Another key part of carrying out a renewable energy audit on a company is assessing its impact on the environment. This is vital so your company doesn't run afoul of relevant legislation and remains on good terms with the local community. 

Other areas you can expect a renewable energy consultant to work in are:

• Sustainability reporting, based on international protocols and directed at stakeholders and investors.
• Education for company workers.  
• Training of staff in best environmental practices.

Qualities and Skills to Look for in a Renewable Energy Consultant

When searching for a renewable energy consultant for your company, make sure the ones you're considering have expertise in this field. 

They should have a relevant qualification, such as a degree in environmental science or business management. If they've also been CSR certified, all the better, as they'll be better placed to advise you on how to implement policies so you're up to that standard.

Talk to candidates before deciding on any particular renewable energy consultant and see if they have a strong interest in helping to make your company more sustainable. 

Communication skills are key

The person you hire will be talking to your staff and potentially stakeholders and the wider community about your efforts to become more sustainable and what measures your firm has undertaken. 

Your consultant should be able to lead your efforts to lower your carbon footprint and become more sustainable and implement related projects.

It's best not to pick someone new to this area but a consultant who has several years of experience with big firms.

They should be able to demonstrate a solid record of devising and executing a range of sustainability methods that are suitable to you.

Related roles with job descriptions: Climate consultant | Carbon neutral consultant

How to Find and Hire the Right Person

If you're wondering how to go about finding a renewable energy consultant who might be a fit for your company, carry out these basic steps:

• Research consultants who are connected with sustainability and the energy market. 
• See what steps they may be able to take to help you reduce your firm's environmental impact. 
• Check out reviews from other firms, if available, or ask for references so you can talk to some.

Cost transparency

And make sure the candidates you're weighing up are transparent about their costs, so you know from the outset what their fees are.

Ask if they're able to give you a calculation or general idea of your renewable energy investment and the returns. This will help offset any concerns board members or fellow executives may have about hiring such a consultant. 

With increased demand for sustainability in communities and among consumers, no company can afford to ignore their impact on the environment and a green energy transition. 

As the climate emergency is forecast to become one of the main global problems, doing all you can to limit reliance on various resources in favour of clean energy is essential. 

So, getting the right consultant to formulate an effective renewable energy strategy is vital to protecting your company, brand image, and overall standing among employees, stakeholders, and the wider public.

If your goal is net zero, you can see our guide on hiring a net zero carbon consultant here.