As an energy engineer, I often meet in person with industry experts who make buildings more energy efficient. I use what I learn from them as I walk through different kinds of buildings, finding ways to make them use less energy. I email and talk with people at the Department of Homeland Security to help them with their energy management program. I write about new ways to convey the message of how important energy efficiency is to my clients, who mostly work in different federal agencies. Recently my colleagues and I wrote the guidelines for the student design competition 2017 U.S. Department of Energy Race to Zero, which hundreds of students participate in every year. Throughout the week, I’m on the phone and using email as I oversee project budgets, scope new opportunities for clients, and make staff plans.

With all of these responsibilities, my days are never the same! It is immensely satisfying to know that everything I do helps people save energy by making buildings more efficient and by using renewable energy.

Rachel Romero
Energy Engineer,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory