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In our modern society, people are becoming increasingly conscious of man’s impact on the environment. While it is true that we will always leave some sort of footprint on the natural world, just like every other living thing within it, careless excesses and runaway exploitation have already threatened to destroy entire ecosystems. This puts an abundance of wild species and valuable natural resources in jeopardy. The eco retro-fitter is one of many terms seeing increasing use today, for an occupation that is becoming more and more common as new, greener technologies become available, according to The Guardian.
An eco retro-fitter assists with the maintenance and preservation of buildings (frequently old homes, and other older buildings) in compliance with modern, environmentally friendly standards. They also help to maintain the energy efficient technologies which allow a home or business owner to keep their building certifiably green.
What Does the Eco Retro-Fitter Look At?
There are a number of areas around the home (or place of business) which draw the eco retro-fitter’s attention, in terms of ongoing maintenance. These include a building’s insulation, particularly in its uppermost floors, attic and rooftop. This is where most of the heat generated by a building’s heating system will be lost during the colder months of the year. Modern insulation offers affordable, environmentally friendly options that are efficient and effective at retaining heat during the winter, while also assisting in the regulation of temperatures during the warmer months of the year. Similarly important are windows, with energy efficient windows saving the average homeowner hundreds of dollars in energy bills each year. Other concerns of this expert professional involve inspecting for air leaks in likely locations, fine tuning HVAC systems, investigating greener options for supplying a building’s power needs, and even landscaping around the building’s exterior (with native plants).
What Does the Future Look Like?
Right now, the future for environmentally friendly technology looks bright. Ongoing advancements in areas like materials science and renewable energy sources are leading to a steady stream of innovations, with one of the major areas of focus being a reduction in cost: technologies that have been in use on the industrial scale for decades are now becoming economically feasible for the average homeowner. Thanks to the efforts of science promoters and other respected professionals, awareness of this fact is on the rise. Technologies that used to be clunky and unattractive in appearance are now smoothly and sleekly designed to integrate with existing modern aesthetics. All the while, the efficiency of energy-efficient technologies for the average home or business is improving.
What are the Qualifications for an Eco Retro-Fitter?
The given job title is one of several in use today, and can be difficult to pin down. For example, many media sources refer to any private homeowner who decides to improve their own home’s eco-friendliness as an eco, or green, retrofitter. In terms of a dedicated occupation, however, certifiably green retrofits are something that any business with experience in home building, remodeling, or retrofitting is capable of undertaking. Relevant degree programs for someone looking to go into eco retro-fitting as an entrepreneur or business professional would see business management or administration topping the list. For someone looking to promote a greener, more energy-efficient lifestyle, public health and communications are also good areas to focus on. Health sciences, health management, and healthcare administration are also potentially viable degree programs.
Related Resource: What is a Water Quality Technician?
The goal of the eco retro-fitter is to lead by example, promoting an increasing reliance on green technology in the home builder industry, as well as in related fields. The idea is to promote sustainable living with all of the modern conveniences, allaying fears that “eco-friendly” translates to a lack of familiar amenities, heightened expenses, discomfort and inconvenience. By showing how these fears don’t apply, thanks to advances in modern technology, this certified professional is able to help more people into a more environmentally sustainable future.