We're all getting an energy conservation education these days, but if you're looking for something a little more structured and detailed, look into energy conservation training programs for professionals. While higher education in the field is sparse, a creative and determined would-be conservation professional can carve out the right degree program, earn new and specialized energy certifications and look to industry sources for training.

Consider geography before you launch into training -- urbanites will have more opportunities to put an energy conservation education to good use. Your personal energy conservation education and training program should also match your stage in life and your career aspirations.

1. Earn an energy conservation degree from a U.S. college or university, or earn a related degree with a conservation emphasis.

2. Consider energy conservation training programs that lead to certification.

3. Take advantage of energy conservation workshops, seminars and downloads to stay ahead of the fast-paced conservation industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Earn a degree in energy conservation, or complete an energy conservation online course

Energy conservation education at the college level is in its infancy, but you can find degrees related to your desired field - architecture or engineering, for example - and customize your degree with electives focusing on energy conservation.

I recommend: Take energy conservation courses toward a Master of Science in Sustainable Systems from the University of Michigan, a higher education degree that integrates business, environmental and design studies. Or, sign on for an upper-level degree from the University of California - Berkeley Energy Resources Group. Complete an energy conservation online course in just half a day through the Federal Energy Management Program's Online Learning Study-Center.

Enhance professional standings with energy conservation training

Official credentials will help you demand top dollar in your field, so pursue professional continuing education courses to set your career on the fast track. You can complete energy conservation consultant certification with the Association of Energy Engineers courses at the Energy Auditor level. If you'd rather complete energy conservation certification training for career advancement, become a certified Energy Manager.

I recommend: Become a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and be one of only 6,000 professionals in the energy industry. There are certain educational requirements and work experience prerequisites before a candidate can apply to test for the four-hour exam, but once you complete the energy conservation certification training, and pass the exam, you’ll move ahead of your competition. The CEM designation carries weight with most state energy offices, major utility companies and the U.S. Dept of Energy and the Office of Federal Energy management Programs (FEMP). If you're responsible for a large building or group of buildings, consider Building Operator Certification courses to concentrate on increasing and maintaining a single structure's energy efficiency.

Complete training in energy conservation at professional workshops and self-training tools

Energy conservation education resources are as close as your computer, and they can even be free. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers Software for Environmental Awareness in Residential Energy Efficiency, which features energy conservation training for homeowners. The software also boasts a customizable energy-savings tool that takes user entries to come up with a conservation profile and projected energy savings based on the user's home statistics and local utility costs.

I recommend: Download Software for Environmental Awareness in Residential Energy Efficiency from the EPA and learn more about residential energy conservation efforts. Professionals, homeowners, educators and students can find educational offerings through the U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Attend energy conservation classes at a university near you at a reduced price, or for free. Find the classes you'd like to attend, then call the university registrar and ask how you can audit the course. You won't receive credit, but you'll be able to sit in on the class and enhance your energy conservation training.