Energy engineer helping clients use their resources more efficiently

Semcon is my first job after graduation, and I joined the company in 2022. I work in the energy team in Uppsala on multiple assignments simultaneously, so I'm not engaged full-time with any single client. Currently, my projects involve energy audits, environmental assessment of construction products, and I'm also acting as a verification and validation coordinator in two nuclear power projects. This year, I've also contributed to climate audit and LCA together with another colleague in the energy team.

This variety is exactly why I became a consultant – I wanted the opportunity to try different things early in my career, which the past year has really demonstrated. My role has great variety, and it feels like I have gained insights from several industries.

Energy mapping for the manufacturing industry

Energy auditing involves tracking the energy usage of large companies. It's usually within different types of manufacturing industries, and as a bonus you might sometime pick up interesting "fun facts" about the production of various products. A major part of my job is data collection and occasionally on-site measurement at the client’s location. Afterward, I process the data and summarize it in a report and calculations. The aim is to map the energy usage and present suggestions for reduction and/or optimisation.

Environmental assessment of construction products

In my role assessing construction products, I evaluate them according to specific guidelines based on their chemical composition and lifecycle aspects, where the overall goal is a non-toxic and sustainable construction industry. Building products can range from sealants, paint, and filler to various HVAC products, lighting, and insulation. The Product content is assessed based on set criteria linked to harmonized classifications for harmful contents or properties. We also consider aspects of the product's lifecycle, including whether it has an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), if it constitutes hazardous waste, and if there are harmful substances that could leach into outdoor environments or water.

Verification and validation within nuclear power

Within nuclear power, I work as a coordinator for verification and validation in two projects. I ensure that a follow-up is done continuously on the requirements, and that it is done in a systematic and clear way. I work alongside the electrical and mechanical team to check if anything needs to be flagged and followed up or if everything is progressing as planned across the project’s requirements and its related work.

Any project you’re particularly proud of?

An exciting assignment involved hydrogen production and storage in times of crisis in a town in Småland. There was a lot to both calculate and consider. Besides that, it's always rewarding to present a complete energy audit report with both profitable and energy-saving measures that are straightforward to implement. It’s gratifying to see clients receive a solid foundation for their continued work on energy usage through our report and calculations.

Why is your job important?

Understanding one’s energy usage or climate impact is the first step when reflecting on how it can be reduced and/or optimised. Using the earth’s resources more efficiently, instead of simply planning for more and more energy consumption as society grows, is, in my opinion, essential.

About Torun

Title: Energy Engineer
Education: Master of Science in Energy Systems engineering
Employed at since: May 2022
Enjoys work the most when: I spend time together with colleagues, either around the coffee table or engaged in interesting problem-solving within a project.