One thing these specialists use is market and trend data that analyzes the global energy market. Political and social changes in Russia could affect the energy market in Western Europe, while actions of OPEC can affect the global price of oil. Political tensions that can lead to the buildup of war or conflict can also affect the marketplace. The trend data that covers these subject areas are what energy consulting professionals must constantly stay on top of to ensure the best analysis of the market is given. As such, those who work in this industry must constantly stay on their game to maintain a competitive edge over their competitors.
Other specialists lend knowledge and expertise on efficient ways to deliver energy, make it cleaner, or how to extrapolate it from alternative sources. This might mean that consultants must have an expertise in electric, civic, or mechanical engineering. Depending on the project, energy consulting services must have a strong grasp of many areas within the energy sector. This means keeping an updated knowledge about the latest market trends, industry terms, technology, various energy systems, their mechanics, transportation methods, and demand response activities.
For many companies, consulting projects transcend energy markets and industries. Because of this, many companies market themselves to benefit both manufacturing and regulatory sectors, promising to optimize energy performance for an array of public and private organizations. Larger projects that may contract these services include state government building, college and university campuses, skyscrapers, large banks, music halls, symposiums, city arenas and other large buildings. On the smaller scale, services can target residential homes, small schools, municipal buildings, and camping sites. As such, companies offer various services in business planning, benchmarking, natural gas and renewable energy consultation, smart grid energy consulting, as well as expertise in legal, litigation, regulatory, and policy making in the energy sector.
Other consulting services offers air barrier testing to military and commercial properties or can test energy efficiency in a given building, craft, or energy-consuming technology. For specialized projects, large consultation companies will often hire contractors who can lend niche expertise for a set amount of time. This happens largely in the public sector and especially with the military as bases, personnel, buildings, and barracks are constantly on the move both in and out of conflict zones. Despite the customer, all consultation companies seek to provide the best services for their customers in order to stay in business in an exceedingly competitive market.