Lolita D'Ortona

Lolita D'Ortona is a project engineer with Deplasse & Associés (ALTEO Group), working in building energy management. She holds a degree in bioengineering, environmental science and technology.

What is your job?

I've held a number of very different jobs since I finished my studies. My first job was giving training courses in digital tools and computer programming. After that, I was mainly involved in project development and industrial site management tools. I then worked on electricity savings for public lighting. Finally, I found my calling in building energy management. At present, my job is to monitor the consumption of different buildings in order to achieve maximum energy savings, and thus pass on to the customer a financial gain and reduce its environmental impact.

What's your typical day like?

My days are very different from one another. I might be visiting a building (thanks to rooftop technology, which allows me to get quite unique views), analyzing data, or in a meeting with customers or colleagues.

Generally speaking, thanks to the installation of remotely-read energy meters, I can analyze building consumption profiles and check whether any alarms have been triggered. This is particularly the case when certain consumption patterns are observed outside the building's occupancy hours. Where appropriate, I visit the building to analyze its technical aspects (boiler room, ventilation, etc.). On the basis of my remote and on-site analyses, as well as discussions with the customer and site maintenance managers, I identify the cause of any overconsumption, and identify areas for improvement, with the help of my colleagues.

The rest of the time, I work on a wide variety of projects as part of a team, such as public or tertiary-sector EPB certificates, energy audits, helping customers to reduce their consumption, etc. It's a very varied job.

Why did you choose to study?

In secondary school, I really liked science, but I didn't really know what I wanted to do. What's more, I've always been interested in understanding my surroundings. Bioengineering was a good combo for me: doing science, touching everything and not being destined for one particular profession but for a multitude of possibilities. My idea was to do a Master's degree in environmental science and technology, and the baccalaureate courses I took reinforced my choice.

What were your goals when you made your choice and/or during your studies?

I wanted to have a positive impact on the "world" in the broadest sense: to do a job that made sense and that could, on its own scale, help change things. I also had a strong desire to understand the world around me.

To what extent did you achieve these goals?

I think I achieved my goal. I have learned throughout my studies and, above all, I continue to learn every day in my job. However small my positive impact on the "world" may be, I'm happy to contribute to it.

What is your role in society?

As a bioengineer, I think my role is to do my best to use my skills for the benefit of society, or as Albert Einstein would say: "Those who have the privilege of knowing have the duty to act".

Do you consider yourself to have become an "actor" / "actress" of change?

I certainly hope so! On the scale of my work on the one hand, and perhaps also through the positive influence I hope to have had on some people so that they too can get involved.

What memories do you have of your student life at Gembloux?

Thousands of them! I've experienced unique moments of solidarity, laughter, strong friendships, discoveries, etc. My involvement in student activities has enabled me to develop skills other than those I learned in class, such as communication, management and teamwork. It also enabled me to meet lots of incredible people who inspired and motivated me, and whom I'm still lucky to have on my side! I've gained a Gemblout family during my student life, and it lives on beyond to continue creating new memories!