Improving the energy performance of buildings is central to creating a more sustainable built environment. It requires deep technical understanding, reliable measurement, and strong support for the professionals responsible for delivering energy assessments. Few organisations play a more significant role in this area than Elmhurst Energy, and at the centre of its commercial and operational strategy is Amo Sihra, Commercial & Operations Director.
Elmhurst Energy is the UK's largest independent provider of energy assessment, retrofit and property professional training, accreditation and software. Elmhurst Energy provides technical support to thousands of professionals working across the built environment. From domestic and non-domestic energy assessors to housing providers, retrofit professionals and local authorities, Elmhurst helps ensure buildings are measured accurately and improved responsibly.
For Amo Sihra, supporting this community and helping shape the future of the energy efficiency sector is both a professional focus and a personal passion.
A career built on curiosity and entrepreneurship
Amo's career journey began in a different direction. After completing a degree in Business Studies, he launched his own retail businesses, gaining first-hand experience in customer service, leadership, and delivering value to customers.
While successful, he was drawn to a more technical, purpose-driven field. Returning to study Building Surveying opened the door to the world of building performance and energy efficiency. The more he learned about how buildings operate and how energy performance affects people, businesses and the environment, the more his interest grew.
This passion led him to establish his own consultancy specialising in energy-efficiency services for commercial and residential buildings. As the sector evolved and opportunities expanded, Amo recognised the opportunity to contribute on a larger scale, which ultimately led him to Elmhurst Energy.
Supporting professionals across a fast-moving industry
Amo first joined Elmhurst as a Non-Domestic Technical Consultant, providing technical support and guidance to Non-Domestic Energy Assessors as they carried out energy assessments of commercial buildings. From the outset, he was struck by Elmhurst's commitment to supporting its members and raising standards across the industry.
Over time, his responsibilities expanded. He went on to manage the Non-Domestic team before also taking responsibility for the On Construction (new build) area of the business. These roles gave him a deep understanding of the challenges energy assessors face and reinforced the importance of providing clear guidance, reliable tools and strong technical support.
Today, as Commercial & Operations Director, Amo leads Elmhurst's Sales, Marketing, Training and Technical Support teams. His role focuses on shaping strategy, improving the member experience, and ensuring the organisation continues to deliver high-quality services to professionals working across the built environment.
"No two days are the same," Amo explains. "One day I might be working on new initiatives to improve member experience, the next reviewing services, meeting industry partners, or helping guide the development of new tools and services."
Bridging technical expertise and industry insight
Amo's strength lies in his ability to understand both the technical and commercial aspects of the energy efficiency sector. Having worked across consultancy, accreditation support, technical leadership, and commercial strategy, he brings a broad perspective on how the industry operates and what professionals need to succeed.
In a sector where regulations evolve rapidly and standards continue to rise, providing reliable support and practical solutions is essential. Amo's role helps ensure Elmhurst delivers the tools, training and guidance needed for assessors to work confidently and effectively.
Driving innovation in energy performance
The energy efficiency sector is evolving quickly as governments, regulators and industry push toward net zero targets and higher standards of building performance.
For Amo, one of the most exciting developments is the increasing use of digital tools and data-driven systems that support assessors in their work. These innovations have the potential to simplify processes, reduce administrative burdens, and improve the accuracy of building assessments.
At the same time, regulatory frameworks are becoming more sophisticated and increasingly focused on real-world building performance rather than theoretical modelling. Organisations like Elmhurst are playing an important role in helping professionals navigate these changes and adapt to new requirements.
Delivering better outcomes through collaboration
Elmhurst stands out through its unwavering commitment to independence, technical excellence, and industry leadership.
Elmhurst's position within Phenna Group strengthens its ability to invest in technology, innovation, and services while maintaining their identity and technical integrity that define its reputation.
For Amo and his team, this relationship provides access to wider expertise, shared best practices, and a collaborative network across the Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) landscape.
Phenna Group's model of supportive investment enables Elmhurst to innovate, develop new services, and strengthen its offering while continuing to focus on its members' needs.
Looking ahead
As the UK accelerates its transition toward a more sustainable built environment, the role of energy performance measurement will only become more important. The demand for accurate data, robust standards, and skilled professionals continues to grow.
For Amo, helping shape this future alongside Elmhurst's community of assessors is what makes the work so rewarding.
Outside of work, he enjoys staying active through fitness and running, using exercise as a way to reset and maintain balance. He also has a creative side that surprises many colleagues — he produces music and DJs as a hobby.
Together, these interests reflect the same mindset that drives his professional work: energy, creativity and a constant desire to improve.
Part of Phenna Group's Certification & Compliance Division
Elmhurst Energy is part of Phenna Group's Certification & Compliance division, a network of specialist companies providing trusted services across the Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) landscape. To learn more about other expert businesses in this division and the services they offer, visit our Certification & Compliance page.