Job description — Sustainability Consultant
Location: Exeter
Level: Open to Sustainability Consultant up to Principal Sustainability Consultant
Department: Sustainability & Energy
About the role
We are seeking a proactive and technically confident Sustainability Consultant to join our multidisciplinary team supporting building design and performance excellence. You will contribute to delivering sustainable built-environment solutions, helping clients reduce carbon emissions, improve energy performance and meet relevant sustainability standards across a range of sectors including commercial, residential, education, healthcare and industrial.
Key responsibilities
Lead and support sustainability and energy related consultancy services for building projects throughout all project stages (feasibility through construction).
Conduct energy audits, modelling and consumption analysis to benchmark and optimise building performance.
Develop and deliver carbon reduction strategies, energy management plans and low-carbon feasibility studies.
Prepare sustainability documentation and submissions for planning, BREEAM, Part L, EPC/SBEM/SAP compliance and related assessment frameworks.
Advise clients on energy efficiency opportunities, renewable technologies and sustainable design best practice.
Work collaboratively with engineers, designers and project teams to integrate sustainability criteria into MEP and building service strategies.
Communicate complex sustainability concepts clearly to internal teams, clients and stakeholders.
(For senior/principal levels) Support business development, client relationships, and mentoring of junior staff.
Skills & experience (all levels)
Essential:
Degree in sustainability, energy, building services, environmental science, engineering or related discipline.
Demonstrable experience in sustainability consultancy, energy analysis/modeling, carbon management and reporting.
Strong understanding of UK sustainability standards and regulations (e.g., BREEAM, EPC/SAP, Part L, carbon targets).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to produce clear, well-structured reports.
Desirable:
Experience with thermal / energy modelling tools (e.g. IES, DesignBuilder, TAS) and building performance simulation.
Professional accreditation or willingness to pursue (e.g. CIBSE, IEMA, CEnv).
Track record of client engagement, bid support or project leadership roles.
Experience in energy strategy development and implementation.
What you’ll bring
A passion for delivering practical, cost-effective sustainability outcomes in the built environment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
Strong project organisation, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Benefits
Competitive salary (dependent on experience and level).
Professional development support including accreditation pathways.
Flexible/hybrid working options.
Opportunity to work across diverse building types and sustainability challenges across the UK