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.