Job Role – ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

Environment And Sustainability

As construction becomes greener and more sustainable, careers in this area are more important than ever. Roles like energy assessor, landscape architect, and environmental engineer help shape a cleaner, more efficient built environment. Find out how you can make a difference while building a career for the future.

Sustainability Consultant

Overview Description
Sustainability Consultants help construction projects reduce their environmental impact. They make sure buildings are energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and meet sustainability targets.

Typical Duties

  • Advising on energy use, waste reduction, and sustainable materials.
  • Carrying out environmental impact assessments.
  • Helping teams design low-carbon buildings.
  • Monitoring sustainability performance on projects.
  • Working with architects, engineers, and planners.

Required Skills

  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Interest in the environment and sustainability.
  • Communication and teamwork.
  • Organisation and attention to detail.

Qualifications

  • Degree or apprenticeship in Environmental Science, Sustainability, or Construction.
  • Specialist training in energy and carbon assessment (e.g., BREEAM).
  • Work experience in environmental or construction fields.

Salary

  • Graduate / Assistant: £25,000 – £35,000.
  • Experienced Consultant: £40,000 – £55,000.
  • Senior / Specialist: £60,000+.

Good if you like…

  • Protecting the planet and tackling climate change.
  • Research and problem-solving.
  • Working with different teams and ideas.

Future Trends

  • Strong demand for green and sustainable construction.
  • Growing importance of low-carbon design.
  • Opportunities in renewable energy, retrofit, and policy development.

Environmental Engineer

Overview Description
Environmental Engineers develop solutions that protect people and the planet. In construction, they focus on reducing pollution, managing waste, and creating sustainable infrastructure.

Typical Duties

  • Designing systems for waste management and water treatment.
  • Monitoring air, water, and soil quality on projects.
  • Assessing environmental risks and planning solutions.
  • Supporting eco-friendly construction and renewable energy schemes.

Required Skills

  • Strong science and problem-solving ability.
  • Maths and analytical thinking.
  • Communication and teamwork.
  • Environmental awareness and attention to detail.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Environmental or Civil Engineering.
  • Chartered status (IEnvE or ICE) for progression.
  • Apprenticeships and graduate schemes available.

Salary

  • Graduate Engineer: £28,000 – £35,000.
  • Experienced Engineer: £40,000 – £55,000.
  • Senior / Chartered Engineer: £60,000+.

Good if you like…

  • Science, nature, and engineering.
  • Solving real-world environmental challenges.
  • Working on projects that make a difference.

Future Trends

  • Growth in green infrastructure and flood management.
  • Focus on climate adaptation and renewable energy.
  • Increasing demand for sustainability expertise in all projects.

Energy Assessor

Overview Description
Energy Assessors measure how efficiently buildings use energy. They provide Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and advise on how to make buildings greener and cheaper to run.

Typical Duties

  • Inspecting homes and buildings to assess energy use.
  • Measuring insulation, heating systems, and lighting efficiency.
  • Producing official energy reports and certificates.
  • Recommending improvements to save energy.

Required Skills

  • Observation and attention to detail.
  • Interest in energy and the environment.
  • Good maths and computer skills.
  • Communication and report writing.

Qualifications

  • Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Energy Assessment.
  • On-the-job training or apprenticeship routes available.
  • Registration with an approved accreditation scheme.

Salary

  • Trainee / Junior: £22,000 – £28,000.
  • Qualified Energy Assessor: £30,000 – £40,000.
  • Senior / Specialist: £45,000+.

Good if you like…

  • Working independently and visiting sites.
  • Analysing data and problem-solving.
  • Helping reduce energy waste and costs.

Future Trends

  • High demand due to net-zero targets and retrofit programmes.
  • Opportunities to specialise in commercial or residential energy systems.
  • Growth in smart building and renewable energy technologies.

Landscape Architect

Overview Description
Landscape Architects design outdoor spaces like parks, gardens, housing developments, and city centres. They create beautiful, functional, and sustainable environments that connect people with nature.

Typical Duties

  • Designing outdoor areas using plants, materials, and structures.
  • Planning green spaces for housing and commercial projects.
  • Working with architects and local authorities.
  • Ensuring environmental protection and biodiversity.

Required Skills

  • Creativity and artistic ability.
  • Knowledge of plants, ecology, and design software.
  • Communication and teamwork.
  • Planning and project management.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Landscape Architecture or Design.
  • Chartered status with the Landscape Institute (LI).
  • Apprenticeships and graduate roles available.

Salary

  • Graduate Landscape Architect: £25,000 – £32,000.
  • Experienced Architect: £35,000 – £50,000.
  • Senior / Chartered Architect: £55,000+.

Good if you like…

  • Art, design, and nature.
  • Working outdoors and being creative.
  • Making places greener and more enjoyable.

Future Trends

  • High demand for sustainable and green urban spaces.
  • Focus on climate resilience and biodiversity.
  • Opportunities in urban design, planning, and conservation.

Heritage / Conservation Specialist

Overview Description
Heritage and Conservation Specialists protect and restore historic buildings and landmarks. They ensure our architectural history is preserved while allowing buildings to be used safely and sustainably.

Typical Duties

  • Inspecting and assessing historic buildings.
  • Advising on repairs, restoration, and maintenance.
  • Researching historic materials and methods.
  • Working with architects, planners, and craftspeople.

Required Skills

  • Interest in history, architecture, and design.
  • Attention to detail and problem-solving.
  • Research and analytical skills.
  • Communication and teamwork.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Building Conservation, Architecture, or Heritage Studies.
  • Specialist postgraduate courses or apprenticeships available.
  • Membership with IHBC (Institute of Historic Building Conservation).

Salary

  • Junior / Assistant Specialist: £25,000 – £32,000.
  • Experienced Conservation Officer: £35,000 – £50,000.
  • Senior / Specialist: £55,000+.

Good if you like…

  • History and architecture.
  • Preserving old buildings and culture.
  • Hands-on restoration work or detailed research.

Future Trends

  • Growing demand for conservation as part of sustainable construction.
  • Opportunities in heritage regeneration and climate adaptation.
  • Increasing collaboration between conservation and green building design.