Sustainability Consultant

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.