Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultant - Building Performance Specialist

Bristol Office

About the Role

Our client, a multi-award-winning built environment consultancy with 1,400+ professionals nationwide, is seeking a Building Performance Specialist to join their expanding sustainability team in Bristol. This role sits within their dedicated Building Performance Team, which delivers technical energy, carbon and comfort modelling services across a diverse portfolio of high-profile projects.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a technically proficient sustainability professional with strong digital modelling capabilities to work on complex building performance assessments. You'll specialise in energy and carbon appraisals using industry-leading software, developing building performance strategies from inception through to handover across multiple sectors including education, science and technology, healthcare, offices, leisure, and industrial buildings.

If you're passionate about the technical side of sustainability and want to develop deep expertise in building physics and digital modelling within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, this role offers genuine career progression and exposure to challenging, impactful projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver comprehensive building performance appraisals covering energy, carbon and thermal comfort analysis for existing and new-build properties
• Create detailed digital building performance models using IES-VE software (including experience with ApacheHVAC module desirable)
• Conduct whole-life carbon assessments using OneClick LCA and other carbon assessment tools
• Develop bespoke assessment tools and modelling workflows to support project requirements
• Prepare technical briefing notes, energy statements, and detailed performance reports
• Provide expert advice on Part L (Building Regulations), Part O (Overheating), and planning policy compliance
• Support project teams with integration of building physics considerations into design development
• Assist with BREEAM assessments and environmental certification where building performance intersects
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and multidisciplinary project teams to optimise building performance
• Support senior team members with fee proposals, knowledge sharing and team resourcing where required
• Present technical findings to clients and stakeholders in clear, accessible language

Essential Requirements

• Demonstrable experience using IES-VE software for building energy modelling and thermal analysis
• Proven track record of undertaking whole-life carbon assessments using OneClick LCA
• Strong understanding of building physics principles and their application to real-world projects
• Working knowledge of UK Building Regulations Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) and Part O (Overheating)
• Familiarity with BREEAM requirements and how building performance modelling supports certification
• Experience preparing technical reports and energy statements for planning applications
• Degree in Building Services Engineering, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Physics, or related technical discipline
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly
• Self-motivated with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with IES-VE ApacheHVAC module for detailed HVAC system analysis
• Familiarity with other energy modelling software (DesignBuilder, TAS, EnergyPlus)
• Knowledge of dynamic thermal modelling and overheating risk assessment methodologies
• Experience with embodied carbon databases and circular economy assessments
• Understanding of renewable energy systems, heat pumps, and low-carbon technologies
• BREEAM Accredited Professional (AP) status or willingness to obtain
• Experience working on projects across education, healthcare, science/technology, or commercial sectors
• Knowledge of NABERS UK, WELL, or other performance-based certification schemes
• Exposure to post-occupancy evaluation and building performance monitoring

What's On Offer

• Competitive salary dependent on experience and expertise in building performance modelling
• Clear career development pathway within a growing, specialist Building Performance Team
• Exposure to diverse, technically challenging projects across education, healthcare, science & technology, offices, leisure, and industrial sectors
• Investment in your professional development including software training (IES-VE, OneClick LCA) and CPD
• Work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment alongside architects, engineers, and project managers
• Opportunity to develop deep technical expertise in building physics and performance modelling
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension, healthcare, life assurance, and income protection
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with options to buy, sell, or carry over)
• Three volunteering days per year
• Access to wellbeing support including mental health resources and discounted gym membership