Sustainability consultant
Become an environmental expert and help organisations work in a more sustainable way.
Also known as: sustainability analyst, sustainability specialist
About the job
What it's like
Are you interested in the environment? You probably know that Scotland is committed to reaching net zero by 2045. To do this, the country’s businesses must become more sustainable.
This means there’s a need for people who are passionate about the world around them! As a sustainability consultant, you’ll use your knowledge and skills to help businesses work in a more sustainable way.
First, you’ll assess an organisation’s impact on the environment. You’ll then help them plan to become more sustainable. For example, you may support a company to complete a project in a sustainable way or show them how to make the most of their resources.
As a sustainability consultant, you'll help clients:
change the way they work so they have a positive impact on the community and eco-system
assess how their building performs in terms of energy use
find sustainable suppliers
develop sustainable construction strategies
comply with the latest environmental legislation
Sometimes, you’ll be involved at all stages of a project. Other organisations will bring you in at certain times. You could work on a range of projects, from building planning to the reuse of land.
Your tasks may include:
researching an organisation’s environmental impact through surveys and impact assessments
developing strategies to help organisations become more sustainable
selling the benefits of recycling, renewable energy and working with eco-friendly materials
training staff so they can put your sustainability recommendations into action
measuring and tracking results to make sure the organisation meets its sustainability goals
staying up to date with wider environmental strategies
Green job
In this job, you'll do work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Green Careers Hub – find out more about working as an environmental or sustainability consultant
Prospects – learn about the range of sustainable careers you could get into
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- innovative
- adaptability
- building relationships
- problem solving
- verbal communication
- researching
- social conscience
- developing a plan
- analysing
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Engineering Science
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Environmental Science
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Geography
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Design and Manufacture
The most important thing you need is a passion for the environment. Most sustainability consultants have a degree but it’s not essential.
Sustainability consultants come from a range of backgrounds. For example, many of them work in construction, environmental positions or a corporate role before making the switch.
University
A degree may be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Biology
Business and Management
Civil Engineering
Environmental Science
Estate Management
Geography
Geology
Environmental Planning
Use the My World of Work course search to find degrees.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, can help you secure an entry-level role or move on to more advanced study. Subjects you could do at college include:
Environmental Management
Sustainable Development
Energy and Environmental Engineering
Business
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
Work
Many sustainability professionals build experience in a relevant area of work before taking on a consultancy role.
A lot of sustainability consultants work as an environmental advisor or an energy assessor first. You’ll pick up valuable skills in roles like these and will be in a great position to move into sustainability consultancy.
As well as qualifications and experience, a job advert might also ask you to have knowledge of ISO 14001. This is a globally recognised standard of environmental management system. You may cover this in courses or apprenticeships. If not, there are lots of online learning opportunities that’ll help you get up to speed.
Have you thought about volunteering to help you break into the industry? You’ll build experience and make yourself a great candidate to land an entry-level job. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Have you thought about joining a relevant professional body? It’s not essential but it can help you build connections and employers are likely to find it desirable. Some professional bodies include the International Society of Sustainability Professionals and the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability.
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