Sustainability Specialist

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be an authoritative voice on sustainable design within the practice, shaping projects from pre-concept through to post-occupancy evaluation. They will embed sustainability principles across all project disciplines, drive certification submissions to successful outcomes.

Sustainability Strategy & Advisory

Define and lead project-specific sustainability strategies tailored to client ambitions, budget constraints, and program requirements at each design stage.
Conduct sustainability workshops, charrettes, and design reviews with multidisciplinary project teams and clients.
Advise on passive design measures including building orientation, massing, façade performance, shading, natural ventilation, and daylighting to minimize mechanical loads.
Develop net-zero carbon roadmaps for projects targeting operational and/or embodied carbon reduction goals.
Conduct embodied carbon assessments (up front carbon, whole-life carbon) using One Click LCA, EC3, or equivalent tools.
Advise on sustainable materials selection, circular economy principles, and responsible sourcing standards (FSC, REACH, EPDs).

Green Building Certifications

Lead and manage certification programs across multiple frameworks: LEED v4/v4.1 (BD+C, ID+C, O+M), Estidama Pearl Rating System (PRS), BREEAM New Construction / In-Use, WELL Building Standard (v2), Fitwel, and GSAS.
Prepare credit documentation, energy calculations, simulation reports, and supporting narratives for submission to certification bodies (USGBC, BRE, IWBI, GORD, UPC).
Track credit status across all active projects, proactively identifying risks and solutions to maintain targeted rating levels.
Liaise with local authority sustainability requirements: DM Green Building Regulations (Dubai), Abu Dhabi ESTIDAMA (UPC), UPDA (Qatar), and MOMRA (KSA).
Manage relationships with certification body reviewers and ensure timely responses to RFIs and reviewer comments.

Energy Modelling & Technical Analysis

Perform whole-building energy modelling using IES VE, DesignBuilder, or eQUEST for LEED/Estidama compliance, ASHRAE 90.1 baseline comparisons, and design optimization.
Conduct parametric studies to evaluate design alternatives: glazing ratios, HVAC system types, building envelope performance, and renewable energy generation.
Carry out daylighting and glare analyses using DIVA-for-Rhino, IES VE, or Radiance to support LEED/WELL daylight credits and occupant comfort strategies.
Assess thermal comfort using PMV/PPD analysis, adaptive comfort models, and outdoor thermal comfort (UTCI, PET) for public realm and outdoor spaces.
Prepare water consumption calculations and water budget models supporting LEED and Estidama water efficiency credits.
Develop renewable energy generation assessments (PV, solar thermal) and advise on on-site and off-site renewable energy procurement strategies.

Environmental & Regulatory Compliance

Prepare Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Environmental Management Plans (EMP) as required by local authority mandates.
Advice on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) strategies: low-VOC materials, ventilation rates, acoustic performance, and biophilic design integration.
Coordinate waste management frameworks, construction waste diversion plans, and operational waste strategies.
Support climate risk and resilience assessments for infrastructure and masterplan projects.

Practice & Business Development
Contribute to business development by preparing technical sustainability proposals, fee estimates, and participating in client interviews.
Represent the firm at sustainability forums, green building council events (USGBC, UKGBC, Emirates Green Building Council), and CPD sessions.
Develop and maintain internal sustainability design guidelines, calculation templates, and credit compliance checklists.
Mentor junior sustainability team members and embed a culture of sustainability across all building services disciplines.

Qualifications : Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Architecture with a strong sustainability focus.
Master's degree in Sustainable Design, Environmental Engineering, or equivalent is advantageous.
Minimum 8 years of experience in sustainability consultancy, with at least 4 years on projects in the Middle East.
Track record of successfully achieving LEED Gold/Platinum, Estidama 2 Pearl or above, and/or BREEAM Very Good/Excellent on delivered projects.
LEED AP BD+C (USGBC) required; WELL AP, BREEAM AP, or Estidama Accredited Professional are highly desirable.
Chartered status (CEng, CEnv, or equivalent) is preferred.

Technical Skills

Energy modelling: IES VE (advanced proficiency required), DesignBuilder, eQUEST, EnergyPlus.
Daylighting & thermal comfort: DIVA-for-Rhino, Climate Consultant, Ladybug Tools (Grasshopper/Rhino).
Embodied carbon: One Click LCA, EC3 (Building Transparency), Tally.
Certification portals: LEED Online, Arc platform, BREEAM Online, Estidama Pearl portal, Fitwel portal.
BIM familiarity: Revit (sustainability data extraction), Navisworks; AutoCAD.
Advanced MS Excel (energy dashboards, data analysis), PowerPoint (stakeholder presentations).

Originally posted on Himalayas