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Senior Sustainability Specialist

Open 43d reposted 2× · 2 open copies

Technical Skills

  • CAD & BIM: AutoCAD (advanced), Revit MEP; experience with Navisworks for coordination preferred.
  • Familiarity with Autodesk BIM 360 / ACC for document management and RFI tracking.

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

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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 withmultidisciplinary 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.

Person Specifications and 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).