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 will 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 daily 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 be doing 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:
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career.
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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.
University
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.
This means there are several degree subjects that will help you get into sustainability consultancy, such as:
Biology
Business and Management
Civil Engineering
Environmental Science
Estate Management
Geography
Geology
Environmental Planning
To get into a degree in environmental science, you'll likely need a minimum of four Highers at BBCC. These should include a science-based subject like Biology, Chemistry or Geography.
Some universities will have more difficult entry requirements – these are what you need as a minimum. A relevant HNC or HND will allow you to apply for some courses.
If you want to continue studying at postgraduate level, there are courses in environmental science. You'll need at least a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject to apply.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, can help you get into 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
What you’ll need to get into an HNC or HND course depends on the qualification level, subject and college.
As a guide, to get into an HNC in Environmental Management at Scotland’s Rural College, you’ll need a Higher at C in a relevant subject. You should also have National 5 Maths and English at C or above.
Apprenticeships
Foundation Apprenticeships
You could start learning the skills you’ll need in this career through a Foundation Apprenticeship (FA). When you’re in S5 or S6, you’ll gain work experience while you study.
You can browse FAs on Apprenticeships.scot. This one in Business Skills will give you a nice platform to build a career in sustainability.
Modern 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 like:
Graduate Apprenticeships
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) also let you learn on the job. You get paid and study for a degree-level qualification while working.
If you want to build a career in sustainability, check out GAs in:
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.
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.
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 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:
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Sustainability consultant'
