Head of Sustainability - Architecture

Head Of Sustainability

Perm Position
Salary GBP75k – GBP85k We are looking for a Head of Sustainability to define and lead our overall sustainability strategy and process, whilst driving innovation in the identified areas of focus:

Work with teams to develop, implement and integrate the strategy that sets out commitments, approach and intentions, aligned with the UN definition of sustainability. Create sustainability frameworks, update policies and guidance to support key sustainability and business operational and regenerative design topics.
Act as the first point of contact to advise, lead and attend meetings as part of the 'Architects Declare' and 'RIBA 2030 Climate challenge' initiative. Maintaining data and information that is required to monitor and measure our progress against ISO14001 compliance.
Provide expert and practical advice on sustainability best practice, innovations, materials and specifications to all our studios globally.
Identify potential R&D and conduct research initiatives related to sustainability, green building and regenerative design. Publicise and promote the research to external parties.
Keep up to date with industry research and environmental issues, concerns and stakeholder interests, standards, tools, processes and UK & International regulations/laws etc related to sustainability and regenerative design and communicate these effectively.
Awareness of Australia and Hong Kong targets to meet sustainability goals, alongside UK studios.
Attend and advise at meetings on projects both internally and externally, working alongside MEP/environmental/sustainability Consultants where necessary.
Educate to increase the overall knowledge within the practice and proactively communicate developing best practice. Create and present educational materials around a wide range of sustainability and regenerative design topics, the RIBA sustainability matrix, project knowledge and lessons learnt, to the global practice, clients and the wider industry.
Lead a group of regional sustainability champions to embed locally & support culture change
Assist the new business and marketing teams in producing sustainability documentation for marketing campaigns, client interviews, award entries and submission bids where necessary, to enable us to advocate and sell our services.
Work with our marketing to ensure our website has clear sustainability messages through our projects.
Engage, inspire and represent at public speaking events and key external forums.
Engage with external organisations and climate action working groups (e.g. LETI, RIBA, UKGBC) to contribute to industry research and publication
Guide Project Architects to produce technical reports and sustainability statements to support planning applications and design stage reports.
Lead regular sustainability reviews for key projects (similar to our current fortnightly design reviews)
Assist and guide architects through/with the environmental assessment of project work, including familiarity of RIBA Sustainability Assessment tools and performance analysis for projects of a variety of types and sizes Sustainability Outcomes Guide RIBAKNOWLEDGE

Practical knowledge and experience of construction industry, RIBA plan of work, Building Regulations and process essential. Architectural background desirable but not essential.
Understand qualifications within sustainability such as BREAAM, LEED, Building Regulations Part L, WELL, SKA, CEEQUAL or NABERS highly desirable.
Technical knowledge of sustainable materials and responsible sourcing essential
UK and international laws and regulations essential.
Understanding sustainability issues facing the UK and international design and construction industries.
Understand retrofit measures to reduce carbon emissions for existing buildingsATTRIBUTES

Bachelors or Master's degree in Sustainability, Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Planning or related field. Sustainability certification and accreditation preferred but not essential
Minimum of 3 –5 years' + experience in sustainability and regenerative design
Extensive knowledge and passion of sustainable and regenerative design strategies, including material selection and technologies. Interest in historic buildings
Ability to work independently and on multiple projects simultaneously
Strong written, verbal and social communication skills, with the ability to engage and present to large groups
Intellectual curiosity, eagerness to engage with others and willingness to contribute