What does a sustainability consultant do?

A sustainability consultant might work for a consulting firm, operate as a freelancer or hold a full-time position within a larger organisation with substantial sustainability commitments. These highly skilled professionals typically assist organisations with high-level projects and initiatives, such as reducing their carbon footprint, setting and achieving sustainability goals, adhering to environmental regulations and improving energy efficiency.

Sustainability consultant skills and qualifications

Sustainability consultants are generally expected to have in-depth knowledge of sustainable practices and environmental issues. Their job often involves communicating with various stakeholders, collecting and analysing information, and developing strategies to meet sustainability goals. Key skills and qualifications to look out for when hiring a sustainability consultant include:

• Familiarity with environmental regulations, certifications and sustainability trends
• Qualifications or certifications relating to the environment, natural sciences, climate/climate change, forecasting, data analysis or project management
• Strong communication skills
• Presentation or public-speaking skills
• Ability to motivate, educate and inspire others in sustainability practices
• Problem-solving skills and adaptability
• Analytical skills
• Proficiency with relevant software tools
• Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams or engaging with stakeholders

Sustainability consultant experience requirements

Organisations typically engage consultants for their extensive expertise in their field. This means that having significant experience is typically a prerequisite when hiring a sustainability consultant. A good benchmark is to look for candidates with at least 2 to 5 years of experience in a sustainability-related field or environmental consultancy. When evaluating candidates, consider those with a proven track record for successful projects in areas such as energy efficiency, waste management, carbon emissions or supply chain sustainability. In-depth knowledge of environmental regulations is essential, while experience working with government agencies or on regulatory compliance projects can be an added advantage.

Sustainability consultant education and training requirements

While no formal qualification is required for this position, many organisations prefer candidates with a university degree, particularly for high-level corporate consultancy positions. A degree in a science-related field could give candidates an edge, but this is not essential. Employers should look for candidates who demonstrate a passion for the field and a dedication to continuous learning by holding or pursuing sustainability-related certifications or completing courses on topics like climate change, renewable energy or corporate social responsibility.

Sustainability consultant salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a sustainability consultant in the UK is £42,154 per year. However, salaries differ depending on variables like level of experience, industry and location.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this job description is not quite what you’re looking for, here are job descriptions for similar positions:

• Consultant
• Business consultant
• Management consultant

FAQs

Which industries typically hire sustainability consultants? 

As the public demand for more sustainable practices from corporations continues to grow, hiring a sustainability consultant is becoming commonplace. Industries with a significant carbon footprint, like construction, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, retail and transport, can benefit considerably from the guidance and expertise of a sustainability consultant. However, they are highly valuable to multiple other industries and organisations including government agencies, educational institutions and non-profits focused on environmental initiatives.

Who does a sustainability consultant report to?

When a sustainability consultant is hired through a consultancy firm, they typically report directly to the client, which is usually the business owner or a designated senior manager or stakeholder. For in-house roles, sustainability consultants often report to senior management or specialised positions within the organisation, such as a sustainability manager, operations manager or chief sustainability officer (CSO), if these roles exist at the organisation.

How can you make your sustainability consultant job description stand out?

To make your job description attractive to skilled sustainability consultants, start by highlighting your company’s existing sustainability initiatives or projects and providing a short overview of your goals. If the position offers variety or the opportunity for teamwork, make sure to emphasise this as it can appeal to candidates seeking dynamic roles. Adding any benefits, such as flexible working or professional development opportunities can help your job description stand out and resonate with top candidates.