Net Zero Construction Advisor

Job Summary by the Career Balance Team:

The University of Edinburgh is hiring a Net Zero Construction Advisor to lead the implementation of sustainable design principles and whole life impact assessments in construction and refurbishment activities. The role includes developing and maintaining sustainable design standards, providing technical advice to project management and design teams, and engaging stakeholders to embed a culture of sustainable design. The advisor will also support other projects related to achieving net zero carbon emissions. The ideal candidate should have a degree in a relevant field, project management experience, and knowledge of sustainable construction principles and regulations.

Job Description:

Salary: UE08 £45,585 – £54,395 per annum (A revised salary range for this grade of £48,350 to £59,241 is planned to take effect from Spring 2024).

Location: Edinburgh/ Hybrid

About Us

The University of Edinburgh is a world-leading centre of research focused on tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Our Strategy 2030 focuses on four key themes shaped by our values: People; Research; Teaching and Learning; Social and Civic Responsibility.  

Our Social and Civic Responsibility Delivery Plan to 2030 includes key objectives which include becoming a zero carbon and zero waste university; supporting inclusion and widening participation in higher education; and working together with local communities. By 2030 our estate will be fit for purpose, sustainable and accessible. We will be on track to meet our Net Zero Carbon strategic objectives ahead of 2040 and will demonstrate integrated reporting aligned to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.   

The University of Edinburgh has long been a sector leader on Energy, Climate and Sustainability strategy. Our Sustainable Construction strategy delivered the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute – the UK’s first BREEAM Outstanding building and RIAS Building of the Year. We have a large portfolio of BREEAM Excellent buildings including our Informatics Forum, Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library and Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine. Our sustainable design standards continue to evolve and incorporate best practice from a wide range of international guidelines. Our vision is that our approach to sustainable built development will continue to act as an international exemplar for design, delivery performance and amenity.  

The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583 and currently occupies more than 550 academic, administrative and residential buildings throughout the city of Edinburgh across 5 main campuses: Central Area (George Square, Holyrood, Pollock Halls), Kings Buildings, Easter Bush, Bio- Quarter and the Western General Hospital. Our building portfolio includes nationally important, iconic, historical buildings integral to the unique qualities and characteristics of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Edinburgh, through to state-of-the-art teaching, research and sporting facilities.

Do you want to help plan, deliver and operate a world class Net Zero strategy at the University of Edinburgh? Would you like to part of a cross disciplinary team of professional practitioners and researchers at the forefront of sustainable construction and net zero design? This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing Net Zero and Carbon Leadership team at the early stages of an exemplar Estates Strategy.   

The Role

The Net Zero Construction Advisor will take the lead role in setting and embedding sustainable design principles and whole life impact assessments within all University construction and refurbishment activities. This is a key role which supports the Strategic Plan and Estates Vision to 2030, Capital Plan, Energy and Utilities Masterplan and Climate Strategy. 

The Net Zero Construction Advisor is a key member of the Estates Net Zero Team and sits within the Estates Net Zero and Carbon Leadership Directorate. The team are responsible for providing strategic direction and advice on sustainable construction, energy strategy and sustainable estates operations. The role will also contribute to development and delivery of projects led by the Net Zero Team. 

Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain the University Sustainable Design Quality Standards. Contribute to the development of University Design Guidelines, Estates Delivery Process Maps, Estates Delivery Procedure templates, Technical Specifications and Project Briefs to inform development and delivery of the Capital Plan. 

Provide ‘positive challenge’ across all design phases. Work with Estates Development and Development Engineers to develop project process and management guidelines, establish project briefs, set performance and delivery targets and provide consultation support. 

Lead the development of a wide range of construction and operational guidelines related to the built environment e.g. Net Zero, passive construction, climate resiliency and adaptation, dynamic simulation modelling, embodied carbon assessment, continuous commissioning, BIM and construction information management.

Provide expert technical advice to the project management and design teams on low impact (energy, carbon, environment) architecture, infrastructure and MEP design.

Provide support and advice to the Project Management delivery team to ensure a high standard of outcomes. Support the effective communication of design and performance requirements. Enable evidenced based decision making, particularly through early RIBA stages. Communicate the implications of design and specification changes at all RIBA stages. Negotiate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

Engage stakeholders across the University, industry and academia to embed a culture of sustainable design, design innovation and effective performance in use. Support skills development across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders involved in project specification, design, construction, commissioning and refurbishment and post occupancy evaluation.

Develop and maintain monitoring of project delivery and project performance objectives during project development, design, delivery, and ownership in use. Support Project Managers and key stakeholders with design team feedback, effective communication, negotiation, problem solving, impact assessment and remedial action.

Keep abreast of technical developments associated with e.g. new construction approaches, materials, process management, low carbon and energy technologies, climate adaptation and supply chain management (including social and environmental impact assessment). Keep abreast of industry and sector developments and regulations as required.

Support a wide range of Net Zero team projects, as required. This will include identifying, developing and implementing energy infrastructure, energy efficiency and demand minimization projects in collaboration with the Energy Project Engineers.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

•\tEducated to degree level or equivalent.

•\tExperience of project management in the built environment. 

•\tExperience writing project briefs, Employers Requirements, specifications and service standards.

•\tProfessional skills and experience in contractual construction processes, post construction evidence provision and post occupancy evaluation.

•\tExperience of influencing design teams and contractors to ensure achievement of project aims, particularly relating to energy and sustainability.

•\tConsiderable experience of building design and delivery (appropriate to a University context). 

•\tStrong professional skills in construction, architecture, and/or MEP engineering design.

•\tPractical experience and technical knowledge of sustainable construction principals and the relevant management systems in place to assure building performance.

•\tExperience of producing guidance documents for building projects teams.

•\tExperience of PassivHaus, BREEAM, LEED, and/or NABERS quality specifications and processes. 

•\tExperience of energy modelling packages e.g. Energypro, IES, SBEM 

•\tStrong analytical and problem-solving skills and experience with an attention to detail.

•\tExperience of developing project cost plans; experience managing budgets.

•\tStrong up to date knowledge of professional engineering guidelines and legislation.

•\tFlexible, collaborative, customer focused approach.

•\tExcellent numeracy, interpersonal and written communication skills, with the ability to persuade, influence and negotiate with staff at all levels of seniority. 

•\tExperience of Health and Safety legislation and management.

•\tAbility to manage conflicting priorities within a demanding workload.

Application Process

For further information and a detailed Job Description, or to apply, please contact Iain Atkinson, Director, Eden Scott by phone on   

Closing Date for applications – Friday 9th February 2024.

Location: Edinburgh