The Role of the Sustainability Consultant in the Built Environment
The role of the sustainability consultant in civil construction is fundamental. Sustainability consultants, also known as environmental consultants in civil construction, are becoming increasingly essential in projects that seek not only to comply with environmental regulations, but also to innovate in sustainable construction and create healthier environments and cities to live in.
As an architect with a master’s degree in Environmental Design applied to Architecture, I understood the growing need for sustainability in the construction industry. This sector is at an important crossroads, where traditional design and construction methods are being reassessed due to environmental concerns and the urgent need for sustainable buildings (I wrote a post explaining more about the benefits of sustainable construction here).
The industry’s shift towards sustainable construction practices stems from a broader recognition of the environmental impact of construction projects and a growing consensus on the importance of addressing climate change. This approach not only ensures that projects are environmentally friendly, but also economically viable in the long term, creating a win-win situation for both the planet and project stakeholders.
What Does a Sustainability Consultant Do?
But what exactly does a sustainability consultant do? I confess that this was exactly what I wanted to know when I began my career transition to sustainability. I knew I wanted to work with sustainable construction, learn how to conduct analyses and recommend sustainable design strategies for clients. However, I couldn’t find a concrete answer on the internet at the time because it is a broad market with various specialisations. I only understood this after finishing my master’s degree and starting to look for jobs in the field. So, here is information I wish I had found earlier.
Main Responsibilities of a Sustainability Consultant
1. Environmental Analysis and Diagnosis
- Assessment of the environmental impact of projects
- Life cycle analysis of materials
- Sustainable feasibility studies
- Identification of improvement opportunities
2. Development of Sustainable Strategies
- Definition of sustainability goals
- Integration of green technologies
- Optimisation of natural resources
- Planning for renewable energy
3. Certifications and Compliance
- Management of certification processes (LEED, BREEAM, Casa Azul)
- Compliance with technical standards (NBR 15575)
- Specialised technical documentation
- Monitoring of audits
4. Specialised Technical Consultancy
- Bioclimatic and energy simulations
- Analysis of thermal and lighting comfort
- Natural ventilation studies
- Building performance evaluation
These are some of the jobs you can choose to do. My current job, for example, is Specialised Technical Consultancy, which involves developing computational analyses and environmental assessments. This includes bioclimatic analyses, such as natural light, natural ventilation, external thermal comfort, passive design analysis for carbon reduction, energy consumption analysis, and thermal modelling of buildings for internal comfort.
The analysis of natural light, for example, aims, according to the project and climate, to inform the design to maximise or minimise natural light and ensure adequate levels of illumination in internal and external environments. This is usually aligned with technical standards or sustainable certifications. Now the study of winds is to understand how the building impacts wind circulation in its surroundings, and if this can cause risks for pedestrians or even for the building structure itself.
These are some of the analyses that a sustainability consultant can perform. It is not necessary to master all these areas, but rather to focus on a few or just one if that better aligns with your interests and career goals.
Of course, there are many other areas in which you can work. The ones mentioned and the purpose of this blog are mainly focused on building physics and performance, but sustainability consultancy encompasses much more than just the built environment. There are consultants who specialise in planning policies, economics, and other areas crucial for sustainable development.
These professionals can work on creating and applying regulations, developing economic models for sustainable growth, or even engaging with communities to promote sustainable practices. However, the overall goal remains the same: to ensure better and more sustainable development across various sectors.
Tools for Bioclimatic Computational Simulation
To perform these analyses, there are numerous software options available in the market. However, it is worth noting that not all software covers all analyses. Some provide a wide range of simulations, while others are more focused on a specific type of analysis.
From my experience and personal life, I know that the most used and considered basic software for natural light analysis, thermal comfort, basic bioclimatic analyses and energy modelling, and many other analyses, is Rhinoceros combined with Grasshopper. Using it, it is possible to download some bioclimatic analysis tools in Grasshopper, such as Ladybug, Honeybee, Energy Plus and a series of other tools according to the type of analysis you want to develop.
Although Grasshopper is one of the most used software, I admit that it requires an in-depth study to understand how it works. In a basic and simplified way, we develop a code script to run the simulation. It is a step-by-step process and, at the beginning, I did not understand well this logic of working with codes. This occurred due to my previous experience with architecture, which mainly involves graphic plans and visualisation software, a quite different approach. Over time, I learned to understand and like Grasshopper. I believe it offers great flexibility for various analyses and post-processing of data, as long as you master the tool.
Another software that I really like, and stands out for its dynamics and ease of use, is Climate Studio. This is a software used in conjunction with Rhinoceros and, with them, it is possible to develop analyses of energy efficiency, access to natural light, performance of electric lighting, visual and thermal comfort, as well as other bioclimatic analyses.
The most notable aspect of Climate Studio is that it has some simulations already programmed specifically for LEED and BREEAM standards, two of the most prestigious sustainability certifications in architecture and construction. This offers a significant advantage, as it facilitates and speeds up the process when complex analyses for obtaining these certifications need to be performed. Therefore, the use of this software not only optimises time, but also contributes significantly to the development of sustainable and efficient projects.
Another software worth mentioning, which in many aspects performs functions similar to those offered by Grasshopper and Climate Studio tools, in addition to many other analyses, is IES. We could say that this is a more modern and dynamic tool. In addition, it is important to mention that IES is widely used in many sectors. Its use is widespread precisely because it manages to combine a series of important characteristics, thus becoming a very complete tool. Therefore, IES is an option to consider when performing various analyses in different contexts.
To perform analyses in the field of thermodynamics, such as wind and air flow analyses, a tool that has been widely used by specialists is CFD, also known as Computational Fluid Dynamics. This powerful method is employed to solve and analyse complex problems involving fluid flows, offering detailed insights and a more comprehensive view of the phenomena studied. Using advanced algorithms and simulations, CFD allows researchers and engineers to predict fluid behaviour with precision, optimise designs and improve performance in various applications, from wind study to aerospace and automotive.
In the context of Building Life Cycle Assessment, a tool that has gained prominence and is widely used worldwide is One Click LCA. This highly sophisticated and easy-to-use tool allows a detailed and in-depth analysis of a building’s life cycle, covering all aspects from the initial design phase to its eventual demolition and recycling of materials. It facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact associated with each phase, thus providing valuable insights for sustainable decision-making. Additionally, One Click LCA supports compliance with various environmental standards and certifications, making it even more essential for those seeking to achieve high levels of sustainability in their construction projects.
Analytical Thinking and Data Analysis
As I mentioned before, a crucial element in the profession of sustainability consultant that I was initially unaware of is the relevance of analytical thinking and data analysis, which are fundamental tools. These skills allow me to examine the vast volume of data produced by computer simulations, which need to be filtered according to the intended objective or according to a specific standard or certification.
This data analysis is not a small task, as the volume of information produced by the simulations can be enormous. Therefore, it is necessary to have the ability to discern which data are relevant to the task at hand and which can be discarded. This is particularly important when dealing with standards and certifications, as it is necessary to ensure that all requirements are being met and described in a report.
To perform this data analysis, tools such as Excel, Python and any others that allow the manipulation and filtering of this data are regularly used. These are powerful tools that can handle large amounts of data and provide valuable insights. Developing the ability to use these tools effectively was something that I also needed to learn along the way.
Report Writing
Knowing how to write well in an organised, clear and structured manner is crucial for the production of reports when you are a sustainability consultant, which are the final products of your work. Although good written communication is essential in most roles, it is especially important here. Reports are where you detail everything you have done and the results of your analysis in a written format. This means that it is very important to explain your findings in a clear and well-crafted way.
Effective report writing ensures that complex data and insights derived from various analyses are translated into understandable and actionable information.
In addition, stakeholders, including clients, regulatory bodies and certification agencies, depend on these reports to make informed decisions. It also serves as documented proof of your analyses and recommendations, which can be referenced in future projects or audits.
In essence, the ability to write well-structured and clear reports is not just a desirable skill, but critical for sustainability consultants. It transforms raw data and complex analyses into coherent narratives that inform, persuade and drive actions towards sustainable solutions. Therefore, improving your report writing skills is essential to achieve success and make a significant impact in the field of sustainability consultancy.
3D CAD Modelling
Last but definitely not least, and you should not underestimate this as it makes up almost 50% of the work you will do, knowing how to model in 3D CAD software is crucial for the daily work of a sustainability consultant, at least for those that involve working with building physics, building performance and bioclimatic analyses.
Each software or type of simulation requires preparing or building the 3D model in a specific way for the simulation to work effectively. This preparation involves understanding the nuances and requirements of the software used and ensuring that the model meets these specifications.
For example, when using Rhinoceros combined with Grasshopper for natural light or solar analysis, the 3D CAD model must be detailed and structured in a specific way. Similarly, for CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations, the model must accurately represent fluid flows and wind patterns around the building. The model needs to follow specific configurations to perform the analysis correctly.
My background in architecture has been extremely beneficial in this aspect. Having experience with various 3D modelling software made it easier for me to learn and adapt to new tools like Rhinoceros. Architectural training involves the extensive use of CAD software to create detailed and precise models, a skill that translates well to the requirements of sustainability consultancy. Although each software may have its unique features and workflows, they generally behave in a similar way, making it easier to adapt to new tools and techniques.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the profession of sustainability consultant in civil construction is a complex and multifaceted role that requires a wide range of skills and knowledge. However, it is an extremely rewarding and necessary role, given the current urgency to mitigate climate change and promote sustainability in all areas of life, including the construction industry. Through the intelligent use of technology and data analysis, we can guide the construction industry towards more sustainable practices and create buildings and cities that not only minimise environmental impact, but also improve people’s quality of life.
Well, I hope to have helped demystify this profession in some way. Any questions, leave them in the comments!
Here are some other posts I have detailing some bioclimatic computational simulations if you are interested:
