The role of the Sustainability Consultant in civil construction is fundamental. Sustainability consultants are becoming increasingly essential in projects that aim 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 Architecture and Environmental Design, 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 re-evaluated 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 in Building Environment Do?
But what exactly does a sustainability consultant do? I confess that this was exactly what I wanted to know when I started my career transition to sustainability. I knew I wanted to work with sustainable construction, learn to conduct analyses, and recommend sustainable design strategies to clients. However, I couldn’t find a concrete answer on the internet at the time. I only understood this after finishing my master’s degree and starting to look for jobs in the field.
A good tip is to look at job descriptions. However, the Brazilian market in this area is somewhat non-existent and is gradually developing, so you may not have may opportunities. I particularly didn’t and had to turn to the European market, specifically in the United Kingdom, where this area is much more developed and consolidated.
The job involves developing computational analyses and environmental assessments. This includes bioclimatic analysis such as natural light, natural ventilation, outdoor thermal comfort, passive design, net-zero carbon design, energy consumption, dynamic thermal modeling for indoor and outdoor comfort, and life cycle assessment of buildings. These are some of the work you can choose to do.
Of course, there are many other areas that you can work on. The ones mentioned and the aim of this blog are primarily focused on building physics and performance, but sustainability consulting encompasses much more than just the built environment. There are consultants who specialize in planning policies, economics, and other areas crucial to sustainable development. These professionals might work on creating and enforcing regulations, developing economic models for sustainable growth, or even engaging with communities to promote sustainable practices. However, the overarching aim remains the same: to ensure better and more sustainable development across various sectors. Also, it is important to note that it is not necessary to master all these areas; you can choose to focus on a few or even just one specific area if that aligns better with your interests and career goals.
Tools for Bioclimatic Computational Simulation
To perform these analyses, there are numerous software available on the market. However, it is worth noting that not all software cover 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 modeling, and many other analyses, is Rhinoceros combined with Grasshopper. Using it, it is possible to download some bioclimatic analysis tools on Grasshopper such as Ladybug, Honeybee, and Dragonfly, 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 its functioning. In a basic and simplified way, we end up developing a code script to execute the simulation. It’s a step-by-step process, and in the beginning, I didn’t quite understand this logic of working with codes, due to my previous experience with architecture, which involves a lot of work with graphic plans and visualization software. But it’s another type of logic to work with. Over time, I learned to understand and enjoy Grasshopper better. I believe it offers a lot of flexibility in any analysis and data post-processing that you need to do. Of course, once you master the tool. I still don’t know everything, but I understood that it’s an eternal learning process, which can be fun too.
Another software that I really like, and stands out for its dynamics and ease of use, is Climate Studio. This is software used in conjunction with Rhinoceros and with them, it is possible to develop rigorous analyses of energy efficiency, access to natural light, performance of electric lighting, visual and thermal comfort, in addition to other bioclimatic analyses.
The most notable aspect of Climate Studio is that it has some simulations already programmed specifically for the 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 carried out. Therefore, the use of this software not only optimizes time but also significantly contributes 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. Additionally, 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.
For performing analyses in the field of thermodynamics, such as wind and airflow analyses, a tool that has been widely used by specialists is CFD, also known as Computational Fluid Dynamics. This powerful numerical method is employed to solve and analyze complex problems involving fluid flows, offering detailed insights and a more comprehensive view of the phenomena studied. By utilizing advanced algorithms and simulations, CFD enables researchers and engineers to predict fluid behavior accurately, optimize designs, and enhance performance in various applications, from wind analysis 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 user-friendly tool allows for a detailed and in-depth analysis of a building’s life cycle, covering every aspect from the initial design phase to its eventual demolition. It facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact associated with each phase, thereby providing valuable insights for sustainable decision-making. The tool’s ability to integrate various data points and perform complex calculations makes it an indispensable resource for architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants who are striving to minimize the ecological footprint of their projects. Furthermore, One Click LCA supports compliance with various environmental standards and certifications, making it even more essential for those aiming to achieve high levels of sustainability in their building projects.
Analytical Thinking and Data Analysis
A crucial element in the profession of sustainability consultant that I initially wasn’t aware 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 computational simulations, which need to be filtered according to the intended objective or in accordance with a specific standard or certification.
This data analysis is no small task, as the volume of information produced by simulations can be huge. 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 carry out 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 effectively use these tools was something I also needed to learn along the way.
Building Reports
Knowing how to write well in an organized, clear, and structured way is crucial for producing reports when being a sustainability consultant, which are the final products of your work. While good written communication is essential in most job 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 it’s very important to explain your findings clearly and well.
Effective report writing ensures that complex data and insights derived from various analyses are translated into understandable and actionable information.
Additionally, stakeholders, including clients, regulatory bodies, and certification agencies, rely on these reports to make informed decisions. A meticulously crafted report reflects your attention to detail, thoroughness, and commitment to quality, thereby fostering trust and confidence in your work. It also serves as a 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 a critical one for sustainability consultants. It transforms raw data and complex analyses into coherent narratives that inform, persuade, and drive action towards sustainable solutions. Therefore, honing your report writing skills is fundamental to achieving success and making a significant impact in the field of sustainability consulting.
CAD Modelling
Last but definitely not least important skills, and you should not underestimate this since it is part of 50% of the work you will do, is knowing how to model in CAD softwares is crucial for the daily work of a sustainability consultant, at least for the ones that involves working with building physics, building performance, and bioclimatic analyses.
Each software or type of simulation requires preparing or building the CAD model in a specific way for the simulation to work effectively. This preparation involves understanding the nuances and requirements of the software being used and ensuring that the CAD model meets these specifications.
For example, when using Rhinoceros combined with Grasshopper for daylight or sunlight analysis, the 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 CAD model needs to follow specific configurations to perform the analysis correctly.
My background in architecture has been extremely beneficial in this regard. Having experience with various CAD modelling software made it easier for me to learn and adapt to new tools like Rhino. Architectural training involves extensive use of CAD software for creating detailed and accurate models, which is a skill that translates well to the requirements of sustainability consulting. While each software may have its unique features and workflows, they generally behave in a similar way, making it easier to pick up 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 minimize environmental impact but also improve people’s quality of life.
Well, I hope I have helped to 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:
Sustainable Construction: Strategies and Techniques
