Sustainability Lead (Europe)

Grimshaw Architects is seeking a Sustainability Lead for their London studio to drive sustainable design in projects across London and Paris. The role involves collaborating with architectural teams, implementing sustainability practices, and leading initiatives like Net Zero Carbon. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience in sustainability, a relevant degree, and proficiency in environmental modelling tools. The position requires strong collaboration skills and a passion for sustainability.
Job Description

We are looking for an experienced sustainable built environment expert to drive sustainable and regenerative design outcomes in London and Paris across all our projects and sectors.

As a member of our global sustainability department and our ‘go-to’ sustainability specialist in the London studio, you will be working closely with our architectural design teams to ensure sustainable and regenerative design principles are embedded into the strategic planning, design and delivery of our projects as a first principle.

In this role you will be responsible for the implementation of our Practice commitments and will work closely with other regional sustainability leads, our regional portfolios in London, Paris and Dubai, design leads and associated Partners to accelerate our engagement and performance. The role reports into the Group Sustainability Practice Leader based In London

Responsibilities:
• Pioneer Sustainable Innovation: Provide expert guidance on projects and bids, from cutting-edge industrial design to transformative buildings, infrastructure, and precincts (both new and retrofit).
• Unlock Design Potential: Leverage your expertise in building physics modelling (daylight, microclimate, façade performance, thermal comfort) or embodied carbon assessments to empower design teams and optimise building performance.
• Strategic Optimisation: Collaborate with consultants to deliver compelling cost-benefit analyses, ensuring the most impactful and sustainable solutions.
• Lead Regional Transformation: Develop and implement dynamic sustainability studio action plans driving tangible progress.
• Champion Sustainability Agendas: Spearhead crucial initiatives like Regenerative Design, Net Zero Carbon, and the Circular Economy, sharing your knowledge and inspiring change.
• Forge Sustainable Pathways: Create project roadmaps for continuous improvement, leading sustainability design reviews that ensure environmental concepts are seamlessly integrated.
• Drive Advocacy: Lead our efforts to promote sustainable design beyond our studio walls and represent us at key forums and events.
• Accountability and governance: Contribute to impactful sustainability project reporting, including presentations and papers for our Partners and clients

Skills and Qualifications:
• Superior sustainability literacy and advanced proficiency in environmental modelling, energy assessment, thermal comfort, whole of life assessments, and optimisations studies
• Bachelor of Architecture / Engineering or equivalent sustainability related discipline
• 10+ years of technical and leadership experience
• Professional accreditation desired: LEED, BREEAM or WELL, Passivhaus Certification
• Experience with at least one of the following tools / software packages: IES-VE, Energy Plus, OpenStudio, Grasshopper, Honeybee, Climate Studio or One Click
• Significant industry experience in building environmental design as part of a transdisciplinary team
• Strong collaboration, influencing and training skills with capacity to inspire change
• Demonstrated ability to translate sustainability goals and aspirations into design outcomes for clients and stakeholders
• Passionate about continued professional development in environmental design and analysis
• Possess a standing / reputation in the design community

For all of our roles, strong communication skills and an understanding and appreciation of our design ethos are crucial.

Grimshaw is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome people from all backgrounds and recognise that in order to be successful, we need to create an inclusive environment where everyone can reach their potential and succeed.

Any offer of employment with Grimshaw will be conditional upon you having the right to work in the UK.