In an industry that’s constantly developing its approach to sustainability and becoming ever more environmentally conscious, there are plenty of sustainable career opportunities to suit all interests and skills. Events like Green Careers Week help to raise awareness of environmentally friendly career opportunities. As construction is focused on significantly reducing its carbon emissions, the industry presents many opportunities to work in sustainable roles.
 
These are the green construction careers we are going to explore in this guide:   

  • Environmental advisor
  • Sustainability specialist 
  • Ecologist 
  • Wind turbine engineer 
  • Renewable energy analyst 
  • Solar panel installer 
  • Wind energy analyst 
  • Environmental engineer 
  • Sustainability manager
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) coordinator
  • Energy manager
  • Thermal insulation installer.

What is Green Careers Week?

Green Careers Week, taking place from 3-8 November 2025, is an annual event promoting jobs and opportunities in the green economy, as well as careers which make a difference to environmental protection and preservation. The event features webinars and online resources for parents, students and teachers.
 
The UK government has made a commitment to create 2 million skilled green jobs by 2030. Construction and the built environment is one of the main areas where the greatest impact is needed, because of the high level of carbon emissions attributed to the industry. Green Careers Week raises awareness of the opportunities available and seeks to inspire young people to follow green career pathways. 

Sustainability jobs in construction

These are just some of the green construction roles available within the construction industry: 

Environmental advisor 

Also known as an environmental consultant, an environmental advisor in a construction company is responsible for ensuring that all environmental regulations and targets are met for each project. Whether it is reducing pollution or minimising waste, anyone who loves to approach a problem strategically should consider this as a possible sustainable career option. 

  • Skills: Mathematical knowledge, analytical thinking, knowledge of geography, communication skills.
  • Qualifications: Undergraduate degree or degree apprenticeship (environmental practitioner). 

Sustainability specialist 

Responsible for assessing the carbon footprint of each construction project, a sustainability specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring environmentally responsible and sustainable practices are used throughout the entire construction process. Not only can they help businesses save money and make progress with developments, but more importantly they can help reduce the impact that each project has on the environment.

  • Skills: Knowledge of environmental legislation, project management, problem solving.
  • Qualifications: Undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree, apprenticeship.

Ecologist 

For anyone with a strong passion for protecting and conserving the environment, the role of an ecologist in a construction company is the perfect job for you. As an ecologist, you’ll be in charge of studying the relationship between plants, animals, and their environment and reporting on the impact the proposed construction work could have on this.  

  • Skills: Scientific skills, data analysis, field research, problem solving, planning. 
  • Qualifications: Undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree.

Wind turbine engineer 

Sometimes referred to as an energy engineer or renewable energy engineer, wind turbine engineers research, design and oversee the build of onshore and offshore wind farms and power plants. For anyone who wants to put their engineering skills to use in an environmentally conscious way, this could be the ideal construction career for you.  

  • Skills: Planning, budgeting, CAD design, mathematical skills, engineering knowledge.
  • Qualifications: Undergraduate degree, degree apprenticeship.

Renewable energy analyst 

A renewable energy analyst plays a crucial role in assessing, planning and implementing renewable energy solutions within construction projects. Their work actively helps create green buildings that reduce the negative impact on the environment by lessening emissions and employing renewable energy sources.

  • Skills: Mathematical skills, logical and analytical thinking, data analysis.
  • Qualifications: Undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree, apprenticeship.

Solar panel installer 

If you have a head for heights and fancy a more ‘hands-on approach’ to sustainable construction, then the role of solar panel installer has your name all over it. Responsible for installing and maintaining solar panels on roofs for different types of buildings, this is the perfect green construction career for anyone who loves the outdoors. 

  • Skills: Electrical systems knowledge, design, analytical thinking, physical fitness. 
  • Qualifications: College course, apprenticeship, work experience.

Wind energy analyst 

A wind energy analyst tests different types of wind technology, including wind turbines, to measure their efficiency and improve energy production. Working across national and international construction projects, this is an ideal role for anyone keen to make practical use of their renewable energy knowledge. 

  • Skills: Data analysis, mathematical skills, logical thinking, engineering knowledge.
  • Qualifications: Undergraduate degree, degree apprenticeship.

Environmental engineer 

Encompassing numerous tasks that focus on reducing waste and pollution during any given construction project, environmental engineers play a significant role in helping to ensure sustainable property developments. Not only do they optimise projects to maximise the use of natural resources and existing materials, but environmental engineers also develop renewable energy resources to help keep projects as green as possible.

  •  Skills: Data analysis, mathematical and science knowledge, communication skills.
  • Qualifications: Undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree, degree apprenticeship.

Sustainability manager 

A sustainability manager oversees the implementation of sustainability strategies during a construction project. This usually relates to the environmental impacts of the work being carried out, to ensure that sustainability goals are met by managing resources efficiently, reducing waste, and promoting eco-friendly materials and technologies. Their role is essential in shaping sustainable construction projects.

  • Skills: Maths and geography knowledge, analytical thinking, attention to detail.
  • Qualifications: Undergraduate degree, degree apprenticeship.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) coordinator

A Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) coordinator acts as a company’s ‘conscience’, championing and developing the ethical, environmentally-friendly, and community-minded side of a business. The job involves developing policies relating to sustainability and environmental responsibilities, and raising awareness of the positive contribution a business is making to the local community.

  • Skills: Logical and analytical thinking, high level of written and verbal communication skills, people skills. 
  • Qualifications: College course, apprenticeship, undergraduate degree.

Energy manager

Also known as energy advisors or energy consultants, energy managers play a key role in overseeing energy consumption and improving efficiency in organisations. They develop strategies to optimise energy use, reduce waste, and lower emissions, often by implementing renewable energy solutions and energy-saving technologies. Their work is essential in creating more sustainable organisations that minimise environmental impact.

  • Skills: Project management, leadership, communication skills.  
  • Qualifications: College course, apprenticeship, undergraduate degree.

Thermal insulation installer

Thermal insulation installers play a vital part in energy conservation. They specialise in insulating hot pipes, boilers and vessels to keep heat in or, in refrigeration and air conditioning installations, to keep heat out. Working on commercial and residential construction sites, thermal insulation installers are at the front line of sustainability, making a real difference to energy consumption and retrofitting measures. 

  • Skills: Practical skills, attention to detail, good with tools. 
  • Qualifications: Apprenticeship, work experience.

Learn more about sustainability careers in construction with Go Construct

Find out more about the growing focus on sustainable construction, the shifting environmental landscape, and the multitude of construction careers available within the industry, helping to shape our built environment for a more sustainable future.