10 steps to your next role in green construction

There’s a growing demand for sustainable development – and for the talented professionals who can make it a reality. The UK government’s £12 billion Ten Point Plan aims to create 250,000 high-skill green jobs by 2030, with energy-efficient infrastructure being a significant driving force.

Opportunities in green construction are growing by the day, but how do you navigate your career transition?
 

1. Don’t be put off by industry stereotypes

While there’s still ground to cover when it comes to DE&I in the construction industry, this shouldn’t deter you from securing your desired role. Organisations are increasingly recognising that a diverse workforce is key to ensuring the industry stays relevant in a time of rapid progress.

“There are a lot of preconceived misconceptions surrounding the construction industry,” says Luke Ives, ED&I Manager at Arup. “But we are becoming more diverse, with wider perspectives. This is what we need to tackle the world’s biggest problems.”
 

2. Be open-minded

Planning, building, and maintaining sustainable infrastructure demands a wide range of skills: from engineering and data science to communications and HR. It’s therefore possible to break into the industry without environmental expertise – and in fact, many green roles don’t have set career paths.

Perhaps you’re interested in pioneering low-carbon concrete in major infrastructure projects as an urban planner? Or maybe you’re set on becoming a building services engineer, using advanced software to monitor and improve the energy efficiency of a building complex? There are plenty of ways your skills can contribute to sustainable development.
 

3. Research organisations pioneering sustainable development

“I think that naturally if you’re passionate about something, you’re going to be hungry to learn and find information,” says Amy Brogan, ESG director at CBRE. “I’ve gone to different seminars and webinars to understand what the big organisations leading the pack are doing, and how can we support each other as a collective.”

Keeping up to speed with green construction leaders will not only improve your industry knowledge, but better inform your career decisions. Identify and research organisations that match your ambitions, checking their websites and reading any sustainability reports they’ve published. If you’re happy that they meet your requirements, follow the company’s social media channels for any job openings.
 

4. Look out for corporate greenwashing

The fact that more companies are taking sustainability and climate change seriously is something to be celebrated, yet there are also those willing to exaggerate their efforts. Known as ‘greenwashing’, this is a marketing ruse where organisations make themselves appear more environmentally conscious than they actually are. Any organisation providing misleading sustainability credentials is unlikely to offer you a fulfilling green career.

Remember, you can review industry benchmarks, such as those provided by the World Benchmarking Alliance, to measure and compare organisations’ de facto commitment to sustainability.
 

5. Grow your networks and personal brand in green construction

Don’t overlook the power of networking when finding your next green construction position. Attend industry events, webinars and other networking opportunities to build connections and stay informed of the latest trends and best practices.

Linking up with other professionals via social media, such as LinkedIn, is also an important way of building your personal brand in green construction. Consider how their skills and career pathways might align with your own and try emulating the way they post and engage with content.
 

6. Seek out upskilling and training opportunities

As climate concerns escalate, more people are looking to play an active role in sustainable narratives. Green construction is becoming a popular space, so you should always seek to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Training through recognised bodies – such as the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) – can quickly add more depth to your professional profile. Whether it’s understanding the circular economy in lighting and building services, or learning about the latest low carbon and zero carbon options, many courses can be completed remotely and at a time that suits you.
 

7. Gain practical experience in your current organisation

With sustainability moving up the agenda for organisations of all sizes, there’s a good chance your current workplace has opportunities to develop green skills and help support sustainable initiatives. Could you set up a sustainability network in your organisation? Or how about forging partnerships with advisory firms who can help your company implement sustainable practices?

Even if these actions or projects are not directly tied to green building, your involvement will show employers – both current and prospective – a clear commitment to environmental agendas.
 

8. Consider voluntary work

If your organisation isn’t offering you opportunities to develop your green expertise, consider offering your skills on a voluntary basis. Green construction is inherently an industry with a strong focus on maximising social impact; working alongside an established charity or NGO – such as Friends of the Earth or the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) – could persuade a hiring manager that you’re a natural fit.
 

9. Apply for a role – even if you don’t have all the skills

Even if you don’t have all the listed skills for an advertised job in green construction, it’s still worth applying. Skills shortages are prevalent across various industries, and construction is no exception. Our latest salary guide revealed that 95% of construction and property employers faced skills shortages last year, and there’s a greater onus on organisations to upskill and reskill professionals to meet sustainable development plans, such as the low-carbon retrofitting of buildings and social housing. A passion for the environment and willingness to learn new skills could take you far.
 

10. Speak with an industry expert

Green construction is an exciting space, with new roles constantly coming into existence as organisations transition to a green economy. Being an emerging industry though, getting access to the latest opportunities and careers advice can be a challenge. But by speaking to an expert with hands-on experience and broad employer networks, you can fast-track your green construction job search and get connected to the right organisations.

If you’re looking to level up your green construction skills, enhance your career and work on exciting sustainable projects, get in touch with one of our specialist consultants today.