Sustainability Specialist

Job Title

Sustainability Specialist

Job Description Summary

The responsibilities of a Sustainability Specialist will focus on supporting the further growth and development of Cushman & Wakefield’s national Sustainability and ESG Consulting Platform. The successful candidate shall demonstrate the ability to make themselves proficient in the LEED BREEAM, ENERGY STAR, and Fitwel programs, as well as overall building sustainability performance and energy markets. They shall be able to work well as a project coordinator with diverse groups and interests. These responsibilities include supporting and managing multiple sustainability initiatives including LEED and ENERGY STAR projects throughout the entire certification process, as well Fitwel, IREM, and BOMA 360 projects. Project work entails execution of directed research and analytical activities, project coordination and technical support.

Job Description

Job Description Summary

The responsibilities of a Sustainability Specialist will focus on supporting the further growth and development of Cushman & Wakefield’s national Sustainability and ESG Consulting Platform. The successful candidate shall demonstrate the ability to make themselves proficient in the LEED BREEAM, ENERGY STAR, and Fitwel programs, as well as overall building sustainability performance and energy markets. They shall be able to work well as a project coordinator with diverse groups and interests. These responsibilities include supporting and managing multiple sustainability initiatives including LEED and ENERGY STAR projects throughout the entire certification process, as well Fitwel, IREM, and BOMA 360 projects. Project work entails execution of directed research and analytical activities, project coordination and technical support.

PROJECT COORDINATION, DOCUMENTION, CERTIFICATION AND REVIEW

• Support and/or manage multiple LEED, IREM Certified Sustainable Projects, Fitwel, and BOMA 360 projects throughout the entire certification process
• Educate, lead and oversee project teams, staff, consultants, engineers and vendors throughout entire certification process
• Provide certification documentation management, review and technical/analytical support to project teams as needed
• Manage the process of identifying, prioritizing, delegating and tracking certification items as well as ensuring projects remain on budget and schedule
• Communicate with the property management team to develop, plan and execute sustainability programs and certification project management
• Perform basic green building technical analysis and support the certification application and review process as well as educate project teams on best practices of building performance
• Measure building performance and oversee submission of certification documentation to relevant governing body and/or online portal
• Enhance existing and develop new tools to further track the performance of green buildings

ENERGY STAR PORTOFLIO MANAGER

• Become proficient in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and local utility’s online energy tracking programs, and provide advice to staff regarding setup and updating of building data
• Assist with the auditing, reviewing and updating of managed portfolio’s ENERGY STAR entries in Portfolio Manager

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Assist in the development of the sustainability program for by creating and supporting the advancement of the new initiatives
• Assist with business development efforts as well as with the tracking of new and prospective business pursuits
• Maintain marketing slides and sustainability best practices library
• Create and layout graphics for presentations, publications and reports
• Develop and implement a tracking program to measure and review expected versus actual performance of ongoing and completed projects
• Research, inform and develop a database of environmental and sustainability related legislation, regulation, practices and policies for use across national Cushman & Wakefield portfolio

A/R

• Assist in accounts receivable process by submitting and coding invoices to clients
• Maintain accurate records of consulting costs and expenses

Contracts

• Assist in the scope development, bidding and administration of project and portfolio wide unit cost contracts for supplies, materials and services

Education

• Develop and oversee sustainability and ESG educational seminars and courses for Cushman & Wakefield employees
• Develop new programs to educate and engage tenants, property management, senior management and ownership of sustainability efforts and projects
• Complete case studies around sustainability and ESG
• Stay abreast of developments and changes in ESG, ENERGY STAR, WELL, Fitwel, and LEED rating systems
• Develop and create new sustainability tenant awareness educational programs to encourage tenant participation in ESG

OTHER

• Willingness to travel to other geographic areas to perform the duties above
• Become involved with local and national real estate and sustainability organizations/associations
• Other responsibilities/duties as assigned by Supervisor

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) from four-year college or university in sustainable building, environmental policy/science, real estate, engineering, or allied field and a minimum of one year of related project coordination, LEED experience, and/or Fitwel Experience
• Strong personal interest in green building and sustainable design
• Commitment to earn the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (LEED AP O&M) designation within 90 days and must maintain this designation including completing all of the required continuing education requirements
• Commitment to earn the Fitwel Ambassador designation within 90 days and must maintain this designation including completing all of the required continuing education requirements
• Experience with being a successful and an effective team member, supporting a team of professionals to achieve desired results
• Strong oral and written communication skills and technical presentation ability
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Working knowledge of graphic and layout software (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign etc.) is a plus
• Possess a positive attitude with a flexible and responsive approach to problem solving
• A knack for innovation and problem solving, and a collaborative, solutions-oriented working style

** The above-referenced position summary is a guideline designed to present an overview of job duties and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of responsibilities and requirements. Where the qualifications are described in terms of formal education or training, prior experience in the same field may be substituted.

Cushman & Wakefield provides equal employment opportunity. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated. Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative​ Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without  regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email HRServices@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.