Sustainability Jobs in the UK

10 Best Sustainability Jobs to Choose From

Talented individuals who work sustainability jobs are in great demand as the public wants businesses to lessen their environmental impact. Applying social science, environmental science, and civil engineering to suggest changes to corporate operations in order to preserve the planet’s resources is what it means to work in the sustainability sector. You can employ a wide range of abilities, from product design to consultancy, and find a rewarding profession by pursuing a career in sustainability.

• Environmental Scientist

An environmental scientist earns an average salary of £63,119 a year. By carrying out studies, creating regulations, and putting environmental management plans into action, an environmental scientist advances sustainable development. They pinpoint strategies that advance human health while simultaneously safeguarding the environment. Both governmental and commercial sector clients may be served by environmental scientists. Researching diseases and determining the origins of nearby wildfires are other responsibilities.

• Environmental Geologist 

This role offers an average yearly salary of £66,796. An environmental geologist investigates the planet’s past as well as how different ecosystems and biospheres interact. Through their contributions to the identification of alternative energy sources, their work supports projects relating to sustainability. Regarding the use and purchase of energy resources, they can also confer with mining and gas corporations. Environmental geologists can map various resources, including oil and other energy sources, by using advanced equipment like drones to capture overhead photos and consult drilling records. Environmental geologists can work for government organizations, engineering businesses, and consulting firms in addition to oil and gas enterprises.

• Ecologist

The average pay for this role is £70,732 a year. To comprehend the intricate relationships that exist between living things and their environments, ecologists apply their expertise in biology, ecology, and environmental science. They research how humans affect the environment and create ways to make sustainability better. Ecologists can find employment in a number of places, such as government offices, private businesses, nonprofits, and academic institutions. They can also be a part of a research team that studies how an ecosystem is affected by restoration or construction.

Read Also: Recruitment Agencies in the UK 2025

• Urban Planner

In the United Kingdom, the average yearly salary for this role is £71,226. To establish a sustainable and healthy environment, an urban planner assists organizations in creating plans for the effective use of land and other resources. They might focus on ideas for parks, roads, sustainable communities, or city plans. Urban planners also create plans to handle expanding populations and comply with zoning, construction, and environmental laws. In order to upgrade buildings, transportation networks, or other infrastructure, urban planning may call for new construction or restoration initiatives.

• Landscape Architect

The average pay nationwide is £71,211 annually. An area’s natural geography and topography are surveyed by a landscape architect, who then uses a variety of design techniques to blend man-made structures with the surrounding landscape. Their primary goal is to create outdoor areas that are both aesthetically beautiful and useful. To create projects that preserve and enhance the natural environment, landscape architects use abilities like design and innovative problem-solving. Although they may work in offices most of the time, landscape architects also visit actual construction sites to evaluate the site’s vegetation, soil composition, and elevation variations.

• Environmental Consultant

Environmental consultants in the United Kingdom earn up to £72,774 on average. An environmental consultant advises customers on matters such as soil contamination, air quality, and water pollution. They collaborate with people, companies, and governmental organizations to guarantee adherence to environmental laws and guidelines. Consultants offer training and education, conduct audits to evaluate compliance, and assist clients in creating sustainable plans, in addition to assessment and analysis.

Read Also: Pharmacy Technician Jobs in the UK

• Air Quality Engineer  

The average yearly salary for this role in the UK is £88,977. An air quality engineer uses advanced monitoring procedures, statistical and chemical analysis, and three-dimensional computer modeling to assess air pollution in a particular location. Sometimes they create or alter pollution-control devices. When measuring and analyzing the effects of certain behaviors on the local environment, air quality engineers typically focus their efforts on or near large cities.

• Environmental Engineer 

The average salary of an environmental engineer is  £87,611 a year. An environmental engineer solves environmental problems by applying engineering concepts. To enhance public health, they use their understanding of biological and ecological processes, as well as soil composition. They might also create plans for recycling and garbage disposal, as well as manage pollution in the air and water. Environmental engineers might work for nonprofit environmental organizations or in the public or commercial sector.

• Energy Manager

This role pays an average yearly salary of £87,397. An energy manager creates and puts into action plans to lower expenses and resource usage. To make sure that financial and environmental resources are being used effectively, they conduct audits. Additionally, they might investigate and suggest clean energy technologies. Energy managers can contribute their skills to the creation of new city projects, municipality plans, and government contracts in the public or private sectors. Energy managers may discover that their job prospects extend into manufacturing due to the labor and energy-intensive nature of this industry.

• Sustainability Engineer  

The average salary for this role is £97,703 a year. A sustainability engineer’s main responsibilities include evaluating potential locations, analyzing financial data, and creating strategies in order to design and carry out renewable energy projects. Sustainability engineers often work in offices, but they occasionally visit construction sites to gather information about task requirements and create project designs. Additionally, sustainability engineers create plans to improve energy efficiency and use computer-aided design software.

Read Also: Night Shift Jobs in the UK- Everything You Need to Know

Best Sustainability Certifications to Consider in the UK

An impartial second or third party will award you a sustainability certification as proof that your company complies with their sustainability guidelines. Depending on the certifying authority you choose, there are several different sustainability certifications available. Some of them might have tiers, similar to grades, that show how sustainable your business is. Generally speaking, getting a sustainability certification is a good way to show that your environmental pledges are genuine and to reassure clients that you are not “greenwashing” by overstating your sustainability initiatives. Additionally, getting certified can provide a business with a competitive edge, attract eco-aware investors, and improve its reputation. These certifications show that you love sustainability jobs. The best sustainability certifications available to UK companies

• B Corp Certification

Based on a B Impact Assessment, the non-profit organization B Lab Global bestows the B Corp designation. Businesses that demonstrate socially conscious and sustainable practices that benefit society and the environment are eligible for this esteemed certification. Before drawing any judgments, the examination considers a number of aspects, such as the company’s supply chain management, workforce policies, trade practices, and the origin of its supplies. B Lab keeps a careful eye on these standards through internal and external evaluations. After the initial evaluation, they do routine compliance checks to make sure everything is still in order.

Companies can become B Corp Certified if they receive a score of 80 or above (out of 200) on this test and formally agree to change their articles of association to make them accountable to all stakeholders, including customers and employees. The fact that more than 2,000 UK-based businesses have now obtained B Corp certification attests to its widespread acceptance. Enterprises in the B Corp community have a 70% success rate, according to B Lab’s research, while non-certified enterprises only have a 56% success rate.

• EcoVadis

Four primary themes- environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement are used by EcoVadis to rate a company’s sustainability. Additionally, it offers resources to assist businesses in meeting sustainable objectives, managing sustainability risk and compliance, and more. To receive an EcoVadis grade, businesses must present proof against each of the indicators. Scorecards with a range of 0 to 100 are used to display the results, and medals (bronze, silver, or gold) may also be included.

Businesses of all sizes and sectors, such as Johnson & Johnson, L’Oréal, Nestlé, Schneider Electric, and Michelin, use EcoVadis. The gold standard for evaluating a business’s sustainability performance is its EcoVadis rating. They can assist businesses in creating action plans and determining their areas of strength and progress. An external committee of sustainability and procurement specialists is part of EcoVadis’ strict approach, and they examine the procedure and score system on a regular basis.

• ISSP Sustainability Excellence Associate

Businesses can enroll in two courses and get top sustainability certifications from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP), a global sustainability association. The Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) course is the first. The SEA course is an excellent fit for sole traders because it is designed for people just starting in the sustainability industry. As a requirement for the SEP certification, SEA gives individuals a thorough awareness of contemporary sustainability challenges, the ability to evaluate sustainability possibilities and risks, and the ability to use systems thinking to create sustainable solutions. A company’s dedication to understanding sustainability principles and following best practices is demonstrated by the SEA accreditation.

• ISSP Sustainability Excellence Professional

Only when a business has finished the SEA course may it pursue ISSP’s next level, the Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP). The SEP certification is a more advanced version of the SEA certification. It attests to a great deal of knowledge and experience in the sustainability field. Obtaining a SEP certification will establish your business as a pioneer in sustainable change. It is adept at implementing sustainable plans, engaging stakeholders, and understanding key sustainability ideas. No matter where your firm is located, you can take the SEA and SEP exams virtually or at approved testing locations, giving you flexibility.

• ISO 14001.

Despite having a barcode-like appearance, ISO 14001 is one of the most prestigious and well-known sustainability certifications that UK companies may obtain. This certification, which is awarded by the International Standards Association, is well known for its reputation, and it might take a lot of money to put the required Environmental Management System (EMS) in place. Therefore, medium to large firms are more likely to pursue ISO 14001 than SMEs and startups. However, startups and small organizations can apply for ISO 14001 without any obstacles, so if they have the means, this certification could be a great goal.

• Carbon Trust Certified

A prominent player in the sustainability space, Carbon Trust is well-known for collaborating with medium-sized and larger businesses, especially those with intricate supply networks. Obtaining certification from this prestigious organization can significantly improve the reputation of your company. Different accreditation levels are offered by Carbon Trust. One entails identifying products that satisfy sustainability standards and includes PAS 2060, its international standard. Furthermore, Carbon Trust is one of the few businesses in the world that provides event accreditation. There is a Carbon Trust sustainability certification that fits your demands, regardless of your product or sector.

• Green Mark

Businesses of all sizes can benefit greatly from the Green Mark sustainability accreditation. They are well-known for their partnerships with several textile-related organizations. Your guide to attaining sustainability excellence is their certification procedure, which is overseen by an environmental management system. They actively work with you to make sure you satisfy sustainability criteria for your long-term future as well as for acquiring your sustainability certificate. They don’t just give you a roadmap.

• Planet Mark

There are three possibilities for the Planet Mark certification: enterprise, pro, and beginning. The starter option addresses the particular requirements of startups and small businesses. Planet Mark offers direct support during your certification process, assisting you in creating a business-specific sustainable approach and plan. They have a well-established reputation in the real estate industry, even if they work with other businesses.

• Cradle to Cradle

International recognition is given to the Cradle to Cradle certification, which guarantees that products are made responsibly, sustainably, and safely. To obtain this prestigious sustainability certification, a product must go through careful examination. This is to see if it demonstrates exceptional circular economy concepts, creative design techniques, and regenerative capabilities. Promoting human rights, sustainable water management, clean air, and renewable energy are the main goals. Successful products obtain a bronze, silver, gold, or platinum rating across four different categories. This is after undergoing a thorough evaluation by an impartial organization.

• Global Reporting Initiative Professional Certification

For sustainability professionals, there is a learning platform called the Global Reporting Initiative Professional Certification (GRI). The four courses include human rights, reporting, GRI standards, and incorporating SDGs into sustainable reporting. The GRI is an important certification for sustainability jobs.

• Sustainable and Climate Risk Certificate

To succeed as sustainability and climate risk experts, candidates must master the skills and information required by the GARP certification program. A thorough review process is followed by the awarding of the SCR certification, a trademark and internationally recognized certificate. The certification includes courses in sustainability, climate risk assessment and management, climate change basics, climate scenario analysis, green and sustainable finance (including markets and instruments), and climate change risk-related policies, culture, and governance.

• Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard  

The Rainforest Alliance promotes sustainable practices across global supply chains by collaborating with corporations, farmers, and foresters. Protecting forests and promoting sustainable agriculture by utilizing environmental best practices are the two primary objectives of their purpose. Businesses are evaluated under the Rainforest Alliance’s Sustainable Agriculture Standard. This considers elements including economic sustainability, social responsibility, and environmental responsibility to obtain one of the top sustainability certifications.

Read Also: Personal Assistant (Social Care) Job in UK With £12.21 per Hour Salary

Conclusion

Sustainability jobs are a global movement. There is a rise in eco-friendly consumer choices in the United Kingdom. This comes with a growing demand for professionals to help industries tread lightly on the planet. Sustainability jobs offer good opportunities with quality pay. Also, the jobs provide a sense of purpose to workers. If you are looking to work a career that creates an impact, then consider sustainability jobs.