Environmental consultants advise businesses on how to reduce their impact on the environment. They help clients develop sustainability strategies and promote environmentally responsible practices, such as energy efficiency and conservation, recycling, and water management. They also help companies establish and maintain environmental management systems (EMS) and develop policies and procedures for achieving compliance with environmental regulations.
An environmental consultant’s responsibilities may also involve conducting research and interpreting data to prepare reports and presentations for clients. They must be able to clearly communicate technical concepts to non-experts, so they can explain environmental issues in an understandable way and answer questions about their findings.
Clients often turn to environmental consultants to identify potential hazards in their premises, such as asbestos, lead, radon, mold, and other toxic substances. These professionals may conduct site assessments and investigations to determine the extent of the problem and develop a remediation plan. Other tasks include developing environmental policies and procedures, assessing waste management systems, and mediating between business owners and local and state regulators. Some consultants may also be hired to conduct audits and reviews to ensure that a company’s environmental systems are up to date with current regulatory requirements.
One of the primary goals of an environmental consulting firm is to help organizations manage their carbon footprint, which is the amount of greenhouse gases an entity emits into the atmosphere each year. For example, they may assess a company’s use of fossil fuels for energy or the amount of office supplies and other products that contribute to wasteful overproduction. Environmental consultants also help clients improve their energy efficiency and transition to renewable forms of energy, such as solar and geothermal power.
During the course of their work, an environmental consultant will likely visit many different sites to collect and analyze data. These visits can involve intrusive ground and surface investigations, aerial surveys, and monitoring of water, indoor air quality, and soil quality. As a result, they must have a driving license and be willing to travel to various locations. The job can also require a high level of confidentiality, so it is important for aspiring consultants to be discreet and trustworthy.
In addition to a degree, most environmental consultants are required to have experience in their field of study. This can be gained through internships, summer placements, or work-based placements linked to a Master’s programme. Some consultancies also offer graduate training schemes, so it is worth searching the website of a particular company to see if there are any opportunities available.
With the growing focus on environmental regulation, there are many opportunities for graduates in this area of consultancy. Specialist recruitment agencies such as ENDS and Allen & York handle a significant proportion of vacancies, and other websites, such as Green Jobs, list a range of roles. Those interested in an environmental consultancy career should try to gain work experience with multiple companies, as this will improve their chances of finding the right role. It is also a good idea to look for membership of professional bodies, which can help with career progression and networking.