Overview
As Technical Lead for Carbon & Circularity in the BREEAM Science Team, you will own the development and upkeep of embodied and whole-life carbon and circularity criteria. You’ll work with Science, Product and Digital colleagues to keep BREEAM robust, implementable, and aligned with evolving standards. The role blends technical development, research, and thought leadership to shape sustainability standards. You’ll engage with industry bodies and mentors while steering methodological advances that drive impact at scale.
Pay / Benefits
- Pension scheme – 5% employer-matched
- Life assurance – 4x basic salary
- Enhanced maternity package
- HealthPartners cashback scheme
- Onsite facilities – restaurant, nursery, free parking, EV charging points
- BRE Academy and online learning access
Responsibilities
- Lead the ongoing development and refinement of carbon and circularity methodologies across multiple schemes
- Create and update criteria, benchmarks, and guidance on embodied and whole-life carbon and circular economy principles
- Serve as technical authority for complex queries from assessors, clients and national scheme operators
- Support methodology changes within digital platforms and tools
- Produce technical guidance and knowledge-base content
- Monitor industry trends, legislation, and best practices
- Lead and contribute to research projects strengthening the evidence base
- Represent BREEAM at industry events, working groups and standards forums
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure practical, robust, and commercially relevant methodologies
- Provide technical support, mentoring and quality assurance across the team
Key requirements
- Experience in sustainability, built environment, engineering, construction, environmental assessment, or related consultancy
- Strong understanding of embodied carbon, WLCA, LCA, or circular economy principles
- Experience interpreting or developing technical methodologies, standards or guidance
- Ability to communicate complex technical information to diverse stakeholders
- Experience managing projects or technical workstreams
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and technical writing skills
- Knowledge of sustainability standards and frameworks (e.g., BREEAM, RICS WLCA, ISO standards, UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard)
- Experience in industry working groups, standards development or thought leadership
- Experience providing technical guidance, quality assurance or mentoring
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Engineering, Construction, Architecture or related discipline
- Professional memberships or sustainability-related certifications would be advantageous
- Clear communication
- Mentoring and coaching
- Analytical thinking
- Embodied carbon
- Whole-life carbon assessment (WLCA)
- Life cycle assessment (LCA)
Principal Consultant - Resources (Carbon & Circularity) in Watford employer: BRE - Building Research Establishment
At BRE, we pride ourselves on being a world-leading organisation dedicated to innovation and sustainability in the built environment. Our collaborative work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering extensive learning opportunities through the BRE Academy and a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises employee well-being. With hybrid working options available at our Watford and Glasgow locations, we ensure a balanced work-life experience while empowering our teams to make a meaningful impact on the future of building performance.
Contact Details:
BRE - Building Research Establishment Recruitment Team
