SPOTLIGHT
Sustainability Consultant: My Career Journey
"The long-term financial benefits of net-zero buildings are gaining interest from developers. This ties in with what we offer at Viro."
Phoebe, Senior Sustainability Consultant
Phoebe, you've recently been promoted into a new senior position. Can you tell us more about your progress and journey at Viro?
I joined Viro in May 2022 as a Trainee Sustainability Consultant soon after completing my Master’s Degree in Climate Change Science and Policy. I became a qualified BREEAM Assessor within my first year and was promoted to Sustainability Consultant in May 2023. During my second year I became a BREEAM Advisory Professional (AP) and gained experience with the MoD’s Defence Related Environmental Assessment Methodology (DREAM). I was promoted to Senior Sustainability Consultant in November 2024 and now have a team-leader role which involves working closely with our office based BREEAM Team.
What are your key specialisms at Viro?
BREEAM Assessor (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method): As a licenced BREEAM Assessor I evaluate developments against the BREEAM Methodology. BREEAM is a sustainability assessment which measures the environmental performance of developments across a range of categories such as energy and water efficiency, land use and ecology, materials, waste and pollution.
BREEAM AP (BREEAM Advisory Professional): As a qualified AP I work alongside design teams to ensure that their designs align with the desired BREEAM target. During construction stage, I attend site every 6-10 weeks to review progress and inspect the site to ensure construction practices are aligned with the BREEAM target, this can include checking that energy and water metering is working, ecological protection measures are in place and waste is being stored safely to avoid contamination. I also highlight any gaps or non-conformances and advise the team how to rectify these in order to deliver the sustainability brief.
DREAM Assessor (Defence Realm Environmental Assessment Method): As a DREAM Assessor, my role is to evaluate Ministry of Defence developments against their sustainability methodology. It is similar to BREEAM but specific to the defence sector to address their unique operational needs and security requirements.
Have you always had a passion for sustainability, or is this something you've pursued over time in line with your specialism?
It was during university that I became very passionate about sustainability. My course was wide-ranging across physical geography and my chosen units included Hydrology, Glacial Biogeochemistry and Climate Change including Anthropogenic impacts. The course gave me a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected nature of our planet and the ever-increasing impact of our lifestyles on Earth’s systems. Having gained a deeper understanding, I began seeing things differently and changed my behaviours to align with the target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels set as part of the 2015 Paris Agreement.
What three sustainable opportunities should a developer consider when looking to create a new building?
1. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:
Considerations: ​
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Improving building fabric to reduce the U-value (thermal transmittance) through careful consideration of insulation materials and glazing procurement
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Install low or zero-carbon technologies such as Photovoltaic Panels (solar panels), and Air Source Heat Pumps to provide low carbon energy and heating
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Implement a smart lighting system to allow for localised occupant control and eradicate lighting power wastage
2. Water Efficiency and Management
Considerations:
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Install low-flow fixtures, such as faucets, toilets, and showers, to reduce water consumption
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Use rainwater harvesting systems to collect and reuse water for landscaping or non-potable uses
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Incorporate permeable paving, green roofs, and swales to manage stormwater runoff effectively and reduce the risk of flooding
3. Sustainable Building Materials and Construction
Considerations:
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Use recycled materials or materials with low embodied carbon (such as reclaimed wood, recycled steel, or sustainable concrete alternatives)
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Opt for locally sourced materials to reduce transportation emissions and support the local economy
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Specify products with low VOC content to improve indoor air quality and create a healthier indoor environment for occupants
How can we modernise buildings whilst protecting their historical value? Please note any examples of who has done this well.
It’s important to approach renovations and upgrades with sensitivity to both the building’s heritage and the need for contemporary sustainability. By prioritising energy efficiency, material reuse, and respectful modernisation techniques, developers and architects can create buildings that serve modern needs while preserving their historical integrity for future generations.
Historic England has produced an Advice Note to aid developers of historic buildings to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency whilst conserving and protecting their historical significance. It is worth noting that any changes that alter the building’s appearance or character will require Listed Building Consent prior to works being carried out. Engaging a Suitably Qualified Heritage Conservation Specialist will enable the identification of original architectural features which may not be otherwise evident.
A crucial component of modernisation is improving the building’s thermal performance. To prevent heat loss through cracks and gaps (thermal bridges), it is imperative that walls and roofs are in good condition and made good where not. U-values can be reduced by draft-proofing windows and doors with secondary glazing and draught stripping. It may also be possible to insulate the loft and floors.
Energy efficient heating systems and low and zero carbon technologies may also be permissible depending on the historical grading. Advice should be sought from the local planning authority.
What are the most significant challenges you face when integrating sustainability into a construction project?
Cost:
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Sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies, and certifications such as BREEAM can incur higher upfront costs (whilst also delivering longer term gain)
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The long-term financial benefits of inherently sustainable developments due to lower operational costs may not be felt by the early-stage stakeholders as these cost savings will commonly be passed onto the future building occupiers
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Management:
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Not all stakeholders prioritise sustainability, either due to cost concerns or a lack of understanding of the long-term environmental and economic benefits. This becomes a challenge whilst trying to achieve the targeted outcome e.g. many projects have a planning or contractual obligation to achieve BREEAM Excellent.
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Different stakeholders, such as architects, contractors, clients, and regulatory bodies, might have conflicting views on what constitutes “sustainability,” making collaboration challenging​​
What role does BREEAM certification play in your projects, and how do you ensure compliance with its criteria?
Many of my projects are targeting BREEAM certification. Regular correspondence between myself and the design team is imperative to ensure that everyone is aware of the BREEAM requirements. We host meetings at key stages throughout the project duration to ensure all team members are aware of their responsibilities and the evidence they need to provide. Evidence is required at each kay stage to demonstrate design development in line with BREEAM. Progress trackers are issued at regular intervals for the team to have confidence that their work is compliant.
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Two assessment submissions are made to BRE, one at the end of Design Stage to give the project an interim certificate and confidence that the design is compliant, and one at Post-Construction Stage which is the final certification to confirm that the development has achieved BREEAM certification.​
How do you balance sustainability goals with cost constraints faced by developers?
One of the most cost-effective strategies in the long term is investing in energy-efficient systems and appliances. Simple measures like improved insulation, LED lighting, and energy-efficient HVAC systems can reduce operational costs over time and enhance sustainability without large upfront costs.
Developers should consider lifecycle costs (including maintenance, energy savings, and operational costs). For example, using higher-quality materials may have a higher initial cost but can lead to significant savings over time through reduced energy consumption and fewer repairs. Durable and adaptable designs increase life cycles and reduces the need for demolition and new or reconstruction.
Modular construction can reduce construction waste, whilst opting for locally sourced sustainable building materials can reduce transportation costs, whilst also lowering the development’s embodied carbon.
What emerging trends in sustainable construction are you most excited about?
The long-term financial benefits of net-zero buildings are gaining interest from developers. This ties in with what we offer at Viro. Life Cycle Assessments offer an opportunity for developers to calculate the embodied carbon of their proposed developments. If a development achieves zero or negative carbon emissions during construction i.e. by exporting on-site renewable energy or offsets, it is classed as a net-zero construction. An operational energy calculation (TM54) informs developers of the energy required to run the building, if on- or near-site renewable energy is generated, and a balance is struck between the two, the building is considered net-zero in operation. Whole Life Carbon Assessments incorporate the embodied analysis of the LCA and the operational energy usage calculation over the building’s life cycle and disposal. Using the methods discussed above, net-zero can be achieved when overall emissions are zero or negative.
Circular principles are becoming prevalent in the construction industry. Developers are prioritising reducing waste, reusing materials, designing for adaptability and disassembly and diversion from landfill.
Biophilic architecture, with an aim to connect building occupants with nature is emerging. Developers are aware of the benefits of such design which can improve occupant wellbeing as well as improve energy efficiency. Examples include living walls, green roofs, and soft landscaped terraces.
