Job Purpose:
The Environmental Certification Manager is responsible for overseeing the process of obtaining and maintaining environmental certifications for the project. This role involves ensuring the project meets all required sustainability standards and certification criteria (e.g., LEED, BREEAM, WELL, ISO 14001) and supporting the team in achieving these certifications. The Environmental Certification Manager works closely with all project stakeholders to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability goals while managing the documentation and reporting required for environmental audits and certification processes.
Key Responsibilities: Environmental Certification Strategy Development
- Develop and implement a strategy for achieving relevant environmental certifications (e.g., LEED, BREEAM, WELL, ISO 14001) for the project.
- Coordinate with project teams to define the environmental certification goals and targets and ensure they align with the project's overall sustainability objectives.
- Work with the design, construction, and operations teams to integrate certification requirements from the outset of the project.
Certification Process Management
- Manage the certification application process, ensuring all required documentation and evidence is gathered and submitted in a timely manner.
- Collaborate with third party certification bodies to ensure that all assessments and audits are completed as required.
- Ensure that the project meets all necessary criteria for environmental certifications, from materials sourcing and energy performance to waste management and water efficiency.
Documentation and Compliance
- Oversee the creation and maintenance of all documentation required for certification, including energy performance reports, waste management plans, water conservation records, and sustainability assessments.
- Track compliance with sustainability regulations and certification standards throughout the project lifecycle.
- Prepare and submit all necessary reports, data, and certifications for audits and inspections by environmental bodies.
Collaboration with Project Teams
- Work closely with project managers, architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers to ensure that the project's environmental goals are met.
- Provide guidance and support to teams on meeting environmental certification requirements, including training and resources on best practices for sustainable design and construction.
- Facilitate communication between internal teams and external certification bodies to resolve any issues that arise during the certification process.
Sustainability Performance Monitoring
- Monitor the ongoing sustainability performance of the project to ensure that the goals for environmental certification are being met.
- Conduct periodic reviews of the project's progress toward certification, identifying any gaps or areas where additional efforts are required.
- Implement corrective actions when necessary to ensure that the project stays on track to meet its environmental certification targets.
Risk Management
- Identify and mitigate risks related to certification compliance, including potential delays, non compliance issues, or changes in environmental regulations.
- Develop contingency plans to address any issues that could impact the ability to achieve or maintain environmental certifications.
Reporting and Communication
- Provide regular updates to the Sustainability Manager and project stakeholders on the status of environmental certifications.
- Report on the project's progress toward meeting environmental performance goals and certification standards.
- Prepare detailed sustainability and certification reports for clients, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders.
Continuous Improvement
- Stay informed about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in environmental certification and sustainability.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in the project's approach to sustainability and certification.
- Recommend updates or improvements to the certification strategy as new certifications or industry standards emerge.
Skills
- Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple certifications and compliance requirements.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with internal teams and external certification bodies.
- Proficiency in sustainability performance tracking, reporting, and certification systems.
- Strong problem solving skills, with the ability to address challenges related to certification compliance and sustainability goals.
Required Qualifications: Academic Credentials
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Sustainability Management, Construction Management, or a related field.
- A Master's degree in a related field or certifications in sustainability/environmental management is a plus.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in managing environmental certifications for large scale construction or infrastructure projects.
- Proven experience in achieving environmental certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, WELL, and ISO 14001.
- In depth knowledge of environmental sustainability practices, standards, and building performance metrics.
Skills
- Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple certifications and compliance requirements.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with internal teams and external certification bodies.
- Proficiency in sustainability performance tracking, reporting, and certification systems.
- Strong problem solving skills, with the ability to address challenges related to certification compliance and sustainability goals.
Required Certifications and Accreditations: Environmental and Sustainability Certifications
- LEED AP (Accredited Professional) - Certification in sustainable building practices.
- BREEAM Assessor - Certification for assessing sustainability in buildings.
- WELL AP - Certification for promoting health and wellness in buildings.
- ISO 14001 - Environmental Management System certification.
- ISO 20121 - Sustainability management system for events.
- Envision - Certification for sustainable infrastructure projects.
Other Relevant Certifications
- Certified Sustainability Professional (CSP) - Certification for sustainability professionals.
- Energy Management Certification (e.g., ISO 50001) - Certification for energy efficiency practices.
Additional Duties
- Monitor new developments in environmental standards and sustainability certifications and adapt certification processes as necessary.
- Collaborate with industry groups and networks to stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in environmental certifications.
- Represent the organization in meetings and conferences related to environmental certification and sustainability.