Sustainability Consultant, Embodied Carbon Specialist

AECOM is a trusted infrastructure consulting firm delivering a better world by designing building financing and operating assets for governments businesses and organizations. Our Sustainability Group is a global leader in shaping a sustainable future for the built environment.

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Embodied Carbon Specialist to join our growing team in Ottawa. This role is pivotal in advancing AECOMs decarbonization practice with a specific focus on quantifying analyzing and reducing embodied carbon across a diverse portfolio of groundbreaking projects in Canada and globally.

The ideal candidate will be a technical expert and a strategic advisor leveraging their deep knowledge of One Click LCA and their architectural or structural design background to guide multidisciplinary teams and clients. You will be instrumental in helping projects achieve ambitious sustainability targets including compliance with the Canadian Federal Governments Greening Government Strategy mandates for Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment (WBLCA) and a 30% embodied carbon reduction the CaGBCs Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) Standard and LEED v4/4.1 BDC

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Execution:

• Lead and perform detailed Whole Building Life Cycle Assessments (WBLCA) and embodied carbon analyses for new construction major renovations and infrastructure projects.
• Utilize One Click LCA as the primary software with a minimum of 5 years of direct hands-on experience to model complex building assemblies and material scenarios.
• Define project-specific LCA system boundaries collect and validate high-quality material quantity and environmental product declaration (EPD) data and interpret results with a critical eye.
• Develop project-specific benchmarks and establish embodied carbon budgets.

Integrated Design & Collaboration:

• Act as the embodied carbon subject-matter expert collaborating seamlessly with architectural structural civil and MEP teams from conceptual design through construction documentation.
• Translate LCA results into clear actionable design recommendations for low-carbon material selection structural optimization and construction techniques.
• Champion the integration of circular economy principles including material reuse adaptive reuse and design for disassembly.

Client & Project Management:

• Prepare and deliver high-quality client-ready reports presentations and technical memoranda that effectively communicate complex carbon data and strategic insights.
• Manage LCA deliverables for multiple projects simultaneously ensuring they are on time on budget and meet the highest quality standards.
• Engage directly with clients contractors and design partners to advocate for decarbonization strategies.

Practice Innovation & Growth:

• Contribute to the development and enhancement of AECOMs internal LCA tools databases and standardized methodologies.
• Stay at the forefront of policy emerging low-carbon materials and technologies and evolving LCA standards (e.g. ISO 14040/44 EN 15978).
• Mentor and train junior staff fostering growth and expertise within the team.
• Support business development efforts by contributing to proposals project interviews and whitepapers.

Qualifications :

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Architecture Structural / Civil Engineering Environmental Design or related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of overall professional experience in the building design construction or sustainability consulting industry.
• A minimum of 4 years of dedicated hands-on experience conducting embodied carbon assessments using One Click LCA software. Portfolio of projects demonstrating this experience will be requested.
• Demonstrated experience performing Whole Building Life Cycle Assessments (WBLCA) aligned with CaGBC ZCB hands-on experience performing WBLCA that comply with federal mandates including The Greening Government Strategy Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) Directive & Standards Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) Guidance  specifically the 30% embodied carbon reduction target under the Greening Government Strategy and the CSA/ISO 14040:20 standard.

• Experience supporting LEED certification particularly LCA-related credits (MRc1 Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction).
• Strong understanding of EPDs and PCRs for construction materials.
• Proven ability to collaborate with clients architects engineers and sustainability teams.
• Analytical quantitative and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel (including advanced functions for data analysis) PowerPoint and Word.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate technical information for diverse audiences.
• Solid knowledge of building design construction materials and project documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional accreditation such as LEED AP BDC . or RAIC.
• Demonstrated experience in BIM-LCA integration specifically using Revit with One Click LCA or similar plugins to automate quantity take-offs.
• Expertise in advanced decarbonization strategies such as biogenic carbon accounting circular economy assessment and whole-life carbon modeling.

• Active engagement with professional sustainability networks e.g. CaGBC
• Working toward or holding professional accreditations (LEED AP BDC)).

Additional Information :

• Opportunity to work on outstanding projects in Canada and globally including ZCB

• Collaboration with multidisciplinary global sustainability teams.

• Professional development mentorship and career growth opportunities.

• Flexible work arrangements and access to AECOMs global innovation and knowledge networks.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status AECOM benefits may include medical dental vision life AD&D disability benefits paid time off leaves of absences voluntary benefits perks flexible work options well-being resources employee assistance program business travel insurance service recognition awards retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities we solve our clients complex challenges in water environment energy transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle from advisory planning design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at . 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts youll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills helping you build the career youve always envisioned. Here youll find a welcoming workplace built on respect collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time