Sustainability Specialist

At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We’re not just designers. We’re tinkerers, craftspeople, visionaries, innovators and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people bring new ideas to solve challenging problems. Whether you’re into sketching new ideas, hacking a building or growing client relationships in global markets, there’s something here for everyone.

Our depth of expertise spans disciplines—from aviation and transportation to education, hospitality, retail, technology and more. At our core we embody an entrepreneurial spirit, always looking ahead for new ways to innovate and add to our clients' success. We share the belief that design has the power to transform organizations and change lives; whether we’re refreshing a retailer’s brand, planning a new urban district or designing a super tall building.

Our work reflects an enduring commitment to sustainability, and we believe that a diversity of voices and cultures is one of the most powerful strategic tools for securing lasting competitive advantage.

As the world’s largest design firm, Gensler has a unique obligation and opportunity to focus on sustainability in the built environment.

We deepened our commitment to combat the impact on climate change in the built environment when we launched Gensler Cities Climate Challenge (GC3) in 2019. This is our pledge to meet an ambitious goal: the elimination of all greenhouse gases from our work by 2030.

Your Role

Gensler is seeking a Sustainability Specialist to participate in both strengthening sustainability in our design culture, as well as design and consulting engagements that provide sustainability strategies for a wide range of world class clients and projects ranging from commercial interiors to ground up buildings and real estate portfolios. Additionally, you may provide design guidance and support on projects pursuing LEED, WELL, Green Mark, and Net Zero Building Certifications.

As a Sustainability Specialist at Gensler, you will join a highly creative, collaborative team dedicated to innovative problem solving and design excellence. You will work with the Climate Action and Sustainability Practice Area Lead and design leadership in providing a full spectrum of sustainability advisory and support to clients and project teams, from pre-design through post-occupancy.  
 

What You Will Do 

• Work with clients and design teams to establish sustainable design targets and project certification goals, including the development of feasibility studies, sustainability strategy, design guidelines and materials standards.
• Analyze complex and differing information from multiple sources to determine impact on clients’ project and organizational goals, and/or performance criteria for sustainable design solutions, synthesize information and data into narratives told through presentations and reports.
• Develop compelling communications that help clients to visualize and understand the benefits and implications of our sustainability strategies and recommendations.
• Assist in design and facilitating work sessions with clients and design teams to build consensus on sustainable design solutions. 
• Coordinate with project teams to provide sustainable design guidance and technical support, including technical analyzes, building performance simulations, LCA, certification requirements reviews, and participating in client meetings when necessary.
• Ensure quality control and consistency across all projects, assist design managers on GC3 sustainability metrics reporting.
• Identify and maintain awareness of current and emerging market trends, regulations, technologies, tools, and methods as they impact the delivery of green building design.
• Be a champion and advocate for sustainability internally and externally. Assist in sharing our lessons learned, best practices, new trends, and calls-to-action.

Your Qualifications 

• Passion for sustainability and green building, with significant interest in and aptitude for building performance, sustainable design and analyzes, LCA, green building certifications. 
• BA or MA degree in sustainable building, architecture, engineering, interiors or related field, or equivalent work experience
• CASBEE licensure holder
• LEED, Green Mark or any other accreditations would be a plus
• 1-3 years of post-graduate experience in a similar role would be a plus
• Strong knowledge of sustainable design guidelines and frameworks, aptitude for analytical and quantitative thinking
• Aptitude or ability to perform technical analysis (e.g. energy and daylighting simulation, life cycle studies, etc.)
• Fluent in English and Japanese
• Ability to present technical or complex information through clear verbal, graphic, and written communication 
• Ability to work independently and on multiple projects simultaneously
• A sense of humor and a knack for innovation and problem solving, and a collaborative, solutions-oriented working style

Your Design Technology Qualifications

Essential

• Basic understanding of Revit/Rhino/Grasshopper.
• Working knowledge of performance simulation tools such as Ladybug/Diva/Climate Studio.

Desirable

• Familiarity with parametric workflows and scripting.
• Familiarity with EnergyPlus, OpenFOAM, OneClick LCA.

Applications we work with

• Design Authoring - Revit, Rhino, Auto CAD
• Collaboration - BIM360
• Computational Design - Grasshopper, Dynamo
• Building Performance Simulation - Insight, Sefaira, Diva, Ladybug tools
• Visualisation – Vray, Enscape, Twinmotion, 3DSMax
• Graphics & Productivity - Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite
• Experiential – Unreal Engine, Unity
• Development – C#, Python

Life at Gensler

Gensler Asia-Pacific and Middle East is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through our Five Strategies. In partnership with our clients, we strive to create a just and equitable future for our communities and our colleagues. We celebrate our diversity and are focused on creating an inclusive workplace environment for all.

As a people-first organization, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From internal design competitions to research grants to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.