2026 Graduate Sustainability Consultant - Exeter

Hoare Lea; Exeter; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Exeter is seeking a 2026 Graduate Sustainability Consultant. This role offers learning opportunities in sustainability, where you will work on energy strategies and environmental assessments. Ideal candidates will hold a relevant degree and have a strong interest in sustainability practices. You will engage with industry experts, drive sustainability innovation, and contribute to significant projects.

Benefits

Private medical cover

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

Up to 30 days of annual leave

Extensive professional development schemes

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in Engineering, Architecture or the Built Environment.
• Knowledge of BREEAM, WELL certifications.
• Appreciation of broader sustainability issues such as climate change adaptation.

Responsibilities

• Undertake building performance simulation and energy-related workstreams.
• Develop energy strategies for sustainability innovation.
• Assist with environmental assessments like BREEAM and WELL.

Skills

BREEAM

WELL

Whole Life Carbon

Energy Modelling

Sustainability Governance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture or Built Environment

Job description

2026 Graduate Sustainability Consultant

Exeter

About Us

Hoare Lea is a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield.

We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability to name but a few. Together, our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem-solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves.

We are as committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. So, in joining Hoare Lea, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing, and welcomes your individuality. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in our 9-day fortnight scheme, thriving community groups, varied social and networking events, and extensive professional and technical development schemes. We also offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and up to 30 days of annual leave.

Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best, and enjoy what they do.

About The Role

As a Graduate Sustainability Consultant you’ll have the opportunity to learn a wide range of energy and sustainability skills whilst helping internal teams to deliver sustainability tasks for a variety of projects.

You Will Have The Opportunity To

• Undertaking building performance simulation and energy related workstreams, using a range of modelling approaches, tools, and techniques.
• Developing energy strategies with our clients to lead sustainability innovation on a series of developments.
• Supporting the development of holistic Sustainability Strategies, where necessary.
• Assist in the delivery of environmental assessments (such as BREEAM, WELL, HQM, etc) from early design stages through to completion.
• Develop an understanding and knowledge of whole life carbon reporting to support clients Net Zero Carbon strategies.
• Communicate and engage with clients, design teams and contractors on projects, with opportunities to visit sites during construction phases.
• As well as project-related work, the Group engages directly with industry undertaking research and development studies, and authoring industry guidance. We hold key positions on national design commissions and influential industry bodies. The role also presents the opportunity for involvement in this aspect of the Group’s work to those keen to have a direct influence on the industry.

Why Work For Us?

• You’ll collaborate with the industry’s best, working with a wide range of built-environment specialists.
• You’ll be part of progressive and exciting projects, able to experience innovative schemes across all sectors.
• You’ll advance your career, your way, thanks to our structured Career Paths framework.

About You

To be successful in this role:

• Educated to degree level in Engineering, Architecture or the Built Environment.
• Knowledge/ awareness of one or more of the following is desirable:
• BREEAM
• WELL
• Whole Life Carbon
• Energy Modelling
• Appreciation of broader sustainability issues, such as sustainability governance and reporting, sustainability strategies, climate change adaptation, behaviour change, etc.
• You will relish being part of dynamic team within a progressive and well-respected firm.
• You will have good communication skills and an enthusiasm for working within a team environment.
• Like us, you will be serious about sustainability.

How To Apply

To apply simply complete a CV profile and submit your application, and for hints and tips in applying click here.

Please note: We do not offer visa sponsorship for this graduate role. Only candidates already authorised to work in the UK—e.g. British/Irish citizens, EU Settled/Pre-Settled, ILR holders—will be considered.

Adjustments and accommodations

If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to ensure you can participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence, or anything else) please let us know.

Flexible working

We are committed to enabling a healthy work-life balance for all employees. So, we welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements to suit their particular needs and lifestyle, including part-time, term-time-only, and remote working.

Data privacy

We have updated our terms and conditions for candidates, click here to find out more.

Hoare Lea is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.