Sustainability & Decarbonization Associate – ESG Strategy

Verdani Partners; Carlsbad (CA); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

401K with company match

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Verdani Partners is seeking an Associate Sustainability & Decarbonization Manager to join our growing ESG team. The role focuses on developing and implementing environment, social, and governance strategies for global commercial real estate clients, working with corporate sustainability and decarbonization teams to advance initiatives.

The successful candidate will analyze energy and greenhouse gas data, guide reporting to frameworks such as GRESB and CDP, and help clients meet regulatory

Qualifications

• 3–5 years overall experience
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, environmental planning, or related field
• Experience using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
• Experience with sustainability reporting initiatives such as GRESB, CDP, UNPRI, etc.
• Facilitate communication between client and Verdani team; answer client emails, ad hoc requests as applicable
• Passion for sustainability and green buildings
• A self-motivator with a strong work ethic and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to effectively manage a team and delegate tasks
• Familiarity with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP)
• Experience with carbon accounting (Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions)
• Preferred: LEED Green Associate or LEED Accredited Professional – EBOM
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE)
• Certified Energy Manager or Certified Energy Auditor
• Experience with decarbonization initiatives and net zero frameworks in the context of commercial real estate
• Knowledge of green building certifications such as LEED, Fitwel, WELL, IREM
• Familiarity with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
• Experience with Task Force on Climate-Related Disclosures (TCFD)
• Experience or familiarity with Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM)
• Experience with tracking and reporting Scope 3 emissions
• Familiarity with Building Performance Standards and Energy Efficiency ordinances
• Experience conducting Energy Audits (e.g., ASHRAE Level I, II, III), Net Zero/ Decarbonization Audits

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main point of contact for clients, providing direct support on environmental data management and sustainability strategy
• Environmental performance data analysis (energy, water, greenhouse gas emissions, waste)
• Provide strategic guidance on sustainability initiatives and reporting frameworks
• Support clients in meeting local, state, and national benchmarking ordinances and environmental regulations
• Support client reporting across various sustainability frameworks (GRESB, CDP, etc.)
• Support with investor questionnaires
• Facilitate portfolio-wide analysis for ordinance applicability (benchmarking, audit, BPS)
• Support the development of client decarbonization roadmaps and strategic plans
• Conduct industry research on emerging decarbonization best practices aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP)
• Support Scope 3 materiality assessments and greenhouse gas emissions inventories (inclusive of Scopes 1, 2, and 3)
• Manage the development and completion of decarbonization analyses for multiple clients using Verdani’s proprietary CRREM-aligned tool
• Serve as an internal subject matter expert (SME) on decarbonization strategies, technologies, and industry best practices
• Coordinate and manage multiple vendors, including ESG platform providers, utility bill pay providers, and other third-party consultants engaged by the client
• Contribute to green building certification projects, such as LEED, ENERGY STAR Certifications, and other third-party rating systems as needed

Skills

Data analysis

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Self-motivated

Problem-solving

Team management

GHGP familiarity

Scope 1 and 2 emissions

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, environmental planning, or related field

Tools

ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

Measurabl / ESG platforms

Job description

Verdani Partners is seeking an Associate Sustainability & Decarbonization Manager to join our growing ESG team. The role focuses on developing and implementing environment, social, and governance strategies for global commercial real estate clients, working with corporate sustainability and decarbonization teams to advance initiatives.

The successful candidate will analyze energy and greenhouse gas data, guide reporting to frameworks such as GRESB and CDP, and help clients meet regulatory