Top Interview Mistakes to Avoid: Expert Advice for UK Job Seekers
Job Search Tips
17 April 2025 | By Atkins Search
As the UK construction industry accelerates towards net zero and environmentally responsible practices, demand is growing for professionals who bring green expertise to their sustainable construction projects. Whether you’re a site manager, project manager, or quantity surveyor, acquiring the right skills can significantly enhance your career prospects.
At Atkins Search, a specialist sustainable construction recruitment agency based in the East Midlands, we’re seeing rising interest from clients across consultancy, main contracting, and housing sectors for candidates with sustainable construction skills. Below, we explore the top five green competencies that are fast becoming essential for anyone pursuing a future in construction.
1. Retrofitting and Sustainable Construction Refurbishment Techniques
With the government’s net zero targets and schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme extended until 2028, there’s a national push to improve the energy performance of existing buildings. If you’re a Site Engineer, project manager, building surveyor or quantity surveyor with hands-on experience in sustainable retrofitting such as, improving insulation, swapping out old boilers for air source heat pumps, or working with energy-efficient tech, your skills are more valuable than ever.
Getting to grips with retrofit strategies doesn’t just boost your employability; it also puts you at the heart of the UK’s push toward a greener, more sustainable built environment.
2. Familiarity with Low-Carbon and Eco-Friendly Building Materials
As more developers and contractors adopt sustainable construction practices, familiarity with low-carbon materials like limecrete, recycled steel, sustainably sourced timber, and low-carbon concrete is vital. Employers are actively seeking candidates who can advise on material selection to reduce embodied carbon on-site.
Whether you work in design, procurement, or site supervision, your knowledge of green alternatives will become an asset on CVs across the industry.
3. Energy Efficiency Assessment and Environmental Modelling
Understanding how to evaluate the energy performance of a building using simulation tools such as SAP, SBEM, or IES is a major plus for job seekers. Building surveyors, environmental engineers, and sustainability consultants who can identify energy-saving opportunities are critical to helping firms meet EPC targets and BREEAM ratings.
For those looking to move into greener job roles within construction, gaining proficiency in energy modelling is a clear pathway to long-term employability.
4. Waste Reduction, Recycling and Circular Construction Knowledge
With the industry shifting towards a circular economy model, employers now seek individuals who understand waste reduction strategies and material lifecycle planning. This includes knowledge of construction site recycling, demolition material reuse, and lifecycle carbon calculations.
These skills are especially valued in project management, site coordination, and environmental compliance positions across the Midlands and wider UK.
5. Experience with Environmental Certification Standards (BREEAM, LEED, PAS 2080)
Being familiar with green building certification frameworks such as BREEAM, LEED, or PAS 2080 can elevate your position in the candidate market. These standards are often required on public sector and major private developments, particularly within infrastructure and commercial property schemes.
Understanding how to align a project with environmental targets builds credibility and trust with clients and stakeholders. This is a key aspect of delivering demonstrable sustainability outcomes.
Why Green Skills Matter for Sustainable Construction Recruitment in 2025 and in the Future
As construction recruiters specialising in consultancy and construction roles, we at Atkins Search are helping our clients identify the next generation of green-skilled professionals. Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’ as it is a core requirement for employers across the UK construction sector.
Whether you’re an employer seeking to futureproof your workforce, or a candidate looking to make your next move in green construction, we are here to help.
Work with a Specialist Sustainable Construction Recruitment Agency That Understands Your Requirements
Atkins Search partners with clients across consultancy, main contracting, and sub-contracting to source professionals who are ready to meet the challenges of a greener construction industry. We recruit for roles across the Midlands, Yorkshire, and beyond.
Explore our latest vacancies in construction or contact our team to discuss your next career move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are green skills in the construction industry?
Green skills in construction refer to the technical knowledge and practical abilities that support sustainable building practices. These include retrofitting, energy efficiency assessment, use of low-carbon building materials, waste reduction, and knowledge of environmental certifications such as BREEAM and LEED.
Why are green construction skills important for construction careers in the UK?
As the UK construction industry works towards net zero carbon targets, employers are actively seeking professionals with green construction expertise. These skills are essential for roles in project management, design consultancy, surveying, and site operations, and they significantly increase a candidate’s value in the job market.
Which sustainable construction skills are most in demand?
Key green skills currently in demand include:
- Sustainable retrofitting for domestic and commercial buildings
- Use of low-carbon and recycled building materials
- Building energy modelling and environmental performance assessment
- Waste management and circular economy practices on-site
- Compliance with BREEAM, LEED, and other environmental certifications
What roles require green skills in the UK construction industry?
Job roles that frequently require or benefit from green skills include:
- Construction Directors: Lead the delivery of sustainable construction strategies and ensure projects meet environmental targets and regulations.
- Project Directors / Project Managers: Oversee complex builds where low-carbon, energy-efficient approaches are increasingly expected by clients.
- Design & Technical Managers: Coordinate early-stage planning around sustainability assessments, energy modelling, and compliance with regulations.
- Pre-Construction Managers: Develop bids and project strategies that incorporate retrofit plans, modern methods of construction, and net-zero objectives.
- Commercial Directors / Quantity Surveyors: Evaluate the cost implications of green technologies, materials, and retrofit strategies
How can I develop green construction skills?
There are several ways to enhance your sustainability credentials:
- Take CPD-accredited training in retrofit and energy efficiency
- Obtain qualifications in BREEAM or LEED
- Gain practical experience working on low-carbon projects
- Attend industry webinars and events focused on sustainable construction
- Follow updates from industry bodies such as the CIOB, BRE, and UKGBC
Does having green skills improve job prospects in construction?
Yes. As sustainability becomes central to UK construction strategies, professionals with green expertise are in high demand. Possessing these skills can open doors to career progression, higher salaries, and new opportunities in public and private sector projects aligned with net zero goals.
Where can I find construction jobs focused on sustainability?
You can explore construction jobs with a sustainability focus through specialist recruiters like Atkins Search. We work with main contractors, consultancies, and developers across the Midlands, Yorkshire and wider UK who are committed to building greener.
