Sustainability Officer

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

What’s in it for you? Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Newcastle is an inclusive global University community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

Newcastle University is committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.

Salary: £28,131 to £29,762 with progression to £32,411 per annum

Closing Date: 3 April 2023

The Role                                                                                                                            
 
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Sustainability Officer to join the Sustainability Team within Estates and Facilities at Newcastle University.
 
Ranked 1st in the UK and 8th in the world for action in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Newcastle University is committed to taking action to address the climate and ecological crises and has a range of ambitious targets including net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.

To read more about our vision in action, click here.

The Sustainability Team works across all areas of environmental sustainability and energy management across our varied estate, which includes academic and accommodation buildings, sports grounds and two farms. You will work with the Energy & Carbon Manager to analyse energy consumption and associated carbon dioxide emissions across the estate and contribute to carbon reduction projects.  

Your main areas of input will be:

• Development, monitoring, analysing, and communicating complex datasets relating to energy and carbon
• Working with colleagues in Estates and Facilities to carry out feasibility work relating to carbon reduction schemes including calculation of savings/payback periods and maintaining records
• Respond to enquiries and provide advice based on understanding of technical issues relating to energy

We are looking for a candidate with a passion for sustainability with experience of handling complex data, an eye for detail and good understanding of the principles of monitoring and targeting. 

We are keen to hear from you and encourage you to reach out to Hannah Owens at hannah.owens@newcastle.ac.uk to find out more.
 
Key Accountabilities

• Working with colleagues in Estates and Facilities to carry out feasibility work relating to carbon reduction schemes including calculation of savings/payback periods and maintaining records
• Develop, monitor, analyse and communicate complex datasets relating to utilities. Use a range of IT systems including Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) and Monitoring and Targeting (M&T)  software to support functions including energy budgeting and carbon emissions reporting
• Conducting first line investigation of heating/ventilation issues using BEMS; ensuring that timely and accurate information is provided and escalating the issue where appropriate
• Working with colleagues in Estates and Facilities to carry out feasibility work relating to carbon reduction schemes including calculation of savings/payback periods and maintaining records
• Develop, monitor, analyse and communicate complex datasets relating to utilities. Use a range of IT systems including Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) and Monitoring and Targeting (M&T)  software to support functions including energy budgeting and carbon emissions reporting.Conducting first line investigation of heating/ventilation issues using BEMS; ensuring that timely and accurate information is provided and escalating the issue where appropriate
• Undertake assessment and auditing of existing procedures and practice, revision and/or recommending changes (as appropriate) to assist in achieving certification under a recognised Environmental Management System (EMS) and Energy Management System (EnMS)
• To monitor and maintain accurate information relating to the EMS and EnMS for audit purposes and to produce reports where necessary
• Assist the Energy and Carbon Manager with ensuring statutory compliance by monitoring current and future energy and carbon legislation and maintaining essential compliance records e.g., Display Energy Certificates
• Liaise with external service providers on issues relating to service delivery, including handling of utilities billing queries and to providing a point of contact for utility providers. Elevating issues when necessary with the relevant manager, organising meetings if required and recording minutes of meetings
• Carry out research within and outside the HE sectors to provide benchmark information against which University performance can be assessed, to identify areas of best practice and to propose improvements where appropriate
• Produce information for inclusion on the sustainability web site and ensure information is maintained and up to date enabling the regular dissemination of information to staff and students about all aspects of the University’s performance on energy and carbon related issues
• Develop awareness raising activities relating to energy and carbon. Delivery of events and workshops working with minimum supervision; producing materials and information appropriate to the intended audience and to regularly provide information to staff and students through a variety of communication channels
• Provide administrative and practical support to the E&F Sustainability Team, collecting and maintaining up to date, robust data

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• An understanding of the principles of Monitoring and Targeting in relation to energy and carbon
• An understanding of Building Energy Management Systems and the ability to interpret BEMS graphics
• Detailed knowledge of methods, systems and procedures relating to Energy and/or Environmental Management Systems
• Experience of data collection, producing meaningful reports including graphics
• Experience of conducting audits to identify efficencies for energy, carbon and water
• Good interpersonal skills, including relationship building. Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Customer focussed and highly motivated, with the ability to engage staff and students, and use influencing skills to change attitudes and behaviours
• Able to work as part of a team, and on own initiative
• Experience of developing and delivering marketing or promotional initiatives, presenting information and engaging with a wide audience
• Well developed IT skills

Attributes and Behaviours    

• Has an eye for detail, spotting errors and ensuring accurate information
• Chooses communication tools appropriately and tailors content to audience
• Enthusiastic and positive outlook
• High level of motivation, able to work well independently and as part of a team

Qualifications

• Educated to HND or equivalent in a relevant discipline or substantial experience in administration and marketing/promotion of energy and carbon reduction
   

The University holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. The University is also a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 24797

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