Job Title: Environment and Energy Manager
Grade and Salary: Grade 8 (£46,485 - £56,921)
FTE and Working Pattern: Full time, open-ended
Organisation Name: Estates and Facilities
Purpose of Role
We are seeking a highly skilled candidate with good electrical, mechanical or building services experience, and a passion to help drive forward sustainable energy solutions and make a tangible impact on our environmental systems. This pivotal role will be central to the success of our estate decarbonisation projects by optimising operational energy efficiency and identifying improvement opportunities.
Based in the Estates and Facilities Directorate and working with the Sustainability Unit, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across our global campuses to operationalise key components of our sustainability strategy. This position offers the opportunity to line manage within a matrix organisation and be part of a wider global community shaping the future strategies of the university.
Reporting to the Head of Facilities Management (HoFM), the role holder provides expertise to support the University on its energy and sustainability issues with a large focus on energy reduction and decarbonisation, including working with funding bodies to obtain grants or capital funds.
Environmental sustainability is one of Heriot-Watt’s strategic performance indicators which sets out our commitment to aligning sustainability outcomes across the full breadth of the University’s activities with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and beyond, delivering statutory environmental requirements. The Climate Action Framework was co-created in 2024 with our staff, students, alumni and external community groups and represents our University-wide approach to reducing Heriot-Watt’s emissions’ footprint, while also embedding a cultural change across the organisation and encouraging everyone to learn more about what steps they can take to make a real difference.
The role holder will implement the plans within the Climate Action Framework for a reduction in the University’s energy consumption and to mitigate its environmental impacts, ensuring compliance with the University’s Global Environmental Sustainability Strategy, the Scottish Funding Council and other regulatory requirements.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Technical Specialism
* Acts as a source of guidance and expertise for the University on matters relating to operational energy and environmental performance, including regulatory compliance and best practice across the global campus.
* Establishes and maintains an externally certified (for example, EcoCampus or ISO14001) Environmental Management System and promotes the consideration of environmental sustainability matters in activities across the University.
* Liaises with the Strategic Lead for Sustainability, Deputy Principal (Global Sustainability) and Global Director of Estates and Facilities to provide advice on the development of policies and implementation of initiatives on energy, environmental and sustainability issues to comply with SFC and Government requirements and to maintain and enhance the University’s reputation.
* Undertakes specific projects, as directed by the Head of Facilities Management and key University stakeholders to assist in the implementation of the University’s Environmental Sustainability Policy and Strategy.
* Managing the energy contracts for Utilities including forecasting future cost impact to the University.
* Liaises with relevant directorate and Sustainability colleagues and consultants to provide advice on the design and construction of environmentally and energy efficient buildings to minimise environmental impacts and reduce operating costs through the use of whole-life-costing.
* Advises the University on the implications of environmental legislation and other requirements including responsibility for managing the statutory data returns for example the Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Order.
* Coordinates the collection and statistical analysis of data on the environmental impacts of the University to assist in the development of environmental sustainability strategies and for inclusion in submissions to SFC, HESA and other external organisations as necessary.
* Develops appropriate key performance indicators report which proves the energy, environmental and sustainability performance of the University can be measured.
* Monitors the BMS system to optimise building energy consumption from Gas, HVAC and electricity including modifying time schedules for spaces as required.
Decision Making
* Provide timely and accurate advice to stakeholders based on your technical or specialist knowledge.
* Assess the risks of various energy, sustainability and environmental strategies and work with the relevant customer/stakeholder to achieve the optimum outcome.
* Following Procurement guidelines, negotiate with suppliers regarding prices and deliveries to increase financial efficiency.
Planning and Organising
* Plan, prioritise and organise internal/external resources required for the effective delivery of energy, environmental and sustainability services to the University.
* Works with the Head of Facilities Management and the Strategic Lead for Sustainability to develop objectives, targets and plans for managing the University’s significant environmental impacts.
* Develops and implements plans to help achieve the objectives set out in the University’s Environmental Sustainability Policy and Strategy.
* Manages budgets for energy, environmental and sustainable improvements, contractors and consultants to ensure best value and maximise opportunities for financial savings.
* Set performance standards and establish regular monitoring processes to ensure work is carried out and performed to the required standard, taking the necessary follow-up measures to ensure targets are met through effective performance.
* Develop resource planning processes and procedures to ensure maximum resource efficiency/flexibility.
* Assist with monitoring and updating lists of consultants and contractors engaged by the University including performance appraisal to ensure that they are satisfying the University requirements.
* Represents the University on various committees as required to provide expertise on Energy and Environment.
Initiative and Problem Solving
* Provide advice and guidance on complex and non-standard queries, using personal knowledge and experience.
* Provide advice and guidance to team members who raise or refer queries.
* Use initiative and creative ideas to resolve non-standard problems using experience and reasoning to reach an effective conclusion.
* Coordinates the investigation and remedial action relating to pollution incidents or regulatory non-compliance to minimise the possibility for enforcement action, minimise environmental impact and limit reputational damage to the University.
* Generate original ideas and innovative solutions through the provision of specialist know-how and advice as appropriate.
* Gather and analyse requirements for systems in order to identify optimum solutions.
Service Excellence
* Provide timely and appropriate guidance, advice, technical and resource support to the other University colleagues (e.g. Capital projects team) as required.
* Provide expert technical advice within your area of knowledge and experience.
* Work with colleagues within the department to contribute to and manage the continued review and improvement of the service.
* Compiles the University’s annual environmental sustainability report and prepares papers as required for University committees.
* Plans, prepares and runs a variety of training courses, workshops and briefing sessions to a diverse range of audiences across the University.
* Works with the relevant colleagues to undertake periodic reviews of the University’s associated policies and plans.
* With the other relevant managers, ensure that all policies, systems, procedures and guidelines are in place to comply with all legislative and regulatory requirements related to statutory compliance of the estate.
* Set standards for the department and lead by example.
Team Work
* Work collaboratively and effectively within your Directorate and the Sustainability Unit, sharing expertise and contributing to the development of the operational plan.
* Work collaboratively and effectively with Energy, Environment and Sustainability colleagues to ensure that Waste/Recycling activities meet the relevant aspects of the University strategy (e.g. CO2 reduction programme and conservation of Green Flag status).
* Participate in working groups within the university and externally if required, sharing ideas, experience and providing technical advice.
* Contribute to and provide support and encouragement across the team.
* Build cooperation and set example by demonstrating a flexible approach.
* Cover for other managers in the department, including deputising for senior members as appropriate.
* Help nurture a one team culture across directorate and wider University.
Clear and Consistent Communications
* Assist in the production of papers, policies, guidance and briefings for relevant audiences and stakeholders.
* Implements policies, plans and projects to help achieve the objectives set out in the University’s Energy, Environmental and Sustainability Policy and Strategy which includes establishing and maintaining an externally certified (for example, EcoCampus or ISO14001) Environmental Management System.
* Works with staff and students across the University to promote a culture of environmental and sustainable responsibility.
* Write letters, emails and other direct communication to individuals and groups.
* Interpret, prepare, analyse a range of information.
* Provide detailed explanations of systems, procedure or technical information both verbally and in writing.
Citizenship
* Demonstrate the University Values at all times through performance and behaviour.
* Participate in ad-hoc duties to support the team/University and for personal development.
* Support newer or inexperienced colleagues within and outside the University by offering support, help and advice.
* Positively promote the University internally and externally through positive behaviour and supporting University-wide activities.
Special Arrangements
* Hold an authorised person status for nominated disciplines which will be agreed in line with skill sets and training provided (e.g. Asbestos, Confined Space, Working at height).
* Participate in the University's management out of hours emergency provision arrangements, if required.
Education, Qualifications & Experience
Essential
1. Mechanical/ Electrical/ Building Services degree or equivalent practical experience, including knowledge of complex estates building services, energy management, sustainability and environmental requirements.
2. Experience in managing energy reduction and decarbonisation projects.
3. Ability to coach and motivate colleagues and team members.
4. Excellent interpersonal, influencing and presentation skills, able to understand and communicate complex issues effectively.
5. Demonstrable excellent customer service and attention to detail.
6. Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment.
7. Effective IT skills in a business environment (specifically MS Office).
8. Experience of working closely with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation.
9. High level organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads in a changing environment.
10. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Desirable
1. Experience of Higher Education sector may be an advantage.
2. An understanding of relevant SEPA (and other) permit requirements (e.g. waste transfer requirements).
3. Understanding of site pollution prevention plans, business continuity plans.
4. Experience of developing and or managing Service Levels Agreements.
5. Knowledge and experience of managing budgets, authorising and reporting on expenditure against a budget. Experience of successful bid submissions for decarbonisation projects.
6. Health and Safety qualification e.g. IOSH/SMSTS/NEBOSH.
About our Team
About Estates and Facilities Directorate:
The Estates and Facilities Directorate leads the global provision for Strategic Planning and Operational Management of Estates, Facilities and Hospitality Services. Additionally, in the Directorate is Oriam, Scotland’s National Sports Performance Centre and is a leading facility for performance sports which has been recognised for providing best in-class facilities for our students and the community. The remit is to ensure that the facilities and services within the directorate are capable of supporting the delivery of the University Strategic Plan and beyond.
Over the last five years the University has invested in new facilities such as; the National Robotarium; new Tennis facility within Oriam, a leading facility for performance sports; new and improved student residences; and major campus refurbishment.
Estates and Facilities is a key professional service directorate within the University’s Professional Services’ operating structure. In Edinburgh, the University estate principally comprises a campus site positioned within the green belt to the West of Edinburgh. It totals 154 hectares with some 100 buildings providing a developed floor space of upwards of 160,000m², together with grounds, roads, car parks, HV Electrical network, high pressure gas network, mains water distribution and pumping system and drainage. There are also other Scottish Campuses based at Galashiels and in Orkney. The University also has other Campuses located in Dubai and Malaysia.
About Sustainability Unit:
The Global Environmental Sustainability team is comprised of staff from across Estates, Planning, Research, Public Engagement and are responsible for delivery of one of the key Strategic Performance Indicators for the university. This includes activities to meet the sustainability commitments and delivery of statutory environmental requirements, enhancing sustainability outcomes across the full breadth of the University's activities, including embedding the objectives of the UN Sustainability Development Goals in our learning, research and institutional operations. The team are developing globally relevant targets for our emissions; our organisation practises and behaviours; and co-developing a sustainability engagement programme with our communities. The Energy and Environment Manager will be a key contributor to delivery of the Heriot-Watt University Global Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on 24th January 2025.
Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV. Any questions about the role, please contact Hannah Hendry - Recruitment Operations Lead (h.hendry@hw.ac.uk).
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