The importance of protecting the environment and its natural resources has never been clearer than it is today. It’s estimated that 37% of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide are from the construction and building industries, a figure that is leading many design and architecture firms to actively seek ways they can reduce their carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. 

Over half of the professionals surveyed in a 2024 report from the NKRB said that sustainability is important to them professionally, and 72% expect demand for sustainable design to increase over the next two years. In a separate survey, 37% of designers reported their clients followed LEED or WELL principles, indicating there is a growing demand for sustainable design among clients in addition to growing awareness of this issue within the architecture community. 

For architecture professionals, the growth of sustainable design has benefits beyond a reduced impact on the environment. This trend has also created career opportunities and shifted the skills that are the most in-demand for today’s employment market and design projects. Let’s take a look at some of the current trends in green architecture and the job titles that are on the rise as a result. 

Current trends in sustainable architecture and design

Biophilic design

Biophilic design takes a holistic approach to architecture, integrating natural elements into buildings and spaces in a way that enhances the quality of life for the people who use them while maintaining harmony with the natural environment. Notable examples include Milan’s Bosco Verticale (vertical forest) and the Jewel, an entertainment and retail complex connected to Singapore’s Changi airport. 

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Building Information Modeling is a methodology that involves using digital models of projects to analyze factors like their energy use, thermal needs, lighting, and carbon footprint prior to their construction. Taking this kind of data-driven view of projects before they’re built can help designers and builders to improve their efficiency and optimize their resource use before they’re even constructed, helping to minimize environmental impacts. 

Integrating renewable energy 

Integration of renewable energy sources within buildings is not a new concept, with early examples like the University of Delaware’s Solar One dating back to the early 1970s. As renewable energy systems have become more efficient, and their components more affordable, this practice has expanded, with an increasing number of both residential and commercial properties today incorporating solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy technologies into their designs. 

Off-site prefabrication

Offsite and modular construction have numerous benefits from a sustainability standpoint, part of the reason for their growing popularity. Because materials are all stored in the offsite facility, it reduces material waste and allows for easier recycling and reuse, while also reducing the amount of packaging required to transport and store them. It also accelerates project timelines by allowing modules to be constructed while the building site is being prepared, which reduces energy use while limiting pollution and disruption for the environment and communities around the building site. 

Adaptive reuse

Repurposing an unused building, rather than demolition and reconstruction from scratch, can translate to resource savings of up to 46%. It often brings along substantial cost savings, as well, all while preserving historic structures, so there are multiple benefits to this practice. The term originated in the 1970s and the concept dates back much further, so this is another of today’s design trends that is nothing new. It is being practiced far more than in the past, however, and real estate agents estimate that up to 90% of development in the next decade will include some kind of adaptive reuse. 

Career opportunities in sustainable architecture

Green building architect

Average salary: $79,000 per year
Typical education: Bachelor’s degree, LEED Accredited Professional (AP) credential

You’ll also see this role referred to as sustainability architects or eco-friendly architects. These professionals design structures that are in harmony with the natural environment and include systems to help minimize waste and make efficient use of natural resources. They do this by using sustainable materials in the construction, integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels into the design, or integrating other eco-friendly design strategies like rainwater harvesting or smart placement of windows to maximize ventilation and minimize energy loss. 

Obtaining and maintaining both your architecture license and a green certification is the best way to build a career in this space. Once they have this training, green architects can work on a range of projects, from designing sustainable buildings for clients to urban planning and community development initiatives. 

Energy auditor

Average salary: $73,000 per year
Typical education: Bachelor’s in engineering

Also referred to as an energy rater, an energy auditor examines buildings for both business owners and individual homeowners to assess their energy consumption and identify techniques to improve the property’s energy efficiency. This typically starts with an inspection, assessing factors like the heating and cooling system, building insulation, the lighting and appliances in use, and the overall structure. They then analyze this data to identify inefficiencies and make recommendations of repairs or new systems that can improve the property’s energy use. 

To thrive in this role requires a unique combination of technical knowledge and soft skills. It starts with having a firm understanding of current building codes and energy efficiency standards for the types of property that they assess. These professionals also need to be excellent communicators, able to translate technical concepts related to energy use and best practices into language that clients can understand. Improvements are often made in collaboration with building owners, so skills in teamwork, persuasion, and collaborative strategic planning are also beneficial. 

Building performance analyst

Average salary: $85,000 per year
Typical education: Bachelor’s degree, Rating Field Inspector (RFI) certification

This is a similar role to energy auditor, but with a broader scope. A building performance analyst assesses the overall energy use and environmental impact of structures, typically using advanced technology like energy modeling and simulation software. The specific areas they assess often include energy consumption patterns, the sustainability of the building materials, the property’s water consumption, and the overall carbon footprint of the construction. They then use this information to suggest changes to the building design that will improve its sustainability and keep it in compliance with any relevant standards or regulations.

Building performance analysts often get their start the same way as other architects, with a four-year degree followed by an internship with a relevant firm. Once they’ve earned their degree and gotten some practical experience, these professionals may work for architecture firms, city planning departments, or as independent contractors who are hired by communities or construction industry companies on a per-need basis.

Preservation architect

Average salary: $92,000 per year
Typical education: Master’s degree in architecture or historic preservation

Sustainability isn’t just about building new structures that use energy wisely. It also means maintaining the buildings that already exist to conserve resources, and this is where a specialization in preservation architecture comes into play. These professionals conserve, preserve, and restore old buildings, often ones with historic importance, to bring them up to modern standards for safety and efficiency. 

This is an ideal career path for people with an interest in both history and environmental preservation. Preservation architects often face unique renovation challenges and need to find creative solutions to preserve historic designs while adding or repairing features that will lower greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, or heat and energy waste. Because of these demands, most employers look for someone with an advanced degree when hiring into these roles. 

Sustainability consultant

Average salary: $67,000 per year
Typical education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, environmental architecture, or a related field

Sustainability consultants work with organizations to develop business practices and implement initiatives that make more efficient use of natural resources. This often starts by meeting with leadership and key stakeholders to increase their awareness of sustainability best practices and their current energy use, usually by conducting an energy audit or similar assessment. While they’re often involved in the construction process of new structures, their expertise may also come into play in other areas, like developing recycling programs for offices or refining landscaping to promote biodiversity and preserve natural habitats. 

Because of this broader focus, sustainability consultants may not study architecture specifically in their degree program, but instead often hold a degree in environmental studies or a similar field. Their employment options are similarly varied. Professionals with this expertise may work for city governments, architecture firms, manufacturing and construction companies, or as independent contractors. 

LEED Specialist

Average salary: $73,000 per year
Typical education: Bachelor’s degree, LEED Accredited Professional (AP) credential 

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and is a rating system for building sustainability developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. Specialists in this area work with organizations to ensure their existing spaces and construction projects meet LEED standards. This often means working closely with engineers and architects to ensure their design approach adheres to LEED requirements, which puts communication and teamwork at the top of the list of necessary soft skills for this role. 

The majority of a LEED specialist’s day-to-day work is analytical in nature. Their tasks can include reviewing blueprints and construction plans, inspecting completed buildings, and preparing reports on their findings to present to designers. They also serve as the primary liaison between the organization and regulatory agencies that grant LEED certification to buildings. 

Ecological landscape designer

Average salary: $77,000 per year
Typical education: Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture

Indoor spaces aren’t the only place where sustainability can come into play. Ecological landscape designers apply these same principles to outdoor spaces, designing and building landscapes that preserve the natural habitat and balance the needs of occupants with the well-being of existing ecosystems. They do this in a variety of ways, such as utilizing native plants in the landscape design or employing climate change resistant landscaping strategies, crafting outdoor environments that are self-sustaining as well as beautiful and comfortable. 

There is frequently a restorative aspect to the work of an ecological landscape designer. These are the professionals called in to restore degraded environments like abandoned industrial sites, brownfields, or strip mines. Cities and counties may also employ them to improve the resource conservation and sustainability of public outdoor spaces, while manufacturing and construction companies may hire them to oversee the creation of new wetlands or other natural spaces around their facilities.

Sustainable construction manager

Average salary: $106,000 per year
Typical education: Bachelor’s degree in a construction or environmental field

Construction managers take a top-level view of projects, overseeing their day-to-day work from the planning and design stages through final construction. A sustainable construction manager does the same thing but with the environment and energy efficiency at the forefront. They develop project timelines and budgets, translate the project’s needs into actionable plans, and supervise the teams that build these ideas into reality. 

To thrive in this role will require skills beyond knowledge of and commitment to sustainability. These professionals must be effective leaders with strong time management, communication, decision making, and analytical skills, as well as high business acumen and hands-on experience with construction projects. Most firms will look for someone with at least 5 years of experience in addition to a relevant Bachelor’s degree.

Environmental engineer

Average salary: $81,000 per year
Typical education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental or civil engineering

Also called sustainability engineers, environmental engineers work with organizations across sectors. Their primary focus is on finding ways to reduce pollution and carbon emissions, improve water and air quality, manage waste and sewage and generally safeguard both environmental and public health. They share their insights into how to manage these processes with a variety of sectors, from government and public transportation to manufacturing and construction companies. 

Professionals who go into this career path will have a lot of choices in terms of the specific roles they take. These can include job titles like public health engineer, hydrologist, land surveyor, or natural resource specialist, just to name a few. The career path often starts with an internship to gain practical experience, followed by a junior or entry level role.

Sustainable urban planner

Average salary: $78,000 per year
Typical education: Master’s degree in urban planning or a related field

Urban planning is the practice of developing infrastructure at the city or county level in order to best meet the needs of the population. This includes the planning and construction of things like parks, public transportation, housing, recreation facilities, industrial areas, and utilities. Adding sustainability to this mix means these professionals plan for development that will serve the community while taking the environment into consideration. Examples could include integrating green energy and rainwater harvesting systems into utility systems, making adaptive reuse of abandoned urban spaces, or implementing new transportation infrastructure that reduces the population’s reliance on personal vehicles. 

Many roles in urban planning are in the public sector, working directly for government agencies at the local, state, or federal level. There are also jobs available in the private sector through architecture or development firms. Knowledge of public policy or economics, in addition to architecture and sustainability, can be beneficial for making career progress in this field. 

The future of sustainability in architecture

Sustainability is more than just a trend or buzzword. It’s a way of thinking and living that can help to reduce the impact of human activity on the natural environment, keeping it vibrant for generations to come. With the demand for sustainable design and architecture likely to continue growing in coming years, developing an expertise in sustainable design can benefit, not just the planet, but also the career progress of professionals in the field.