2027 UK Graduate Consultancy Career Path: Net Zero Buildings

Mechanical, Environmental, Building Services, Physics.

Before making an application, please browse all graduate opportunities available as we will only accept one application per candidate. Once you have made an application you will not be able to make changes to your selection or make a new application. The exception is if we open new vacancies in the new year.

To avoid missing out on your preferred role, we recommend applying as early as possible, as positions will close once filled.

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Job Description

At Mott MacDonald, we believe that the transition to a net zero future is one of the most important challenges and opportunities of our time. As a Graduate Net Zero Consultant, you'll play a part in helping organisations, communities, and governments reduce carbon emissions, improve energy performance, and create a more sustainable built environment for future generations.

Joining our established and innovative team means becoming part of a diverse network of specialists who are passionate about delivering practical solutions to complex environmental challenges. Together, we help clients turn ambitious climate commitments into meaningful action, creating positive outcomes for people, places, and the planet.

This is an opportunity to build a rewarding career while contributing to projects that have a lasting societal impact. From supporting public sector decarbonisation programmes to helping businesses achieve their sustainability ambitions, your work will help accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.

The Opportunity

As a Graduate Net Zero Consultant, you'll work alongside experienced advisors, engineers, and sustainability specialists on a diverse portfolio of projects across public and private sector buildings.

You'll be encouraged to develop your technical expertise, broaden your understanding of the energy and sustainability landscape, and contribute fresh ideas that help shape innovative solutions. Through structured development, mentoring, and hands-on project experience, you'll gain the skills, confidence, and experience needed to grow into a trusted sustainability professional.

You'll support clients in understanding their carbon footprint, identifying opportunities for improvement, and developing strategies that deliver measurable environmental, social, and economic benefits.

What You'll Do

As part of our collaborative and multidisciplinary team, you'll help clients navigate their journey to net zero by supporting a wide range of technical and strategic projects.

Your responsibilities may include:

  • Supporting the development of energy strategies and decarbonisation pathways for buildings projects
  • Assisting with energy audits and site assessments to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and carbon reduction.
  • Evaluating low and zero-carbon technologies, including heat pumps, heat networks, solar PV, renewable energy systems, and emerging technologies.
  • Undertaking operational and embodied carbon assessments for new and existing developments.
  • Supporting whole-life carbon and lifecycle assessments to better understand and reduce environmental impacts across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
  • Assisting in the preparation of technical reports, energy studies, feasibility assessments, and client presentations.
  • Supporting clients in setting ambitious yet achievable net zero goals and developing practical action plans to deliver them.
  • Contributing to sustainability certification assessments and frameworks, including BREEAM and other recognised standards.
  • Analysing technical and financial data to help clients make informed investment decisions.
  • Working collaboratively with engineers, planners, economists, asset managers, and sustainability specialists to deliver integrated solutions.

Why This Role Matters

Organisations across the world are seeking practical ways to reduce carbon emissions, improve resilience, and respond to climate change. The decisions made today will shape the environmental legacy we leave for future generations.

As a Graduate Net Zero Consultant, you'll help:

  • Accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
  • Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Improve the sustainability and resilience of the built environment.
  • Support responsible investment and long-term environmental stewardship.
  • Deliver positive outcomes for communities, organisations, and the wider society.
  • Help clients make evidence-based decisions that balance environmental, social, and economic priorities.

Your work will contribute directly to projects that support climate action and create lasting value for future generations.

Candidate Specification

At Mott MacDonald, we’re looking for curious, motivated graduates who want to make a real difference. Join our purpose-driven teams where your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your work enhances the world we live in.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months’ relevant experience (excluding placements) and have a masters degree (obtained no earlier than 2025) or expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:  

  • Energy Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Building Services Engineering
  • Sustainability and Environmental Management
  • Renewable Energy
  • Environmental Science
  • Geography
  • Physics
  • Climate Change and Sustainability
  • Or a related discipline

Some of these opportunities will require you to be eligible to achieve security clearance. Security clearance is dictated by the types of projects we work on and normally requires you to be a UK British national or lived in the UK for five years or more.

In your application, you should aim to demonstrate your genuine interest in both the opportunity and in joining Mott MacDonald. You can do this by highlighting any relevant experience or interests - such as modules you've studied, previous work experience, or any research you've undertaken about our company, values, and projects.

We personally review every completed application form we receive as this part of our selection process is entirely human led – we do not use AI tools at this stage and kindly ask you not to either. We want you to answer each application question with authenticity so we can get to know the real you. Joining us as a graduate is your opportunity to shape your own story.

We are looking for graduates with the following strengths:

  • Proactively takes initiative to complete tasks efficiently and independently. 
  • Communicates effectively and clearly with clients and colleagues. 
  • Delivers high quality written work with strong attention to detail and clarity. 
  • Demonstrates a structured and analytical approach to problem solving. 

Why Join Us? 

  • Inclusive culture: We celebrate diversity and foster a sense of belonging.
  • Supportive environment: Your wellbeing matters. We offer flexible working, mentoring, and mental health support.
  • Purpose-driven work: Every project you contribute to will have a tangible impact on society.
  • Career development: From day one, you’ll be supported to grow, with access to training, professional networks, and progression opportunities. 

UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024.

About your development

A graduate position should be more than just a job. We know this and so do you. That’s why with our graduate roles we aim to give you the experience and technical knowledge you need to progress your career. From the moment you join us, you’ll receive the training you need. You will be assigned a mentor, who will guide you to meet the objectives of your professional training needs. You will join our three-year early careers soft skills development programme – Accelerating your Future, which is designed to give you the skills and tools necessary for a long-lasting successful career here at Mott MacDonald.

Our social side

Being part of Mott MacDonald means more than just work; there’s a huge range of fun and exciting things that you can get involved in.

From the moment you join us, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your social and professional network, whether it’s meeting other graduates or joining forces with other members of staff from around the company at our annual sports day. Each of our offices have a sports and social committee which will give you the chance to be part of a variety of sports, social and charity events. We’re committed to promoting a strong culture of social responsibility and encourage our staff to play active roles in the local community.

It's worth noting that sports and social committees tend to vary from office to office, so as well as getting involved in what’s already on offer, don’t be afraid to suggest new events or initiatives that you think could be a great addition. It doesn’t stop there. From your first day, you’ll have access to Perks at Work, giving you discounts on cinema tickets, travel, utilities and much more, helping you make the most of our employee benefits.

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Job ID Number: 17300
Can I use AI to apply?

We personally review every completed application form we receive as this part of our selection process is entirely human-led. We do not use AI tools at this stage and kindly expect you not to either. We want you to answer each application question with authenticity so we can get to know the real you.

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Add to Shortlist
Shortlisted
  • Deadline
    Ongoing
  • Hiring Multiple Candidates
    Yes
  • Salary
    Competitive + benefits
  • Degree required
    Bachelor's
  • Location
    Glasgow, London, Sheffield, Bristol and Edinburgh
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Disciplines Accepted...
  • Building Services
  • Ecology/Environmental
  • Energy/Renewables
  • Environment & Sustainability
  • Geography
  • Mechanical
  • Physics
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