Sustainability Engineers work with businesses and Architects to help them meet their design and construction needs. Sustainability Engineers or Energy Consultants usually work as part of a consulting company, and come into the field after receiving an engineering degree and obtaining several years of experience in the field. Engineering is a very broad field, and Consultants are required to have a very clear understanding of everything that a potential client may need
One area that a Sustainability Engineer may work in is Mechanical & Electrical (M&E Consultant). A Mechanical Consultant would be able to design and help implement plans for a more efficient heating and cooling system in a large building. Consultants may also be hired to assist in improving indoor air quality, processing exhaust and ventilation fumes, and designing commercial kitchens.
Engineering Consultants can also work with businesses to create solutions for electrical problems (Electrical Consultant). This may mean designing better lighting for a portion of the building or the parking area. They will also work on regulating energy distribution, and planning for an emergency power generator. An Engineering Consultant may also design a fire detection system or a security system complete with video surveillance equipment.
Mechanical and Electrical Design go hand in hand because both fields are intimately linked. For example, when there is a boiler in a building, there is undoubtedly an adapted power socket, exhaust pipe, fire alarm etc.