Environmental/Building services engineer
What is an environmental engineer and building services engineer?
An environmental engineer plays a key role in assessing and managing the effects of the environment on the built environment. He or she will design solutions for environmental problems. Environmental engineers work with clients in areas such as waste management, land reclamation and pollution or effluent control.
A building services engineer is responsible for ensuring the cost-effective and environmentally sound and sustainable design and maintenance of energy-using elements in buildings. He or she will specialise in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or public health.
The Chartered Institution for Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) is the UK-based institution for building services, including heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, and is the main organisation for environmental and building services engineers.
How to become an environmental or building services engineer
You must have a strong background in mathematics, physics and chemistry. They can be studied as part of a bachelor’s degree programme in engineering at many universities in the UK. Most environmental and building services engineering courses are located in departments of civil engineering.
However, they can sometimes be found within chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or public health departments. An MSc or PhD can also help develop your career in environmental engineering.
Salary expectations
Salaries increase according to experience rather than qualification. Typical starting salaries are around £17,500 - £24,000.
Range of typical salaries at senior level are roughly between £29,000 and £52,000, though salaries up to £70,000 can be found in some areas.
For more information on how to become an environmental engineer or building services engineer and accredited courses visit the CIBSE, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Instritution of Mechanical Engineers.