Sustainability Specialist

Job type Permanent
Salary
Reference 54004

Position: Real Estate Sustainability Specialist

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Employment Type: Full-time
Reporting Line: Reports primarily to the Japan Investment Management team and functionally to the regional Sustainability & Innovation team in Asia Pacific.

Overview

An international real estate investment management firm is seeking a Sustainability Specialist to join its Japan team. The successful candidate will focus on implementing sustainability strategies, managing ESG data, and monitoring performance across all stages of real estate projects—from design and construction to ongoing operations.

This position requires technical expertise in architecture, energy engineering, or a related discipline, and strong collaboration skills to work effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure compliance with sustainability objectives and global certification frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

1. Sustainability Strategy Implementation

  • Ensure sustainability principles are integrated throughout project planning, design, construction, and operations.

  • Monitor project progress to confirm alignment with internal KPIs, such as energy efficiency, water use, carbon reduction, and green certification targets.

  • Oversee compliance with recognized frameworks such as LEED, CASBEE, BREEAM, and ZEB.

2. ESG Data Management and Reporting

  • Collect, analyze, and manage ESG-related data across the portfolio.

  • Support portfolio managers and consultants in completing sustainability reports (e.g., GRESB) and improving performance ratings.

3. Green Building Certifications

  • Coordinate with consultants to obtain and maintain relevant certifications (LEED, CASBEE, BREEAM, ZEB).

  • Ensure projects remain up to date with evolving certification criteria and sustainability standards.

4. Stakeholder Collaboration

  • Partner with general contractors, property managers, and suppliers to identify opportunities to improve environmental performance.

  • Monitor implementation of sustainability initiatives in accordance with internal policies and external frameworks.

5. Design and Construction Review

  • Review design drawings and specifications to ensure alignment with fund-level sustainability goals and KPIs.

  • Provide recommendations for energy-efficient and environmentally responsible design and construction practices.

6. Performance Tracking and Compliance

  • Track and evaluate sustainability performance across all project phases.

  • Collaborate with suppliers and contractors to address performance gaps or compliance issues.

7. Investor and Internal Reporting

  • Support preparation of sustainability and ESG performance reports for investors and internal stakeholders.

  • Contribute data insights and recommendations for portfolio-wide sustainability improvements.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in architecture, environmental science, energy engineering, or a related field.

  • Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in ESG reporting, sustainability consulting, green building certification, energy audit, or real estate development.

  • Knowledge of GRESB, LEED, CASBEE, BREEAM, and ZEB frameworks; accredited or assessor qualifications are advantageous.

  • Strong understanding of sustainable design, energy-efficient construction, and building operations.

  • Proven experience in implementing sustainability initiatives across project lifecycles.

  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools; experience with sustainability platforms (e.g., Measurabl, Scalar, Climate X) is an asset.

  • Language Requirement: Business-level proficiency in both Japanese and English (approx. 60% Japanese, 40% English usage).