Building a sustainable future, together

Meeting tomorrow’s needs by shaping buildings and places that are fit for the future today.

At Wates, we take a holistic approach to sustainability in the built environment. We understand that lasting success involves designing, building and maintaining buildings and places for longevity, and continuously monitoring their performance.

Your collaboration partner for the full life cycle of your building

Our approach to decarbonisation supports the full life cycle of domestic and non-domestic buildings, encompassing design, construction, retrofitting and facilities management.

With our expertise, dedication to innovation, and commitment to long-term sustainability, we are your trusted partner on your journey to net zero carbon.

SUSTAINABLE PLACEMAKING

Shaping spaces for thriving communities

Sustainable placemaking is at the heart of our development philosophy to create vibrant and enduring spaces that enrich the lives of residents and businesses alike.

  • Strategic land location: We are experts in identifying prime locations for sustainable developments, considering environmental impact and community integration.
  • Engagement and planning: With effective local stakeholder engagement and exceptional knowledge of the planning process, we deliver sustainable and low-carbon places.

MAXIMISING BUILDING EFFICIENCY

Building for a net zero future

Whether it’s a home, a commercial office, or a public facility, we design and construct buildings that stand the test of time.

  • Built right, first time: With our in-house experts and specialist engineering services, we can provide a fully optimised design to reduce full life carbon, enhance biodiversity net gain and maximise resources.
  • Data driven decision making: We utilise data to conduct post occupancy evaluation to learn and continually improve the efficiency of the building and future designs.
  • Ongoing performance monitoring: We help you leverage data and technology to adapt your spaces to evolving usage patterns such as flexible workspaces.

TRANSFORMING EXISTING SPACES

Retrofitting for lower emissions

We understand the challenge of improving the energy efficiency of existing structures, and our approach covers every aspect:

  • Initial planning: We work with you to create a retrofit plan that aligns with your sustainability goals.
  • Efficiency measures: Our experts implement energy-saving solutions to upgrade existing buildings.
  • Smart space management: Adapting spaces to evolving needs, ensuring optimal energy and water usage and occupant comfort.

Our comprehensive approach

Our approach to decarbonisation is built around the three core tenets of building for the future; maintaining buildings for the long term; and continuously monitoring their performance.

In-house experts: With our in-house experts, specialist engineering services and post occupancy services, we understand how buildings perform. We bring this intelligence into our designs to ensure the best outcomes for your building.

Bespoke designs: Working closely with you and our strategic supply chain, we will provide bespoke designs that maximises opportunities for a net zero future. We believe in thoughtful, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing designs that integrate seamlessly with your vision.

Serving communities first: We put our communities at the heart of what we do. From initial consultation through to build and maintenance, we aim to create sustainable spaces for people to live and work.

  • Leveraging early engagement: We aim to increase biodiversity net gain (BNG) outcomes for our customers through early engagement with designers, ecologists and our strategic supply chain partners.
  • Enhancing local BNG outcomes: Our focus is to improve the local biodiversity where we can. Where this is not possible, we can advise customers on appropriate biodiversity net gain offset solutions.

Technology: We stay at the forefront of innovation to recommend market-leading, tested solutions and products that keep to the highest sustainability standards. Our solutions are tailored to meet your unique needs and budget.

Implementation: Once we’ve identified the right technology and solutions for you, our skilled team ensures a flawless implementation process.

Transformation: Our solutions enable you to monitor and manage your building efficiently, ensuring you can identify and implement future changes seamlessly.

Sustainability in action: Our smart building solutions not only make your facility more efficient but also contribute to your sustainability goals. With real-time data and automation, you’ll be empowered to make informed decisions that reduce your carbon footprint.

  • Sustainability champions: Our award-wining services demonstrate our commitment to the environment. We leverage our expertise to help clients envision and achieve their sustainability goals, guiding them to meet and exceed industry standards.
  • Exceeding standards: Our dedication to sustainability means we don’t just aim for compliance; we aspire for leadership in the sector. We work closely with our customers to align your vision with our expertise, helping you become pioneers in sustainability in your fields.
  • Innovation for impact: With our in-house experts, cutting-edge technologies and a wealth of experience, we empower customers to not only meet the strictest standards, but to inspire change. Together, we pave the way for a sustainable future, setting new benchmarks and making a lasting impact.
Accreditations and Memberships

The WIN Portal – your gateway to innovation

The path to net zero carbon emissions demands innovation.

That’s why we produced the WIN Portal — a unique marketplace of innovative solutions – free to access and designed to help you reach your own net zero goals.

We are working with the DfE to build the first net zero carbon schools

Decarbonisation of public and commercial buildings

In 2022, in response to the release of PAS 2038 for non-domestic buildings, we developed a compliant service to support the decarbonisation of public and commercial buildings.

As a delivery partner on 80% of the UK’s leading central and local government frameworks, including for the Ministry of Justice, Department for Education, and NHS healthcare estates, we continuously innovate to meet the evolving decarbonisation needs of our customers to drive forward your sustainability journey.

We are committed to building sustainable, energy efficient homes that contribute to net zero and bio-diversity net gain

Sustainable new homes and developments

We’re proud to be building award-winning zero carbon homes across the UK. Our commitment to the environment and net zero means we are always exploring new sustainable ways of building and modern methods of construction.

Our partnership with the City of Cardiff Council, for example, will see 42 new homes built to the Passivhaus low energy building standard, which will keep energy consumption low and slash bills for residents.

Helping landlords cut fuel poverty

The UK has some of the least energy-efficient homes in Europe. Our PAS 2035 compliant service is designed to guide customers through every step of your retrofit journey.

To date, we have helped housing customers unlock over £100 million of government funding through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. Currently, we are delivering over 30 PAS 2035 compliance projects and improving the energy efficiency of over 5,000 homes.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Our sustainability services

SHEQ CAREERS AT WATES

Want to be part of our team?

SHE Advisor

Location: East Anglia

Job Type: SHEQ

Application Deadline: 22-07-2025

Shape the future. Drive change. Build safer.Are you ready to challenge convention and make a genuine impact on some of the most high-profile, technically complex projects?At Wates Construction, we’re on the lookout for a forward-thinking SHE Advisor to join our dynamic team in Suffolk. We work across multiple sectors, pushing boundaries in design, delivery, and sustainability — and we’re looking for someone just as passionate about excellence and innovation in health, safety, and environmental leadership.ABOUT THE ROLEThis is more than just a compliance role. It’s a chance to influence how SHE is embedded at every stage of construction, from pre-con through to delivery. You’ll be supported by a diverse, collaborative team and empowered to bring new ideas to the table — all while progressing your career in a business that truly values your voice.As our SHE Advisor you will: Champion SHE best practice across multiple projects — supporting, coaching and advising teams on site. Conduct visits and reviews, identifying risk and influencing safe behaviours. Lead investigations, support RAMS reviews, and ensure incident reporting is timely and meaningful. Influence early-stage design and bid activity, driving risk awareness from the ground up. Collaborate with supply chain partners to embed Wates’ SHE standards. Share insight, innovation and learning across the business to help us continually raise the bar.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade) Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression. Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group.If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies, discuss career opportunities in strict confidence or need anything to make our recruitment process easier, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly or via recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible.As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting

Head of Sustainability

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: SHEQ

Application Deadline: 21-07-2025

🌍 Head of Sustainability – WPS 📍 Location: National ¦ 🕒 Full-timeAre you ready to lead the charge toward a greener, more sustainable future? WPS is looking for a visionary Head of Sustainability to drive our environmental strategy and embed sustainability at the heart of everything we do. 🌱🔎 About the RoleAs Head of Sustainability, you’ll shape and deliver an industry-leading strategy that positions WPS as the most environmentally sustainable business in our sector. Reporting directly to the WPS Board Member accountable for sustainability, you’ll influence decisions at the highest level, collaborate across the business and supply chain, and lead a passionate team to deliver real, measurable impact.🌟 Key Responsibilities Refine and lead the delivery of WPS’s environmental strategy in line with our Environmental Sustainability Plan. Embed environmental performance into customer offerings and financial decision-making. Collaborate with Group leaders, clients, and suppliers to drive systemic change and deliver net zero, nature-positive outcomes. Analyse and forecast environmental impact to prioritise high-impact initiatives. Build and lead a high-performing sustainability team and foster a culture of innovation and accountability. Represent WPS on the Wates Group sustainability leadership team and contribute to group-wide progress.📈 What You’ll Be Doing Win work by aligning sustainability with client ambitions and strategic goals. Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and drive continuous improvement. Engage and influence senior leaders to embed sustainability into culture, performance, and decision-making. Set and track ambitious environmental targets, reporting progress to the board and wider business.🎓 What We’re Looking For Graduate calibre with 5+ years’ experience in sustainability, ideally in the built environment. Proven technical expertise in environmental management and low-carbon strategy. Strong commercial acumen and analytical skills. Excellent communicator and relationship builder, able to influence at all levels. Passionate, self-motivated, and committed to making a difference.💼 Why Join WPS?This is your opportunity to lead transformational change in a business that’s serious about sustainability. You’ll have the platform, support, and autonomy to shape the future of WPS—and the built environment. 🌟Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting One of the Recruitment Team will be in contact to discuss the role in more detail and advise of the next step.

SHE Manager

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: SHEQ

Application Deadline: 21-07-2025

🌍 Join WPS as a SHE Manager – National RoleFocused on our Facilities Management business within WPSAre you passionate about creating safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplaces? WPS is seeking an experienced and inspiring SHE Manager to lead the Safety, Health & Environmental agenda across our FM operations in the UK.🔍 About the RoleAs SHE Manager for WPS Facilities Management, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering our SHE strategy across our national FM portfolio. Reporting to the Head of SHEQ, you will provide expert guidance, coaching, and leadership to ensure our SHE policies are embedded in every aspect of our FM services. You will work closely with FM business boards, regional leaders, and supply chain partners to champion a culture of safety and continuous improvement.✅ What You’ll Be Doing Lead the deployment of our strategy, policies and standards across the FM business. Coach senior FM leaders on risk identification and mitigation. Oversee incident investigations and ensure high-quality reporting and learning. Drive the use of digital tools such as EcoOnline and PowerBI for SHE performance tracking. Support FM bid and mobilisation activities with a focus on safe design and delivery. Build strong networks within the FM supply chain to promote SHE best practices. Present SHE dashboards and insights at FM board level to influence strategic decisions.🌟 What We’re Looking For A confident communicator with strong influencing and coaching skills. Proven leadership in SHE within facilities management, construction, or industrial environments. Deep understanding of SHE legislation and behavioural safety. Analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into actionable insights. A role model for SHE and leadership behaviours.🎓 Qualifications CMIOSH or equivalent. NEBOSH Diploma / NVQ Level 4 or equivalent.💼 Why Join WPS?This national role offers full mobility across our FM business units. You will be at the forefront of shaping a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for our people and places. If you’re ready to make a real impact in facilities management, we’d love to hear from you.Please note: This role requires a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually and fairly. Some roles may also be subject to additional pre-employment checks. Learn more about the process here: National Security Vetting.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting One of the Recruitment Team will be in contact to discuss the role in more detail and advise of the next step.

Standards Advisor

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: SHEQ

Application Deadline: 15-07-2025

We currently have an opportunity for a Standards Advisor to join our Wates team within our Responsive Maintenance division. You will be working out of our Finsbury Park office on one of our social housing contracts. The primary focus of this role will be to provide professional SHEQ support. You will engage with various teams and supply chain peers to ensure that our SHE policy is promoted and effectively deployed, providing support to senior SHE advisors.Key Accountabilities will include: Support with the development of programmes for project visits that ensures the highest level of SHE standards as appropriate to project risks. Actively and effectively challenging noncompliance of SHE policies and standards. Support business leadership in the preparation of bids. Communicate learning and good practices from within and outside the business.We are looking for you to have experience of SHE policies in an industrial or construction environment and ideally have worked on a similar programme of works. To be successful in the role you will be an excellent communicator, with the ability to coach and influence individuals, along with being able to identify hazards.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting


Get in touch

To get in touch with us, simply fill in the form below and we’ll get right back to you.