Building Scientist

Building Scientists work in the architecture field and are experts in a building's physical aspects such as resource consumption, energy efficiency, and construction materials. This knowledge helps them design new buildings according to green building standards and renovate existing buildings for better resource efficiency, environmental sustainability, and occupant comfort and health.

Building Scientist Duties and Responsibilities

The day-to-day of a Building Scientist is highly varied. Below are some tasks that they may take on:

• Analyze a building's sustainability including factors such as energy consumption and efficiency, and advise architects and building owners on how to optimize their buildings
• Provide guidance on the selection of building materials and construction methods. Also, work to determine the life cycle environmental impact or sustainability of construction materials
• Inspect a building's physical infrastructure and structural elements to evaluate safety, assess building performance, conduct sustainability audits, and provide consulting
• Design and implement building solutions using green construction methods and environmentally sustainable approaches that save money, are energy efficient, and promote good human health
• Monitor indoor air quality to investigate and identify air pollutants, allergens, or other IAQ issues and recommend corrective measures
• Stay updated on evolving building codes and standards, also keep up with new technologies and best practices in construction and indoor environmental quality

Building Scientist Skills and Qualifications

Building Scientists often have a Master's or Doctoral Degree in their related focus area. They also have a background in science, engineering, or architecture. Other key skills include:

Technical Skills

• Building science knowledge and principles
• Engineering principles
• Architecture and design knowledge
• IAQ and building performance simulation software
• Green building certification systems and LEED
• Building codes and standards

Soft Skills

• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Analytical skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Collaborative spirit

Building Scientist Career Path

Typically, Building Scientists start their careers as project engineers or architects and move into more specialized Building Scientist roles over time. There is potential to move into upper management positions such as Director of Operations or Chief Operating Officer.

Building Scientist Career Outlook

The job outlook for Building Scientists is expected to grow faster than average due to the increasing awareness of green buildings and the need for sustainable construction practices.

Transferable Skills

Building Scientists develop a variety of skills that can be transferred to other careers. These skills include:

• Research and analysis
• Engineering and design
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Project management
• Green building and sustainability knowledge
• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking

Building Scientist Self-Study Projects

There are a number of self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career as a Building Scientist. These projects include:

• Building a model of a green building
• Conducting an energy audit of a building
• Developing a plan for improving the indoor air quality of a building
• Researching the latest trends in green building and sustainable construction
• Attending workshops and conferences on building science

Online Courses for Building Scientist

In addition to traditional education, online courses are a great way to learn about the latest building science techniques and technologies. Online learning allows students to learn at their own pace and fit their education into their busy schedules.

Online courses can be used to prepare for a career as a Building Scientist by:

• Building knowledge in a specific area
• Learning about the latest trends in building science
• Gaining hands-on experience through projects and assignments
• Networking with other Building Scientists through online forums and discussions

In order to succeed in a Building Science career, it may be helpful to supplement your education with online courses or self-study projects. However, it is important to note that online courses alone are not likely to be enough to qualify you for this role. A combination of formal education, coursework, and hands-on experience is the best way to prepare for a successful career as a Building Scientist.