Why Pankaj came back to AtkinsRéalis to grow his sustainability career

A return that says something

When Pankaj rejoined AtkinsRéalis on March 2nd this year as a Principal Sustainability Consultant in the Sustainable Future Team, it marked more than a new role. It marked a return to a business where he had already built a significant part of his career. 

Pankaj first joined in 2014 as a graduate engineer and spent 6.5 years growing into a Design Engineer in Building Physics and HVAC Design. After leaving in 2021, he returned with deeper experience and a clearer sense of where he wanted to focus next. For candidates considering a move into sustainability consultancy, that kind of return says something important. People do not often come back unless they value the work, the learning, and the opportunity to keep growing. 

Based in Pune, Pankaj now works on projects across the Middle East. His career path reflects the kind of cross-region opportunity that can open up in a global team, while staying grounded in technical practice and real project delivery.  

Turning sustainability principles into building performance 

In his current role, Pankaj focuses on energy modeling and sustainability credits for major building certification frameworks including LEED, Estidama, Mostadam, Al Safat, and Dubai Building Code. 

His work sits at the point where sustainability strategy becomes measurable design performance. He develops performance-driven design strategies that help reduce building carbon footprints and improve energy efficiency. He also supports the preparation and submission of credits to green building rating authorities, building a strong understanding of both technical requirements and regulatory expectations. 

For professionals weighing whether a large engineering consultancy can still offer technical depth, this is where his story becomes especially relevant. His role combines detailed analytical work with broad exposure to different project types, standards, and stakeholder needs. It also brings him into close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams working across architecture, engineering, and sustainability. 

Alongside project delivery, Pankaj and his team also contribute to sustainability workshops that help educate and guide stakeholders on green building technologies. It is practical work with visible outcomes, and it connects technical knowledge directly to better project decisions.

Influencing design early, not after the fact 

One of the most important parts of Pankaj’s role is influencing design decisions at the early project stages. That means coordinating active and passive energy-saving measures with architecture, MEP, lighting, vertical transportation, and other disciplines so they can be integrated into the building design from the start. 

That distinction matters. In many sustainability roles, candidates worry they will be brought in too late to have meaningful influence. Pankaj’s experience shows a different model. Energy modeling is not simply a reporting exercise completed after key decisions have already been made. It is a tool for shaping better outcomes early, helping design teams make informed choices and helping stakeholders understand the long-term operational value of those decisions. 

That technical range is one reason his career has continued to develop quickly since returning. In just a few months, he has expanded his exposure across major regional frameworks while also stepping into line management responsibilities. Alongside his own project work, he is mentoring his reportee, offering technical guidance and supporting their growth in sustainability and certification work. It is a strong example of how technical progression and leadership development can move forward together.

A long-term mindset, at work and beyond it

There is also a personal side to Pankaj’s story that gives a fuller picture of who he is. Outside work, he has performed as a guitarist in the company music band, using music as a creative outlet and a way to connect with colleagues beyond day-to-day project work. 

He is also deeply committed to mountaineering. In October 2024, he completed a one-month Basic Mountaineering Course at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling. One of his major achievements so far has been summiting Mount Stok Kangri in the Leh-Ladakh region at more than 6,000 meters. Looking ahead, he is working toward an even more ambitious goal of climbing an 8,000-meter peak within the next five to 10 years. 

There is a clear link between that mindset and the way he talks about career development. Both are long-term efforts built on strong foundations, steady progress, and the willingness to keep learning. That same pattern comes through in his professional journey, from graduate engineer to specialist sustainability consultant and now principal-level leader working across borders and disciplines.  

What candidates can expect

So what would he say to someone thinking about joining the team?

Pankaj is clear that it is a strong place to build a meaningful sustainability career. You can work on high-impact projects where your contribution directly influences building performance and environmental outcomes. You gain exposure to complex technical standards and multidisciplinary collaboration. And you are supported in taking on responsibility early, building both technical depth and leadership skills as you grow.

For mid-career professionals looking for work that combines technical credibility, project variety, and room to develop, his experience offers a grounded and encouraging view of what that path can look like.

Passionate about sustainability? Explore opportunities and grow your career with AtkinsRéalis.