Willmott Dixon has recruited the head of energy and sustainable procurement at Haringey council in north London to head its sustainability business.

Amanda de Swarte joins the contractor as the principal consultant of Rethinking, its sustainability arm.

De Swarte is joined by Michael Clarke, a former director of project management in Cyril Sweett’s PPP division, who will cover health projects.

John Frankiewicz, the chief operating officer of Willmott Dixon, said the appointments were part of an expansion at the consultancy, which employs 15 people. He said: “Sustainability is part of a growing concept for us.

“We think there’s a gap in the market, and it’s very much our chosen subject.”

Rethinking acts as an external advice service for clients as well as providing sustainability services to Willmott Dixon projects.

The business will produce BREAAM ratings on all Willmott Dixon schemes next year, regardless of the client or sector, as the company tries to improve its sustainability credentials.